Mindfulness

What

Mindfulness is the practice of bringing our attention into the present moment and becoming consciously aware of our thoughts, emotions and sensations within the body. The aim of deliberate mindful practice is to achieve a state of alert, focused relaxation, reducing internal ‘mind-chatter’ and experiencing a sense of peace in the present moment. One of the simplest ways to cultivate the skill of mindful awareness is by practising mindfulness meditation.  

When

Mindfulness offers a way for people to learn to cope in difficult times.  Practising can lead to a reduction of stress levels, improved sleep quality and increased psychological well-being.  When practised regularly, it can assist in building long-term psychological resilience.

How

Using guided mindfulness meditations is a great way to learn and maintain the skill. If you have never tried mindfulness before you may want to opt for one of the shorter sessions and then build up to the longer exercises over time. When you feel confident in your mindfulness practice there are also unguided videos to help you explore self-guided practice.

Mindful practice exercises

5 – 10 minutes 

Perfect for difficult times when something is needed for that moment

Grounding

Enhancing the connection with the body in the present moment

Mindful Pause

Creating a few minutes to pause, breathe and ask yourself what is needed in this moment

Breathing Space – Part 1

Introduction to the exercise

Breathing Space – Part 2

A short meditation to explore thoughts, sensations and emotions

Ocean

Unguided video for self-guided practice


10 – 20 minutes

Great for when time is short or when beginning mindful practice

A Safe Place

Guiding you to find a ‘safe place’ to build feelings and sensations of safety for the body and mind

Awareness of Breath

Building awareness and attention through focusing on the breath

The Lake

Using imagery and visualisation of a lake, with mindful attention to build resilience

Brief Body Scan

Building a relationship with the body, exploring the sensations of the body and the thoughts and emotions that arise

20 – 40 minutes

Longer mindfulness sessions to build your skills and for a deeper dive in to the experience.

Full Body Scan

Continuing to relate and explore more deeply the experience of the body, also bringing in aspects of self-compassion to foster this within the practice

The Mountain

Using imagery and visualisation of a mountain, with mindful attention to build resilience