We are in the process of developing a new course called ‘Living Well to Die Well’ and as part of this process I have been looking at the evidence base for mindfulness meditation in relation to the process of dying. This is in relation to the person who is dying, the bereaved and also those…
It’s important to live well, to make make the most of each moment of our lives; if we train in mindfulness it can help us to catch glimpses of joy amidst the difficulties of daily life, and we can begin to navigate life’s challenges more easily. Our May calendar supports you with daily prompts to…
Here at the Mindfulness Association we offer a long term systematic training in meditation that moves through practices for cultivating mindfulness, compassion, insight and wisdom. As we do this we don’t leave the previous practices behind but they form a foundation for future practices and also provide a rich collection of practices to revisit whenever…
“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few” ― Shunryu Suzuki My mind is full, and not always mindful. And I’ve been doing this a while. It’s not getting easier, but it is geting deeper, messier. What a joy! The deep path of mindfulness training as opposed to the…
I’ve learned to live simply, wisely, To look at the sky and pray to God, And to take long walks before evening To wear out this useless anxiety. When the burdocks rustle in the ravine And the yellow-red clusters of rowan nod, I compose happy verses About mortal life, mortal and beautiful life. I return.…
There is a ruined old farmhouse in Northumberland called Blawearie. The name, apparently, means “tired of the wind”. Living on the North Yorkshire coast, I understand the sentiment behind this name and use if frequently, when day after day there is a relentless wind that rattles my bones, frazzles my energy and is a real…
I have been pondering on all that is invisible. Having recently considered and reflected on the concept of space whilst taking part in the Wisdom course, it has triggered many insights which are just popping up of their own accord. At the moment, every day I am hearing that someone I know has…
After quite a difficult time recently, including storm damage and various ailments, I was reminded of the magic of being in the moment once again by a child. This followed a period of acceptance of not being ok, and learning to be ok with not being ok. I also had the complete pleasure and privilege…
The Humble Raisin is a portal to Mindfulness and beyond! How can a humble raisin possibly be a portal not only to the world of Mindfulness, but to the subtle thinking and emotional realm that goes on just beneath consciousness and then further down into the root of compassionate energy and a sense of connection…