ancient practice for modern times

Ancient Practice for Modern Times

Mindfulness in Different Spiritual Traditions Here at the Mindfulness Association, our courses are based on concepts and practices derived from Buddhism. Our courses are experiential and evidence-based,  drawing on psychological evidence and research. They do not require participants to subscribe to any religious or spiritual belief systems. However, some people do find a spiritual aspect…

Mindfulness Meets Mystical Poetry

Mindfulness Meets Mystical Poetry

I’ve been contemplating the question – how does poetry deepen our practice? I want to share with you something a friend said to me recently. She had been reading poetry mindfully and subsequently, when she did the bodyscan, she experienced her body in a very fresh and free way. She, like most of us, had…

benefits-of-Mindfulness-blog

The Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindfulness, which is the practice of intentionally bringing one’s attention to the present moment without judgment, has been shown to offer numerous benefits for individuals. Here are some of the key benefits of mindfulness:   Stress reduction: Mindfulness helps to reduce stress by allowing individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without becoming overwhelmed or…

Mindfulness, Qigong & Yoga Retreat Weekend

Mindfulness, Qigong & Yoga Retreat Weekend

How participants feel they have benefited from this course Mindfulness, Qigong & Yoga Retreat Weekend at Samye Ling.   As we get older many of us can get stuck in old habits, such as neglecting self-care, not getting enough good quality sleep and forgetting to move in ways that maintain our strength, balance and flexibility.…

trauma-and-mindfulness

Mindfulness and Trauma

There is an increasing awareness of trauma as a big issue in the lives of so many people. Trauma can be described as a shock to our system from which we never fully recovered or a deep wound to the psyche that never completely healed. It is understood these days that trauma is no longer…

Tonglen-in-Hospital

Tonglen in the Hospital

Since the middle of December I have been working as a hospital chaplain, visiting patients who are seriously ill. I have never worked in a hospital before and my main worry was that I would be distressed and not know how to cope with some of the suffering I would encounter. It turns out that…