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FAQ
On this website you will find a lot of information about mindfulness, the course, the facilitator and the venue. You may find it helpful to look at some answers to common questions below. A very good way to find out more about the course is to attend an introduction session, which offers both theoretical and experiential understanding.
What is MBSR?
MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) is a group-based programme, founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre, in the 1970s, for populations with a wide range of chronic health conditions. The MBSR course taught in the UK is based on the original program of Jon Kabat-Zinn, with added elements of MBCT (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, co-developed by Professor Mark Williams of Oxford University). For more information please look at the page MBSR under courses.
Is a mindfulness course suitable for anyone?
Mindfulness training is a wonderful tool for life but is not always recommended to undertake depending on your present circumstances; for instance while going through difficult life events such as bereavement, divorce, moving home, trauma, severe depression or substance addiction. To apply on the course participants fill in a confidential application form to assess if this is the right course at the right time for you. If you have any questions regarding your eligibility to undertake the course, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am very happy to hear your personal circumstances and discuss your eligibility.
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Do we have to share personal experiences in the group?
Each session include what we call ‘an enquiry’. This is an opportunity to explore in the group the experiences felt during a mindfulness practice; much of the learning comes from these enquiries, such as discovering the commonality of experience or seeing new perspectives, deepening our understanding of the mindfulness practice and approach). A safe and confidential space is created where participants can share their experiences of the practices done in the session and at home, the sharing is not compulsory and doesn’t involve sharing our private life stories. In my experience of leading courses, participants always create a safe bond with their peer group and gain a lot from the enquiries.
What happens if I am not able to fit in all the home practices?
The home practice is an important part of the course. Mind training is like body training, or learning to play an instrument, it needs time and practice to see some results but it’s worth it! Each session will include reflecting and exploring with others, our experiences of the home practice for that week and any difficulties that may occur. Much of the learning is done through these experiences and through exploring them amongst the group participants and facilitator. I am very aware that most of the participants joining this course have a very busy life; I encourage to do our best within our circumstances, starting with where we are at. Some of the practices are very short and easily adaptable to a busy life. At the end of the course participants will leave with a tailored practice that can effectively be woven into individual lifestyles.
If you have anymore questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
"Mindfulness is to be attentive to the present moment, with curiosity, openness and non-judgment. It means to be aware of what we are doing while we are doing it, rather than being dragged away in the past or the future, or driven by our habitual patterns, or caught up in thoughts and stories."
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