You can schedule a day to yourselves (in the week if you like) if you're a group of six - or more if you have a suitable venue.
This popular day's training is suitable if you want an introduction to mindfulness and would like time to slow down in a cosy environment and perhaps reflect on how well you're taking care of yourself in our demanding, fast-paced culture. Because of the small size of the groups (maximum of six) we have plenty of time for discussion (that's if you want to contribute; there's no pressure), reflection and deep relaxation.
As noted above, Jayne, the facilitator of these days, is also a psychotherapist (and ex FE tutor and certified trainer) who's been teaching and creating 'safe spaces' for fifteen years and, because of her training and experience, is able to offer professional support if any emotional issues arise.
These days can be literally life-changing, or even, given the pressures of modern life, life-saving - mindfulness has been shown to work right down to a genetic level, enhancing health and even slowing down ageing!
Retreat Days: 10.00am-4.30pm
Retreat days are for those with some meditation experience; there are some teachings but more practice, interspersed with relaxation time (including mindful walking on the local park, finding a quiet spot in the garden or snoozing in the 'Cabin of Calm.'
It's a day of self-reflection, relaxation and sharing space - sometimes in silence- with people of a like-mind. A cooked lunch is provided - giving us an experience of mindful eating.
2020 retreat dates: Sunday 19th April 2020,
Sunday 28th June 2020
Mindfulness Evenings: 7.30-9.30pm
We dedicate two evenings per month to practicing and learning more about mindfulness & sharing a bit about how we are feeling if we choose to. Priority places are given to people who have undergone our day's training or have other experience of mindfulness.
One group, facilitated by Jayne (an MSc qualified Gestalt therapist and mindfulness teacher) is held on the 'third Monday' (of each month) and is for women who give a lot to others - therapists, counsellors, nurses, teachers, mothers etc.
A second evening, on the 'first Tuesday' is facilitated by Jayne and Sarah (a senior NHS physio by day and fully qualified mindfulness teacher). This second group is open to men and women, again who have some understanding of mindfulness. As in the Monday group, we borrow from the classic MBSR/MBCT (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction/Cognitive Therapy)trainings but not exclusively. Sometimes we explore Buddhist teachings (whilst not being practicing Buddhists).
In the spirit of mindfulness, both evenings have an emphasis on self-care and self-compassion, which we see as the roots of compassion, health and happiness.