Mindfulness is…..

Mindfulness is the art of bringing kindful noticing of what is unfolding in this very moment. It is softening and opening to what is right here and now without worry or want for a different experience. As such, it can lead to letting go of the efforting that often accompanies seeking a more desired experience. It creates the space to rest in the current moment as it is, holding the moment tenderly with both wisdom and compassion.

Benefits of Meditation

Mindfulness practices have taken a more ‘psychological’ approach/context in the west. Specifically, mindfulness programs can be found across western schools, business, tech start ups, not for profit organizations, health care systems, sports teams, the justice system etc.

Formal mindfulness practices have been researched and consistently found to be of benefit.   For example a quick search on the internet will evidence a multitude of mental health related mindfulness programs for those experiencing issues with anxiety, depression, pain, food, sleep, etc.

On Mental Wellness (20 Minutes a Day)

  • Reduces stress and rumination
    • Boosts working memory
    • Increased ability to direct and maintain focus
    • Less emotional reactivity
    • Increased cognitive flexibility
    • Increased relationship satisfaction

On the Body (20 minutes a Day)

  • Reduced blood pressure
  • Lower heart rate
  • Deeper and calmer breathing
  • Increased immune functioning
  • Decreased pain

On the Brain

  • Short term meditators (8 weeks with daily practice) have more grey matter in the hippocampus which can increase self-awareness, compassion, and introspection
  • Long term meditators (10 years of daily practice) have more grey matter in the right orbito-frontal cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain (helps regulate emotion)

Teaching Mindfulness

I have successfully completed the Mindfulness Training Institute’s year long teacher training program with Mark Coleman and Martin Aylward.  They have developed a Six week Introductory Training (SIT) that is a fantastic structured program to highlight various aspects of mindfulness and what it can bring to your life.

As a mindfulness practitioner and a life long learner, becoming a mindfulness teacher has created the opportunity to share the benefits  with others. I offer the following:

  • 6 week SIT Program (developed by Mark Coleman & Martin Aylward)
  • 1/2 day and 1 day retreats
  • 1:1 instruction

My Mindfulness Practice

My mindfulness practice is essential to who I am and how I am in the world. It is interwoven within and across the professional and life roles I hold.  As a psychologist, daughter, neighbour, artist, (the list is endless….) I hold the intention to welcome the present moment with kindness and curiosity – accepting ‘what is’ as graciously as possible. I invite the present moment with unconditional positive regard, and a non judgmental and gentle curiosity.

I have been experimenting with mindfulness practices  (e.g., sitting, movement, photography) for 25+ years. Over the past 10 years, my mindfulness training involved ‘stabilising meditations’ where my teacher would gently guide us to help us learn to train our attention. As we continued to study with my teacher, he introduced many more mindfulness practices including Lojong (loving kindness meditation), repeating mantras, walking meditation, and analytical meditation to name a few.

Having read the scientific literature and also examined the effects of mindfulness in my own life,  I am confident in the practice of bringing a contactful, curious, and caring relationship to whatever is arising in experience. Thus emerges my commitment to exploring the practice of teaching others about mindfulness.

May we be happy just as we are.
May we be peaceful with whatever is happening. May we be free from fear.
May we be relax and rest, trusting wisdom.

Mindfulness Training Institute

(http://www.mindfulnesstraininginstitute.com/)

The Mindfulness Training Institute (MTI) is a leading organization dedicated to offering indepth, year-long mindfulness teacher trainings.  Established in 2012, the Mindfulness Training Institute currently has over 160 graduates / undergraduates from Europe, Asia and North America.I successfully completed the Mindfulness Training Institute’s year long teacher training program with Mark Coleman and Martin Aylward in June of 2017.

As a mindfulness practitioner and a life long learner, becoming a mindfulness teacher has created the opportunity to share the benefits  with others. I offer the following:

  • 6 week SIT Program (developed by Mark Coleman & Martin Aylward)
  • 1/2 day and 1 day retreats
  • 1:1 instruction