Good news for Mindfulness Meditation - BBC Report

Many of our emotions and reactions arise automatically, often in response to things that happen in our lives. Pain, illness and injury tend to create negative emotions, which we then try to avoid. When the problem is simple (for instance if we touch a hot pan) this is effective in avoiding serious injury. However, if we have to deal with things which do not go away easily, our reactions can create ongoing suffering. Examples are working in a stressful place or having a long-term illness. We don't just experience the problem itself, but also the frustration, tension and suffering that result from our attempts to minimise the experience. What makes things even worse, is that we may start to avoid the things we enjoy in order to cope.

Mindfulness is a method of allowing ourselves to relax and develop increased awareness. Once we become more aware of our body, our emotions and our reactions, the suffering created by attempts to minimise pain and stress can begin to reduce. You may know someone who bears their difficulties with optimism, while other people seem to be crushed by them. Mindfulness can give you a method that allows you to choose between the two. Pain may be inevitable, but suffering can be optional.

Mindfulness was originally developed as part of Buddhist meditation, but it is an independent technique that can be taught to anyone. It is becoming increasingly accepted by medical professionals and psychologists as an effective way of managing stress, pain and illness. Overviews of the research demonstrating the effectiveness of mindfulness can be found on the website of the University of Bangor (http://www.bangor.ac.uk/mindfulness/research.php.en) and Your Doc Medical (http://www.yourdocmedical.co.uk/wellbeing/160).

Last week the BBC reported on the effect of mindfulness on the brain scans of pain sufferers, please click here for more details:

(http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16406814) 

Hubert van Griensven is an experienced acupuncturist and physiotherapist, with expertise in the management of chronic pain. He trained in mindfulness meditation with the Breathworks Foundation in Manchester and has several years of experience of teaching this technique to his patients. His own regular practice of mindfulness has enhanced his awareness of its application and benefits.

Forthcoming course/sessions:

A 3 hour introductory course on Mindfulness Meditation, with basic exercises, providing an insight into how mindfulness can be used to manage pain, stress and long-term health conditions.  The cost will be £40.00; which will include a CD with guided exercises to practice at home.

A 6 week course, of a one hour session per week, to gain a deeper understanding of mindfulness and how to apply in your own lives.  £8.00 per session.

Individual sessions will also be available for people who wish to focus on their own condition and situation.  These sessions will be tailored to your Individual needs.  Once you are on track it would then be possible to join the group if you wished to.  Initial Consultation and Session = £53.00 and follow-up sessions = £37.00 (Approximately 1 hour).

The courses will be organised at times flexible to suit demand.  Either a Saturday, early morning midweek or early evening.

Please register your interest with us for the above as soon as possible, as demand is expected to be high.