Courses for 2012 :

Mindfulness for Stress Reduction & Wellbeing

What previous participants have said about this course:

" An incredibly useful and thoroughly enjoyable course; well-held and kindly and intelligently run throughout."   Rachel, Bristol

Mindfulness is a form of meditation and daily living exercises, based on a 2500 year old tradition adapted for secular use in the present day. It teaches calm, centred and non-judgemental awareness of our experience moment by moment - thoughts, emotions, physical sensations and external events - so that we can respond more skilfully when we find ourselves in difficulty, instead of being triggered into habitual reactions that can be unhelpful, or even damaging to us. Practising Mindfulness also teaches self-acceptance and allows us to experience greater pleasure and satisfaction in our lives as they unfold from day to day and moment to moment.

Mindfulness has been shown to help people who suffer from depression to escape from the "rumination loop" that can make their depression worse; research shows that it can halve the likelihood of relapse in people who have had 3 or more episodes of depression. For those who suffer from anxiety, it can help to break the reactive cycle that causes the anxiety to escalate. The spacious and calm relationship to the world that is developed through Mindfulness is also particularly helpful at times of stress.

This course is closely based on the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programmes developed in the US by Jon Kabat-Zinn, and on the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) approach developed by Williams, Teasdale and Segal in the UK and Canada. MBCT is recognised by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence as an effective treatment for recurrent depression. It is taught by a skilled, trained facilitator who has experience leading courses privately and for NHS patients.

Note: If you are currently going through an acute period of depression or anxiety, it is best to wait until you are starting to feel a little better before you undertake the course. Please contact us if you are in any doubt. All participants will be asked to complete a pre-course questionnaire to assess whether the course is likely to be suitable for them.

What does the course cover?

This course is now being offered in 2 different formats; as 8 weekly (2 hour) sessions, or as 3 linked day retreats. Both formats will include:

• Guided practice of a variety of seated and lying meditation practices, developing compassionate, mindful awareness of body, breath, thoughts, feelings and the external world
• Mindful walking and Mindful Movement - simple yoga-based stretches to nurture your body
• Discussion and reflective exercises on Mindfulness and its application to your life
• A one-day, partly silent retreat in a peaceful location, allowing you to focus entirely on your practice without interruptions
• Reading and recorded talks to highlight different aspects of Mindfulness
• Practices to cultivate Mindfulness in daily life

You will receive full workbook materials and practice CDs, so that you can develop your meditation practice at home. You will need to set aside 30-45mins per day to do this, and there will be time to share and discuss your experience in a supportive environment during the sessions. Day retreat programme participants will have access to email and telephone support between retreat days.

Next course dates:

Day Retreat Programme at Chiron Centre, Westbury on Trym, Bristol and Ammerdown Centre, Radstock:

The programme consists of 3 linked day retreats with self-led practice time between retreats.

• Saturday 5th May (Chiron Centre): Laying the foundations, introducing the basic practices
• Saturday 2nd June (Chiron Centre): Deepening your practice; managing challenge and difficulty
• Saturday 30th June ( Ammerdown Centre): Consolidating & continuing your practice

Participants will be expected to attend all 3 days. Each day runs from 10am to 5pm.

Book before 13th April to qualify for our EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT (see below)

Next weekly programme: Dates TBA

How to book:

Please download a booking form and pre-course questionnaire, which can be returned to us by email or by post. You can pay for courses by cheque, or securely by Paypal using the button below the appropriate course. PLEASE USE THE LOWER BUTTON TO SECURE YOUR DISCOUNT if you are booking before 13th April.

Day Retreat programme: All 3 days (full price £250)

EARLYBIRD DISCOUNT IF BOOKED BEFORE 13TH APRIL (£200)