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 self care, in our endless quest to 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 and 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.
- Eckhart Tolle -
Much of the Western mindful meditation practices taught today originated from ancient Eastern and Buddhist philosophy and dates back 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. When we focus our awareness on our breathing or the body, the mind cannot get entangled in thoughts and instead we enter the 'direct experience network'. 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, 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
"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"
-Dick - Bramerton
Guided group session includes
Meditate and Move!
All levels welcome
45 - 60 minute session
A monthly Meditation Class for anyone wishing to keep up a regular guided practice
Sarah guides the group in a blend of mindfulness practices designed to help connect mind and body and cultivate moment-by-moment awareness, thereby calming the mind and helping the body find rest and balance.
Regular meditation and mindful movement can help balance emotions, improve mood and sleep and help manage feelings of stress and anxiety
Each month Sarah will guide the group in at least 1 - 2 different practices
The sessions differ slightly each month but tend to include
Body Scan
Breath awareness / Mindfulness of Breathing
Body & Breath
Mindfulness of Sounds
Sounds & Thoughts
Walking Meditation
Mindful Movement / Qigong
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.
Bramerton Village Hall - Norfolk
Date : TBC
Cost : £ 22
In this beginner workshop, Sarah introduces several foundational meditation techniques including 'mindfulness of breathing', the 'body scan' and 'mindful movement' as well as useful MBCT concepts to help tame the 'Monkey Mind'
Venue:
Wheelchair accessible
Free Parking & toilet available
Refreshments provided
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 Long - Mindful Meditation www.meditation4life.co.uk