About Mindfulness
Mindfulness means moment-to-moment, non-judgmental awareness.
It is cultivated by refining our capacity to pay attention, intentionally, in the present moment,
and then sustaining that attention over time as best we can.
In the process, we become more in touch with our life as it is unfolding.
What is Mindfulness?
While there are many possible definitions of mindfulness, some key aspects of any definition involve intentional & purposeful action, focused attention, grounding in the current experience, and holding awareness with a sense of curiosity and open willingness to discover what is present, no matter whether it is pleasant, unpleasant or neutral (non-judgementally).
What is important about developing present moment awareness?
Much of our thought time is spent ruminating over past events and/or worrying about the future. This tendency of busy thoughts can generate anxiety, judgements, and emotional reactions which may also manifest in physical health problems. In learning to pay attention to the present moment, we awaken to what is happening in the mind and body and how this affects our well-being in relationship with our self and others. Training in mindfulness practices will cultivate greater awareness and sensitivity to the choices that we can make in our lives with more wisdom and compassion.
Attending Mindfulness Training
Why do people attend mindfulness programs?
People attend for many different reasons; to learn how to cope more effectively with a variety of challenges, including:
- General life stress/ wellness/ self-care
- Cardiovascular disease/high blood pressure
- Chronic illnesses/ chronic pain
- Cancer
- Depression and anxiety
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulties with focus and concentration
- Desire to live more fully and consciously
- Improve ability to respond skilfully to life circumstances
What the Participants Say:
“Engaging mindfulness practice helped in ways that I never knew possible with my pain management” – Sarah B.
“I attended the MBSR course with my husband to support him to find stress-relief, only to discover that I too was stressed, damaging my health, and ignoring all of the symptoms. What a surprise!! Thankfully I learned to calm down as well. Now, our children have two parents that are way more chill.” – Marina Y
“As a teacher, I thought that I was very caring with my students but what I did not realise was how to be kind & caring with myself. Mindfulness and self-compassion training helped me to experience new joys in my work and health.” – Carol A.
“I tried the lunchtime mindfulness in my office and never knew that “calm” was possible during the middle of busy days! Cathy’s voice was so soothing and my energy was refreshed and more focussed in the afternoons.” – David D
Frequently Asked Questions about Mindfulness
How might mindfulness meditation benefit my life?
Course & workshop participants often report joy in discovering simple things in daily life, such as a shared moment with their child or partner, greater awareness of connection with nature, or a calmer relationship with a previous conflict, new perspectives. We begin to realize that there is more “right” with us than “wrong” while becoming more engaged in our lives with patience, compassion and less judgment. Many of the side effects of mindfulness meditation found in scientific research include decrease in psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression as well as greater stability in physical symptoms such as blood pressure, glucose levels and ease of physical movements.
Ultimately, it is an empirical question and everyone is encouraged to find out for themselves how mindfulness meditation practices might integrate into and benefit our lives. It is purposely being engaged in our actions, feelings, physical sensations, and thoughts.
How is mindfulness different from other forms of contemplative practice?
Mindfulness is a practice of present moment awareness. When cultivated without judgement, it increases the ability to see things clearly as they arise, it facilitates both focusing and widening our attention as we become aware of ourselves and the world around us. The “goal” is to be more fully present and awake in our lives. The practice of mindfulness has its origins in ancient Eastern traditions. However, mindfulness is currently widely practiced and scientifically researched outside the structure of any religion.
Contact Me
Please reach out to me and I will be happy to talk through any questions that you may have about mindfulness or my emerging art portolio.
Or contact me on:
+31 6 1951 5505