Meditation & Mindfulness
What is Meditation?
Meditation is the 'action or practice of meditating' it is a technique used by individuals, to focus the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the 'quality or state of being consciously aware of something' it is a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. It is used as a therapeutic technique enabling us to live in the present moment, rather than re-hashing the past or imagining the future.
Meditation and Mindfulness is a great tool for helping to bring us into the present moment. We often think that, by keeping ourselves busy, by occupying our minds, any problems will just 'go away'. But, rather than them just going away, they build up and then create or become even bigger issues, which is known as an 'avoidance strategy', if we continue along this kind of path, it is most often our wellbeing that suffers. I think we are all guilty of this at some point in our lives, I guess part of the experience of life, until we 'choose' to do something about it, which is exactly where meditation and mindfulness comes in - it is the opportunity for us to truly reach that point of stillness, and allow ourselves the time and space to reflect, to be in the moment, here and now. Practicing meditation and mindfulness, enables us to begin to work on those habitual behaviour patterns, enabling us the perfect opportunity to reduce that 'mind chatter' and 'calm the mind', to allow us to reflect and maybe choose a different path in our response or reaction to events that are going on around us.
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions. 'Dalai Lama'
There is a saying that I remember, when reading one of my favourite books by A.A.Milne, as a child, and also from the films that have been created about that lovable character 'Winnie the Pooh' which I feel is a very apt way to explain the benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness, so I quote:
'Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something'
Meditation & Mindfulness Sessions available
I regularly use Meditation and Mindfulness as part of my Sound Therapy sessions, but it is also a great standalone tool. There are a few group sessions throughout the year and I am also available for talks, workshops and sessions as part of your wellbeing event, school wellbeing days and group sessions, corporate wellbeing days, and any other type of wellbeing event or support group. For an informal chat, or to discuss your needs please do contact me on the details below...
Mindfulness for Men
As men, we are often told, that we should remain 'strong', that to show our emotions, is a 'weakness' and for many years, our brains have effectively been programmed to guard against our vulnerability, for fear of being seen as 'weak', the problem with this, is that we often tend to bury our thoughts, our feelings, rather than speak the truth, whether this be about others, or more so ourselves, our 'true self'. In doing so, small problems, become much larger issues, and can go on to manifest in many various ways, creating blockages in our energy field, causing our wellbeing to suffer, on a mental, physical and emotional level.
Traditionally, men have a tendency to think that we are strong, that we can cope with anything, and that we do not need anyone's help. We tend to instead, gravitate towards pubs, clubs, sports, computer games, bands or music events etc.... anything to take our minds off things, to keep ourselves busy, blocking out any problems. It is often seen as a means of camaraderie, creating an opportunity to 'hang out' with your mates, creating banter on a superficial level, rather than really allowing yourself to solve the root cause and express your true self.
Mindfulness for men groups, enable you the opportunity to really open up and express your emotions, to discuss anything relevant to you, sharing wisdom, building confidence and gaining a richer understanding of yourself, in an open, positive, light-hearted, safe, supportive and non-judgemental way. They are open to men of any age, from teenagers, right through to seniors, giving you the opportunity to just be yourself and share your thoughts and feelings, release any trauma, cleanse your mind, body and spirit, bringing you into alignment with self, improving your overall health and wellbeing and enabling you to reach for your highest potential.
Sessions are not intended as an alternative to counselling sessions or other talking therapies, they are a means of being able to gain a richer understanding of self and develop your practice. For more information, or for an informal chat, please get in touch with Christian, for a chat on 07849861713 or via the contact us page.
