Description
Mindfulness 'Mini-Retreat'
Mindfulness means “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally” (Jon Kabat Zinn).
A range of practices can help us become more mindful in our everyday lives, and in turn be more present to our lives which become richer, more fulfilling, and less thrown by difficult events.
Benefits of Mindfulness – Evidence from Neuroscience
A strong body of research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can bring a range of benefits for our physical and emotional wellbeing, including:
- Less anxiety, rumination, depression, stress and reactivity.
- Improved sleep, immune system, memory, relationships, focus and concentration.
- Greater sense of calm, positive feelings, self-awareness, and acceptance.
Who is this Mini-Retreat for?
The retreat night is open to anyone, including:
- Beginners with no prior experience with mindfulness or meditating, who wish to learn about some skills which can help them relax, manage pain, or quieten the mind
- Meditators from a different style of meditation who would like to experience mindfulness
- People seeking an opportunity to reconnect with their mindfulness practice, or enjoy it with others
- People who would like an evening to rejuvenate, de-stress, and relax.
What will the Mini-Retreat involve?
Rachel will guide you through several mindfulness practices and skills which are focussed on awareness of the body, movement, or the senses. You can practice while seated on a chair, or sitting/laying on a yoga mat according to your preference. Any movement practice will not be physically rigorous or demanding. You will be invited to listen to your body about which posture or practices are right for you on the day, and to try out different options. No prior experience is required. Participants with physical injuries or ailments are welcome, but it is recommended that you discuss your participation with your medical practitioner before participating. The mindfulness mini-retreat is open to beginners or experienced mindfulness meditators alike.
What’s Included:
- A range of guided mindfulness practices, either standing, seated or laying on a yoga mat.
- Take home resource handout containing mindfulness tips, links, and resources.
- Information about upcoming mindfulness events.
- Discounts on future mindfulness programs.
- Yoga mats, blankets, light refreshments
Please feel welcome to bring your own yoga mat.
Mindfulness and Pain
Mindfulness can be useful in the management of chronic pain, as well as physical ailments associated with chronic stress such as neck and back pain, and headaches. There are important, ongoing connections between the mind and the body, including how we perceive or emotionally react to our injuries and physical discomfort. Mindfulness can help us to cope with chronic pain, turn the volume down on these experiences, and live a fuller life in the face of them.
“I can’t meditate. I’ve tried”.
Many people say this when they first try mindfulness. This is often due to a misperception about the goal of mindfulness. It is the nature of the mind to wander, and this still keeps happening even for experienced meditators. This is not failure. Noticing that the mind has wandered allows reconnection to the present, and an opportunity to step out of “autopilot”. If you can pay attention for a moment, then you can do mindfulness meditation.
Course numbers are limited to support rich interactive learning – book early to avoid missing out!
** NOTE – The training is not recommended for individuals with currently severe depression, a history of psychotic experiences or flooding with traumatic material when tuning into one’s experience
