At times of stress, depression and anxiety our defences and automatic coping mechanism often makes matters worse. We can use all kinds of strategies to avoid feeling this way. A favourite is to retreat into our heads and attempt to think our way out of a situation. Rumination and judgemental thinking tend to carry us down a path of automatic pilot where we habitually find ourselves dwelling on the past or anticipating the future. Such distraction takes us away from the present moment with little satisfaction, low productivity and a lot of exhaustion. Our minds constrict and creativity dwindles.

As a consequence, we can engage in destructive self limiting beliefs, our self esteem and confidence dips and the quality of our relationships become strained and susceptible to conflict.

When we are mindful, we sharpen our ability to notice the point at which we have engaged in automatic and judgmental behavior, and learn how to use the breath and body to maintain presence, clarity and contentedness.

Instead of using energy and stress to get rid of our difficulties and uncomfortable feelings, we learn how to relate to them differently and to be more accepting as it is. Learning how to accept what we cannot change and letting go our resistance to “what is” is one of the foundational elements of Mindfulness. This is key in helping us to relate effectively to stressful situations, ourselves and others.

Paradoxically, though taking our foot of the accelerator, giving ourselves a physical and mental break and operating from a place of core presence and awareness, we are often surprised to experience that life itself becomes more rewarding; relationships thrive and potential become a possibility.

The evidence base that supports the effectiveness of Mindfulness approaches for mental and physical health and general well-being is very widespread and compelling.

For Mindfulness Classes times, dates and prices please click here

For MBSR Course - Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction  click here