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Mindfulness

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is being aware of the present moment, of what is happening in mind and body. When we are mindful, our attention is with the present moment experience in a wholehearted and receptive manner. Our attention is not entangled in the past or future, and we are not judging or rejecting what is occurring in the moment. We are present. This generates energy, a clear mind and joy. Mindfulness is a skill that can be cultivated by everyone.

Mindfulness is:

  • Active observation of mental processes
  • Knowing what happens in body and mind
  • About here and now – not dwelling on the past or future

By cultivating mindfulness, we develop step by step:

  • A non-judgmental attitude
  • Non-reactivity to what is happening in your life and how you feel
  • Strength to accept limitation
  • Inner strength and resources
  • True happiness, which does not depend on outside stimuli

Mindfulness training

We all experience challenges and adventures in our daily lives. In mindfulness training, you learn how to use your inner resources and abilities to respond more effectively to mental and physical stress and pain. By observing mental and physical experiences in a non-judgmental way, you can start to relate differently to events in your life. You will discover that there are more options than your usual automatic response. The focus of this training is mindfulness meditation and its integration into the challenges and adventures of everyday life, to bring well-being and happiness into your life.

Mindfulness training can develop patience, compassion, self-confidence and self-esteem, both towards yourself and towards others. It is also an effective tool for reducing stress and avoiding burnout. You learn to worry less about the things that cause stress, and it keeps you from getting stuck in negative thoughts about the past or fear of the future. Mindfulness can give you a pause from stressful thoughts – a pause that puts your thoughts into a different perspective. Mindfulness can also help you deal with chronic pain, depression, obsessive thinking and strong emotional reactions.

Mindfulness training includes:

  • Guided instruction in mindfulness meditation practices
  • Gentle stretching and mindful yoga
  • Inquiry exercises to enhance awareness in everyday life
  • Group dialogue
  • Informal daily mindful activities

The course is challenging and life-affirming. It offers a safe, supportive and deeply engaging learning environment that allows participants to seek, explore and inquire.

Mindfulness can bring you:

  • Happiness, independent of outside stimuli
  • Less reactivity towards pleasant and unpleasant daily events
  • Improved physical and mental health
  • Less stress
  • More empathy and kindness
  • Acceptance of your limitations
  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Energy

See the courses for the current programs.

Insight meditation

Insight meditation is an awareness meditation from the Buddhist meditation tradition. It teaches you to be with the present moment, to live in the present moment. It teaches you to be aware of everything that comes to you and is happening to you. By being aware of the various things that come to you, you bring awareness to a high level, so that you are able to see things as they truly are. You come to see the true nature of mind and body – of the mental and physical phenomena of which you are composed.

This introduction is based on the teachings of Sayadaw U Silananda. To read more, see his book The Four Foundations of Mindfulness and the reading list.