" I like to think of mindfulness simply as the art
of conscious living"
- John Kabat Zinn -
Mindfulness
Mindfulness simply means bringing one's attention to the present moment, and allowing whatever is arising in that moment to be experienced fully with openness, objectivity and without judgement.
In our modern, fast-paced world, we spend a lot of our time in 'automatic pilot', rushing through the day to get chores done, clear our desk or complete the never ending to-do list. We barely surface for breath, let alone give ourselves time for reflection or self-care, in our endless quest to 'get stuff done' and reach happier times (which always seem to elude us!). Stress and anxiety is at an all-time high. Regular mindfulness based practices can help us slow down, foster greater awareness and enhance our lived experience by tuning in to the here and now by literally "coming to our senses".
We may begin to feel more connected to ourselves and the world around us rather than being swept along with life and caught up in our thoughts. In so doing we can cultivate more acceptance as we learn to let go of the resistance to life's trials & tribulations and bring more harmony to our lives.
“In today’s rush we all think too much, seek too much,
want too much and forget about the joy of just Being.”
- Eckhart Tolle -
Mindful Meditation
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Much of the Western mindful meditation practices taught today, originated from ancient Eastern and Buddhist philosophy, dating back to around 2500 years. Secular meditation combines some of these traditional elements with modern mindfulness techniques and is independent from any religious belief system. Scientists have identified that our 'default network' (The Monkey Mind) is active when we are daydreaming or thinking about the past and future. It is the brain circuit responsible for experiencing anxiety and fear. Conversely, when we engage our 'direct experience network' during meditation by focusing our awareness on our breathing or the body, we can enter a calmer state of being. The mind will naturally wander but by gently and repeatedly bringing our attention back to the breath or body anchor, we can learn to calm the mind. With regular practice we can reduce stress and enhance our well-being. MBCT also introduces the concept of learning how to 'be with' our thoughts and how to relate to difficult thoughts, experiences and emotions
Benefits of regular Meditation
fMRI & sMRI studies show significant brain changes in those who meditate regularly over a long period of time.
Both emotional and cognitive functioning is enhanced.
Overall, the brain shows more grey-matter (shows less age-related change) compared with non-meditators of the same age.
An enlargement in the hippocampus can be seen, which governs learning and memory.
In addition a decrease in brain cell volume in the amygdala can be seen, which is responsible for fear, anxiety, and stress. Studies also indicate that meditation not only changes the brain, but it changes our subjective perception and feelings as well.
Benefits of meditation
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Improved mood
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Reduction in stress
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Reduced anxiety
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Emotional regulation
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Improved tolerance
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Improved sleep
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Helps manage pain
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Improved focus & memory
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Greater sense of purpose
What People Are Saying
"This was my first meditation course and I found it incredibly beneficial. Sarah is a serene, calm and clear guide. Her sessions left me with a real sense of tranquility and with new strategies ready for when life 'happens'. I'm now enjoying the drop-in sessions to keep me 'topped up' "
Sally-Ann - Bramerton
"Sarah's Mindful Meditation classes have been a revelation. It feels almost as if you are taking your foot off the accelerator of your life and slowing down into a calm and safe space. If you are a naturally pessimistic and restless person as I am, then Sarah's reassuring and crucially unpretentious style has been a joyful learning curve. It has gently pushed away my initial scepticism of the power of mindfulness to have a positive impact on the highs and lows of life. My only regret is that it has taken me so long to register"
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Dick - Bramerton
"Sarah guides her groups through a wide variety of meditation techniques in a calm and relaxing
way while demonstrating great depth of knowledge and passion. Through regular meditation practice I sleep better and I’m able to focus on the present rather than worrying unnecessarily.
I love going to Sarah’s classes - I would thoroughly recommend them."
- Alison -
"I thoroughly enjoyed my six week beginner course with Sarah.
I found her instructions very easy
to understand and she has a beautifully calming tone to ease you into each session. Even in such a short time, I’ve found the meditation techniques she’s taught me of
great benefit on a daily basis. Looking forward to taking it further.
Would highly recommend"
Penny - Loddon