The value of Mindfulness

Mindfulness blends modern psychology and the ancient wisdom of meditation to help us live more fully and with a greater sense of perspective. It is the awareness that arises from paying attention to our experience in the present moment, with curiosity, compassion and acceptance.

Many top flight universities now offer mindfulness training to students and staff. Cambridge University are leaders in this area. In 2017 they published research that confirms its positive impact.

“This is, to the best of our knowledge, the most robust study to date to assess mindfulness training for students, and backs up previous studies that suggest it can improve mental health and wellbeing during stressful periods,” Dr Julieta Galante

FIND OUT MORE AND BOOK HERE

Typical programme activities:

• Taster Sessions - ​Designed as a fun and informative introduction to mindfulness for the curious. Participants leave with an understanding of the theory behind mindfulness and an experience of mindfulness practices.

• Drop-in Sessions at St Benet’s -Weekly sessions include instruction in a mindfulness practice and information about how to include it in your studies or work life. Usually 30-45 minutes

• Weekly Practice Sessions online - Once you have learned one of the basic exercises, in a taster or course, you can top-up your experience by dropping into a free Practice Session. Practice sessions include a guided mindfulness practice followed by an optional Q&A about mindfulness meditation and practice. They are 30 minutes long.

• Mindfulness courses - Each semester we offer short four week courses in person and online. These courses provide beginners with the theory and skills to enable them to start meditating confidently. They are often tailored to groups or particular issues,such as exam stress

• Meeting Mindfulness – for QMUL staff - Adding a dose of Mindfulness to your online business meetings can really aid attention and participation. With so many things on our minds, fully engaging with new activities can be very challenging.

• Practice Days and Retreats- Practice days are a great way to refresh and deepen your mindfulness practice. You can decide to join in all of the sessions, and make it a mini retreat, or you can come along to just one or two during the day.