mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Come and find out in person or online!
*Enquire about joining the introduction to Mindfulness by clicking the link at the bottom of this page.
*Come to a weekly drop in guided mindfulness meditation hour long class every Monday 7.30pm for those both with experience or those new to practising, in Portobello.
*Join the monthly silent mindfulness walk at Edinburgh's labyrinth in George Square.
Mindfulness is a way of living in the moment and of being aware of everything that makes up this experience. Mindfulness is waking up to make the best of our lives.
When we practice mindfulness we observe our thoughts and feelings from a distance without engaging with them or judging them. We tune in to what we are sensing both in ourselves and in our surroundings. We are more aware of sights, smells, sounds, tastes and bodily sensations, many of which we are often too busy to notice. We learn ways to treat ourselves and others more kindly. Through maintaining an open and active attention to the present moment our focus is directed away from unhelpful thoughts and responses to things that have happened in the past and it prevents us from becoming caught up in our worries about the future.
I trained to teach the 8 week Mindfulness Based Living Course with the Mindfulness Association because it had a really positive effect on my experience of life, how I communicate with those around me, and the extent to which I cope with difficult situations.
My Experience & Training
Practicing regularly, especially within a group, can help to bring about long-term changes in mood and levels of happiness and well-being. It can positively affect the brain's patterns which underlie day-to-day anxiety, stress, depression and irritability so that when they arise, they reduce more easily.
Mindfulness can be of huge benefit to everyone. It is not a religion and is taught in a secular (non-religious) way, so it is suitable for people of any faith or no faith. It is not the same as counselling or therapy, and you will not be asked to share any information about your day-to-day life or situation.
Find out more in person! You are invited to come to one of the taster sessions, either in person online.
Get in touch with any questions or to book your place.
Upcoming introduction to mindfulness classes
Learn practical methods to manage stress and emotions more easily, to become more present to joyful experiences and more connected with those around you.
Develop a practice that will build new positive habits in your everyday life.
Feel able to relish “your one wild and precious life”.
The Mindfulness Based Living Course - Live life to the full by learning ways to relish the present moment
This 8 week course is suitable for people new to Mindfulness as well as those who would like to deepen their meditation or mindfulness practice. It is accredited by the Mindfulness Association and recognised in the UK Good Practice Guidelines.
The course includes 18 hours of face to face teaching time, access to audio recordings of all the main mindfulness practices, a course manual and a certificate of completion. This session has a maximum of 10 places so early booking is advised.
There is a follow-up class approx 4 weeks after the course ends. There is also an optional all day retreat after week 6.
- Introductory session - What is Mindfulness and why practise it?
Introducing the course. Experiencing mindfulness with a chocolate tasting practice! Gentle stretching . Bodyscan meditation. Answering any questions about the course. - Week 1 – Start where we are.
Intention and motivation. A guided reflection. Recognising the unsettled mind exercise.
Posture sitting on a chair. Settling the mind practice. - Week 2 – The Body as a place to stay present
Bodyscan. Mindfulness in everyday life. Developing kindness. - Week 3 – Introducing a support for practising Mindfulness
Settling, grounding, resting with sound support. Review of the home practice. Three minute breathing space meditation. - Week 4 – Working with Distraction.
Ways to stay present with Mindful movement and mindful walking.
Distraction. Settling, grounding, resting with breath support. - Week 5 - Exploring the undercurrent
Introduction to the observer/undercurrent model. Loving Kindness practice. 3 minute breathing space revisited - Week 6 - Attitude
Review of the home practice. Cultivating an attitude of self acceptance Noticing our attitude to the undercurrent.
Loving kindness for self and other
Day of Practice - Week 7- Self Acceptance
Review of the home practice and the day of practice. Self compassion talk and the Self Compassion Break practice.
Tools for when difficulties arise in our daily life. Rumi poem and RAIN practice - Week 8 – A Mindfulness Based Life.
Mindfulness support revisited. Review of the journey so far. Home practise going forward. - Follow up session
Mindfulness skills in times of difficulty.
Examining nourishing and depleting activities. Guided Settling, grounding Resting with breath or sound support.
Cost of the 8 week course and the additional follow up session: £200 / £155
Discounted rates are available to people in receipt of benefits, who are unemployed or on a low income.
There are also some free, fully funded places available.
Optional day retreat £50. Lunch and teas included