FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Short and sharp answers to commonly asked questions.
Head over to the blog for some more depth and nuance.
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If you have a question we haven't answered please use the link at to bottom of the page.
What is mindfulness?
To put it simply, mindfulness is 'paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, without judgement'.
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Sounds simple? Well, pick an object such as your breath, and give it a go. Now, wait.
​The mind quickly deviates from the plan, doesn't it? At some point, usually after seconds, your mind will wander into thoughts or other distractions. Through training and practice mindfulness, as a skill, can be developed.
Why would you want more mindfulness?
Thirty years of research supports mindfulness courses. There is evidence that mindfulness improves depression and anxiety, insomnia, stress, chronic pain, hypertension, weight control, and cancer-related symptoms and addiction. Mindfulness also encourages prosocial behaviours such as empathy and compassion and can even improve cognitive function.
Many people find that benefits can be more subtle than simply treating an illness or building a particular skill. Mindfulness offers a new way to see and engage with the world around us, one that can develop more awe, gratitude and resilience.
​That said - beware of the hype!
Mindfulness cannot do everything and it can under-deliver when it is oversold. Whilst there is a wealth of evidence as to the benefits of mindfulness, this doesn't mean it will help everyone. And to get the most from mindfulness training, such as that offered by our course, you need to be able to commit to daily practice.
Where does mindfulness come from?
Mindfulness, as an idea and practice, is over 2,600 years old. Whilst many religions and societies have some form of mindfulness, Buddhism is the most important vehicle for its transmission down the ages.
​In the West, there have been several popularising figures over the last hundred years. The most important is arguably Jon Kabat-Zinn who designed an eight-week course for stress reduction. This spurred a wealth of new research and adaptation of 'secular' (non-religious) mindfulness, including the course we run, Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
What happens during the course sessions?
We will meet weekly to learn and explore ways to build attention and mindfulness through paying attention to the body, breath, sounds, sights, smells and thoughts.
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Each session will include practices led by Charlotte or James, discussion, and other exercises.
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There is plenty of time to discuss the practices in small groups and with the wider group along with asking the course leaders questions.
How much are the courses?
Our courses are competitively, and flexibly priced.
We want to include everyone regardless of wealth or income. Please get in touch if you cannot attend a course or session due to financial pressures, we can work something out.
Can anyone do a mindfulness course?
Whilst there are very few people who should avoid mindfulness completely, sometimes a course will not be right for you at this time. For example, if you are currently experiencing a mental health crisis or a recent bereavement. That being said, sometimes the course may be appropriate and helpful at this time, so please discuss any concerns with us.
​Our work is trauma-informed but it is helpful to understand your circumstances if you have experienced trauma in the past so we can adapt the course to suit your needs best.
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We encourage you to discuss any concerns with us prior to starting will consider anyone for the course. Sometimes now is not the right time for this course or you may need more appropriate sources of support currently which we can signpost you to.
Are there any risks from mindfulness?
Mindfulness is safe but there are some risks.
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Once we develop an ability to pay attention to our bodies and minds this can confront us with distressing sensations and thoughts we usually avoid. Being able to hold and investigate difficult phenomena can be helpful, life-changing even, but sometimes it can be overwhelming. We discuss how to ‘be with the difficult’ during the course.
Mindfulness is not always the answer and sometimes alternative strategies are best chosen such as distraction or moving our attention.
Before and during the course we will regularly check in with you and please contact us if you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed.
What is the time commitment for the course?
The eight sessions happen weekly and last two hours - with a longer introductory session of 2 hours 30 minutes. This may seem long but it is surprising how quickly the time passes!
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Each week there will be homework which includes practices to listen to and some written exercises. The recommended commitment is forty minutes of home practice for six nights a week. Along with a home practice diary and some additional material, this can be up to an hour a day. ​However, this is rarely achievable for most participants.
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Often the reason you will have decided to do a mindfulness course is because you feel stressed and don't have enough time. We offer alternative shorter meditations if needed. An important attitude we develop on the course is self-compassion and we would encourage you to join us even if you feel you will only be able to practice a few minutes a day. After all, this probably means you are most in need.
What happens after a course?
The plan is to run regular sessions for participants and have a day retreat in the near future. That way, the community we develop on the courses can be maintained.
At the end of the course, we will discuss a number of options to support ongoing practice.
Something we haven't covered? Ask us!
