Mindfulness
Mindfulness has ancient roots in the Buddhist tradition, but these days it is most often taught without any religious context. Until quite recent times it was of no interest to the great majority of ordinary people – it was for ‘Buddhists, old hippies and eccentrics’. In 1979 Dr Jon Kabat Zinn began teaching mindfulness at his stress reduction clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre. It was highly successful, and through his work mindfulness meditation is now very much in the mainstream. A huge and growing body of research in psychology and neuroscience is showing that it works in ways that can be scientifically evidenced. It is taught in many areas of health-care, in schools, the armed forces, prisons and the corporate and sporting worlds. Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life all over the world have experienced the benefits of mindfulness for themselves.
Mindfulness is awareness of our experience in the present moment, with curiosity and kindness and without judgement. It is paying attention to what’s happening with us, moment by moment, and being open to and accepting of whatever is unfolding. We begin meditating by paying attention to very ordinary experiences – the sensations of breathing, for example - that we don’t usually notice. Daily life mindfulness begins with moment-to-moment awareness of one or two of the things we routinely do, like cleaning teeth or drinking a glass of water. Being mindful can gradually become a habit.Meditators often feel more serene about life in general and there is a lot of evidence of benefit for people with anxiety, depression and stress, and in reducing the impact of chronic illness. It can often dramatically reduce chronic pain. Mindfulness calms the areas of the brain that produce stress hormones and activates those that lift mood and help with learning. It can train the mind to serve us more effectively, sharpening concentration and focus. Empathy and feelings of relatedness to others are developed by mindfulness practice, and we can enjoy and appreciate our relationships more.
Our culture places a very high value on productivity and performance. We get things done, we live in the ‘doing mode’. Practising mindfulness meditation looks very much like doing nothing and, though it’s a natural state of mind, it may at first be hard not to be ‘doing’.
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Its benefits have been proved beyond reasonable doubt. Shifting from the ‘doing mode’ we most often live in, to the ‘being’ mode of mindfulness is simple but not easy. It is a skill which can be learned. We don’t have to strive to learn how to do it, but remembering to be mindful and maintaining it takes practice.
We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand – and melting like a snowflake…” – Francis Bacon
The mindfulness meditation group meets at Axminster Health and Wellbeing Centre on most Tuesdays from 7.30. to 9.00.pm. to learn and practise mindfulness meditation in an informal, friendly setting. The sessions include guided meditations, silent sitting and time to talk. It’s a drop-in group, and absolute beginners and more experienced meditators are all welcome. There are chairs to sit on, and no special posture is required. There is no charge but donations are welcome.
If you’d like to know more please phone Kath Woods on 01404 831605 or email kath.woods2012@gmail.com .
Other meditation at the Centre:
Buddhist Meditation - Wednesday 7:15-9pm - Contact Alayasri 01297 551547
Osho Active Meditation - Third Sunday of the month 10:30am-12:30pm - Contact Michael Bainbridge 07775521617
Yoga
Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost physical and mental wellbeing. The practice originated in India about 5,000 years ago, and has been adapted in other countries in a variety of ways.
Dozens of scientific trials have been published on yoga. Most studies suggest that yoga is a safe and effective way to increase physical activity, especially strength, flexibility and balance. There's also some evidence that regular yoga practice is beneficial for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, aches and pains – including lower back pain – depression and stress.
Yoga is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels and poses very little risk of injury when taught by trained and experienced instructors.
Yoga Classes at the Centre:
Yoga for everyone - Tuesday 5:45pm-7:00pm & Wednesday 2pm-3:15pm - Contact Kath Woods 01404 831605
Yoga Class - Thursday 9:45am-11:15am & 11:30am-12:45pm - Contact Angela Shannon 01297 631943
