Mindfulness Meditation

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Mindfulness refers to the non-judgmental attention and acceptance of the present moment. Instead of getting distracted or caught up in the past, or the future,  the focus is on bringing attention fully into the present moment by observing whatever thoughts and feelings arise with friendly curiosity, interest and acceptance (Teasdale, et al, 2014).

If you are not sure whether meditation is for you, talk to us in confidence.  To find out about classes in your area: 

• email / call us - we'd be delighted to hear from you
• ask to go onto our mailing list / add your email address to our mailing list form on our home page 
• join us on Facebook and/or Twitter 
• check our calendar
  

The practice of mindfulness meditation can be viewed as a means towards developing wisdom.  It can help improve health: 

• Increased physical relaxation
  
• Lowered blood pressure
  
• Reduced anxiety
  
• Decreased muscle tension
  
• Enhanced immune system
  
• Enhanced energy and vigour
  
• Decreases the aging process
  
• Prevents or eases chronic pain
  
• Reduces need for health services
  
• Helps with self-confidence
  
• Helps with focus & concentration
  
• Improves learning ability and memory
  
• Develops intuition and creativity
  
• Increases productivity
  
• Eases stress
  
• Increases sociability
  
• Helps with insomnia and sleep problems
  
• Helps reduce anxiety and worry
  
• Increases compassion and kindness
  
• Increases self-acceptance
  
• Enables greater joy by living in the present

We recommend a six-week course of meditation which builds and deepens practice week-on-week. Drop-in / per-session guests are also welcome. 

CAUTION: Meditation is one of a wide range of methods which can reduce stress and enhance health/well-being. However: 

• where people are especially anxious or worried, it may be better to do the six week CBT Stress Busters course before / alongside meditation – to learn more about the psychology of stress/worry and gain a wider range of techniques to manage anxious / busy thoughts. 
• For those who are feeling down /depressed, 1-1 CBT or counselling may be a better option before / alongside meditation. 

While "youngsters" describes those who are young, "Medsters" is the name we came up with to describe those who have completed our six week mindfulness meditation course. Those graduating from our basic 6 week mindfulness meditation class  are invited (but not obliged) to join Medsters. Medsters has many benefits: 

• discounted prices at further meditation classes. 
• opportunities for social meetups with each other, incl fellow-Medsters who have completed the same course at other classes, or from other regions.  

At each class, members will be invited to nominate one or more class reps, who will help organise follow-up meetups. Reps and members will decide on the frequency and form of meetups.