Learning Mindfulness

Link to the different courses we are currently offering 

There are several ways to learn mindfulness, like through apps or attending classes. The best way to learn mindfulness is by attending an 8-week course, as proposed by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of mindfulness in the West. Dr Kabat-Zinn developed 8-weeks course commonly called MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction).  Subsequently, several variations of MBSR have come to into being. The common forms of 8-week programmes that we are offering are briefly described below:

​

MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction)

​

This programme was originally developed for patients suffering with chronic physical pain. Later it was found to be beneficial to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as help manage various other medical conditions. It is perhaps the most common form of mindfulness programme followed around the world. 

​

​

MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy)

​

MBCT was developed for patients with previous episodes of depression to prevent any further episodes. It is recommended by UK's NICE (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) for this purpose. However, MBCT is equally effective to manage any form of anxiety, stress, physical pain, etc.

​

Depression is a very common problem with twenty percent of adults become severely depressed at some point in their lives. Depression involves both biological changes in the way the brain works and psychological changes—the way we think and feel. Because of this, it is often useful to combine medical treatments for treating depression (anti-depressants) with psychological approaches (which teach new ways to deal with thoughts and feelings).

​

Although antidepressants generally work well in reducing depression, they are not a permanent cure—their effects continue only so long as you keep taking the pills. Your doctor could continue to prescribe antidepressants for months, or even years to prevent further depression. However, many people prefer to use other ways to prevent further depression such as CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) or MBCT.

In the classes, you will learn skills to help you handle your thoughts and feelings differently. Since many people have had depression or more commonly just low mood, or stress, you will learn these skills in a class with up to a dozen other people in a similar situation. You will meet in eight 2-hour sessions to learn new ways of dealing with what goes on in your mind and to share and review your experiences with other class members.

After the eight weekly sessions are over, the teacher will provide you with an opportunity to meet again in monthly classes to see how things are progressing.

​

Breathworks

​

This was developed by Vidyamala Burch who began to explore mindfulness and meditation in her twenties to manage her pain due to spinal injuries and found them profoundly life-changing and transformative. Similar to MBSR, Breathworks also helps in the management of chronic pain, stress, anxiety, etc. 

​

​

All the above mindfulness courses have many shared elements

​

• They are all 8-week courses with one session per week.

• Each session is held in a group of a few to up to 20 participants. 

• Guided by a qualified instructor who should have his/her own regular mindfulness practice.

• Requiring participation in the majority if not all sessions. 

• Requiring practice at home in between sessions (see below for more details). 

• Patience and persistence of practice. 

​

​

Link to the different courses we are currently offering 

​

Requirements for the 8-week courses

​

​