“Mindfulness Meditation is for escapism.”
People often think that mediation is a way of ‘zoning out’ and escaping from reality when it is really it is a technique that helps you ‘zone in’ by helping you check-in with how you mind and body are reacting to external stimuli or stressors. It is a way of connecting with your true self and helps you feel centred and grounded.
“I’m too busy!”
When I introduce mindfulness meditation in the high-octane, performance and results driven corporate world is is one of the first complaints I hear. Because mindfulness mediation teaches us how to focus our attention and concentrate is evidently is a transferable skill. Studies have show that compared to non-meditators, meditators revert more quickly to the task at hand following a distractor, like a noise. With practice, you will be able to concentrate on your projects for longer periods of time and be less easily distracted thereby getting the job done quicker and leaving work at a reasonable time feeling satisfied with your achievement. You will soon get more done in less time.
“Mindfulness is a religion.”
It is true that roots of mindfulness meditation are born out of Buddhism. However, Jon Kabat-Zin, the father of secular mindfulness, stripped modern mindfulness of all dogma back to its basic evidence-based practices that facilitate mental and physical health and wellbeing.
“Mindfulness comes from the ancient language Sanskrit word ‘Satipatṭhāna’ which literally means: remembering to remember. ”
Mindfulness is simply the art of remembering to come back to the present moment. Mindfulness it is an umbrella term for:
Intentionally paying attention to your present moment experience;
acknowledging judgemental thoughts and unhelpful emotions that throw you back into the past or thrust you forward into the future;
being willing to let go of the pleasant and unpleasant experiences that cause our distress;
and accept the transient nature of life.
These psychological attitudes are not attached to a system of beliefs but rather they enrich your life and are even compatible with any religion.
“Mindfulness mediation is sitting around doing nothing!”
There are two types of practices:
formal
informal
The formal practice is sitting, standing, or laying in stillness focusing on your breath to anchor you to the present moment – this part is the concentration training. But really, the point of mindfulness is to embed the practice of being anchored in the present moment into your daily life. For example, staying present with your conversations at work and pulling your mind back to what the other person is saying when it wanders to that shopping list. Or, fully immersing yourself in the tasty experience of eating your lunch away from your desk.
Curious To Discover More?
This first 60 minute session will introduce the concept of mindfulness, explain the evidence-based benefits, and how an initial practice can be incorporated into your everyday life.
London-based Mindfulness Training straight to your office. Mindfulness is a brain training technique that enhances focused attention and concentration.
This foundation course of mindfulness at work training programme is a four week course - perfect for a busy life.