Monthly Group meeting
(NOT CURRENTLY AVAILABLE)
I am running a monthly mindfulness group for anyone who would like to join and maybe apply the practice to your everyday life. These one hour sessions are suitable if you are just starting or if you have completed the 8 week course, with myself or somewhere else and want to be part of a group or if you have an established practice.
You do NOT have to attend every month.
Mindfulness is an informal 'way of being' and also a 'formal' practice and really just means being in the present moment.
The idea is to learn to accept yourself for who you are and it is a type of meditation in which you focus on being aware of what you are sensing in the moment without interpretation or judgement.
The group will be run by me, Jane Hancock. I am a qualified and insured Counsellor and Trainer in mental health and counselling and I use mindfulness in my everyday life. I am a qualified teacher of the art of finding stillness and calm, a daily awareness technique.
Mindfulness can be useful to help with anxiety, stress, general feeling of wellbeing and increasing your ability to cope with life.
The group is not run with any religious practices and we will mostly be seated in chairs although there are mats available for those who prefer to lie down for longer guided meditations. If so feel free to bring a blanket/pillow.
There is no need to wear anything specific, just something comfortable.
The idea is that I would like for you to be able to relax in any setting at any time if you feel the need, at home or at work or on the train!
The hour is designed for anyone who is totally new to the idea of meditation and those that would like to share and deepen their practice and be within a group setting. It is for adults of all ages and the activities and discussions will be friendly and informal.
We will be learning and practicing basic breathing techniques with quick three minute mediations, looking at ways to scan your body for signs of stress and tension and longer guided meditations and practices such as mindful eating and mindful walking over the monthly sessions.
I am hoping that you will feel able to incorporate what you learn into your own regular practice but there is no expectation for you to do this.
The classes/group aim to help you gain a sense of well-being and improve your attention and quality of life.
The venue is to be confirmed
Places are limited so that everyone has space to relax and so booking is essential. If however, you think you might like to come along and iot is fully booked please get in touch as someone may have cancelled.
If you have any questions or want to know a bit more about how mindfulness can help you, please see below or feel free to get in touch by calling me on
07482 789610
or
email me at jane@eastdevoncounsellingservice.co.uk
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Eight week mindfulness course (No dates currently)
Please contact me for up to date details
This is an eight week course will run weekly and The venue is to confirmed
Who is the course for and what are the entry requirements?
The course is suitable for most adults over the age of 18. The group will have a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 18. Each session is experiential and particpatory and you will have 'practices' to try in your own time with a handbook containing all the information we will learn with space for your own experiences, feedback and reflections.
It is an indepth exploration of mindfulness skills and techniques and is suitable for those new to mindfulness as well as those wishing to refresh and practice their skills, no prior knowledge is necessary.
Mindfulness Pratice can be helpful in managing depression and anxiety although it is not recommended for anyone currently experiencing a clinically diagnosed mental health issue. This is offered as an aid to everyday health and wellbeing and relapse prevention and is aimed at finding stillness and calm.
As part of your application you will be asked to complete a questionaire so that I have an idea of the level of experience you have and support you may require. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or need clarification on anything.
I also request that you do not attend the group under the influence of alcohol or drugs (except anything you have been prescribed)
What will you gain from leaning and practising mindfulness?
*The abilility to deal effectively with stress
* Improved clarity and focus
*Self Confidence and awareness
*Health and well being
*Self compassion and learning the importance of being kinder to yourself
Mindfulness starts with an understanding and recognotion of the idea that we live much of our life on autopilot. We will practice the skills and techniques to help you become more fully present and aware of each moment together with understanding the benefits of that. Alongside this we will look at goals and planning for the future.
The mind is most scattered when it tries to cling to something and avoid/escape other things. Mindfulness offers a way to stay present, to view things from another perspective and relate differently to your experiences.
This can also be about noticing a feeling or thought and 'allowing' it to 'be' without judging it or trying to make it different. This attitude of acceptance is a large part of taking care of yourself and seeing clearly what, if anything, needs to change. The ability to do this means that moods and thoughts you experience as unhelpful can be identified and let go before they overwhelm you.
Mindfulness practices and skills aim to help you find stillness and calm together with relaxation to help manage stress and enhance wellbeing. Awareness in your daily life increases your internal resources and your ability to cope with difficult or stressful situations together with understanding and reducing your self judgement.
Level of Commitment?
Mindfulness is a practical skill and a habit rather than a theory. When deciding to come along and join us it is important to recognise that getting a real lasting benefit requires the commitment of regular time and practice. Similar to becoming physically fitter, you will need to train your 'mental muscle'.
To get the most from the time I suggest that you attend all 8 sessions but with a minimum of 6 and carry out the suggested home practices. I recommend trying to set aside 30 minutes a day which can be worked around your life. It may seem like a lot (and remeber it is an aim not a 'rule') but once the habit starts to be established people generally find it invaluable and higly motivating.
The 8 week course does not qualify you to teach mindfulness.
You will receive a certificate of attendance provided you have attended a minimum of 6 sessions.
'It is not about the quality of the thirty minutes but about the quality of the other twenty three and a half hours'
Ven. Lama Ngedon Drime
What topics will I cover?
Each Session is two hours long and There is a comprehensive handbook included with information and areas for reflection and feedback on your experience each week.
The course is experiential and participatory and the exercises include-
*Guided Instructions and input in mindfulness practice
*Practice of mindfulness (You do not need to bring any special equipment or clothing as this accessible to everyone)
Session One
Attention and the Now...You will become familiar with the two most important building blocks of mindfulness 'Attention and the Present Moment'.
Session Two
Automaticity...You will experience the automatic nature of your thoughts and how those thoughts, in turn, automatically cause emotions to emerge.
Session Three
Judgement...You will become familiar with the judgemental nature of our minds, it's difficulties and how to move those obstacles into awareness.
Session Four
Acceptance...This session aims to clarify the esscence of acceptance by learning to apply acceptance to emotions you find difficult, along with understanding the goal of acceptance.
Session Five
Goals...Mindfulness is explored as a key for finding a balance between being in the present moment and planning for the future.
Session Six
Compassion...You will learn about your inner critic and efectively cultivate a friendly and caring relationship with yourself.
Session Seven
The Ego...You will expereince yourself through different perspectives.
Session Eight
Integration...In the final session you will explore the connection between the mindful processes and focus on ways to continue to integrate mindfulness in daily life.
My experience with mindfulness
I have undertaken training in Mindfulness with Exeter University and Workplace Options, Professional Development Institute and have practised mindfulness for many years. Both as a formal practice and as a way of relating to the world
I teach individuals within my counselling practice and groups of therapists training in their Diploma in Counselling and organisations such as Devon Fire and Rescue Service.
I have completed the Teachers Course in the Art of Finding Stillness and Calm, Relaxation and Daily Awareness with Ven. Lama Ngedon Drime.
The fee?
The cost for the two hourly 8 week course is £195 in total which includes the comprehensive handbook.
PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR AN APPLICATION OR FOR ANY OTHER INFORMATION WITHOUT ANY OBLIGATION