Mindfulness Level 1 Archives - Mindfulness Association Being Present | Responding with Compassion | Seeing Deeply Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:06:08 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cropped-WhatsApp-Image-2024-10-08-at-10.25.42-32x32.jpeg Mindfulness Level 1 Archives - Mindfulness Association 32 32 Mindfulness Level 1 – Second Spring Intake https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/course/mindfulness-level-one-second-spring-intake/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 11:32:52 +0000 https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/?post_type=mec-events&p=39347 ]]>

This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught on a Monday evening. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey. After the first part you can choose to continue to complete the course over a further three parts.

Tutor: Tina Gilbert

Dates on a Monday evening: 

Part 2- 13th April, 20th April, 27th April, 4th May 2026

Part 3- 1st June, 8th June, 22nd June 2026, 29th June 2026

Part 4- 13th July, 20th July, 5th August, 10th August 2026

Price: Parts 2 – 4 £555.00 = 6 monthly payments x £92.50
Times: 19.00pm-21.30pm

Booking: You will be contacted after attending the first part to book the following three parts, these can be paid for in six monthly instalments of £92.50.

Location: Online via Zoom

If you are making up for missed weekends, please email info@mindfulnessassociation.net to sign up.

Find out more about this course here.

Research

We are delighted to announce that a large scale, long term research study is about to start in relation to our Four Level Pathway. This research is led by Dr Oleg Medvedev (link: https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/oleg.medvedev) and Katya Gus of Waikato University in New Zealand. Oleg is also the Editor of the Mindfulness Journal in which Choden’s recent articles have been published.

As a participant in this course you will be invited, with no obligation to do so, to take part in this research. Find out more here.

We are very excited to be developing a strong evidence base and hope that you will be willing to support us in this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 16 weeks a long time for a mindfulness course?

Most mindfulness courses are only 8 weeks, but we believe that true, lasting change takes time to “marinate.” This 16-week journey is broken into four distinct modules, allowing you to move through the stages of Settling, Distraction, Self-Acceptance, and Insight without feeling rushed. It’s the difference between a “quick fix” and building a foundation for life.

I’m a complete beginner—is this course too advanced for me?

Not at all. “Level One: Being Present” is specifically designed to meet you exactly where you are. We start with the very basics of posture and breath. Because we have 16 weeks together, we can move at a gentle pace that ensures you feel confident and supported at every step.

What if I can’t clear my mind or stop my thoughts?

This is the most common concern! In this course, we teach you that mindfulness isn’t about stopping thoughts; it’s about changing your relationship with them. We use the concept of the “Undercurrent” to help you understand that it’s okay for the mind to be busy—we simply learn how to sit on the riverbank and watch the water flow rather than getting swept away by it.

What is "Second-Generation" Mindfulness?

Many modern mindfulness programs focus purely on “focus” or productivity. The Mindfulness Association’s approach is “Second-Generation,” meaning we integrate compassion and kindness into the practice from the very beginning. We believe that focus without kindness can be cold; we want to help you develop a warm, friendly awareness.

What happens if I miss a live session?

Life happens! While we encourage attending the live online sessions to benefit from the community energy, sessions are typically supported by comprehensive digital manuals and guided audio practices. You will have the resources you need to stay on track even if your schedule gets busy. We do advise participants to attend at least 80% of the course to receive their attendance certificate.

]]> Mindfulness Level 1 – Autumn Intake https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/course/mindfulness-level-one-autumn-intake/ Tue, 19 Aug 2025 13:48:30 +0000 https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/?post_type=mec-events&p=39206 ]]>

12-13 September 2026

This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught over four weekends. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey.

After the first weekend you can choose to continue to complete the course over three further three weekends.

Tutor: Alan Hughes and Charmaine Auckburally

Price: Weekend 1 = £185.00

Times: The course will run from 10.00am-17.00pm on Saturday and 9.00- 16.00pm on Sunday.

Booking: To book the first part of this course (£185.00) please click Book Here. You will be contacted after attending the first part to book the following three weekends (Mindfulness Weekend Two- 7-8 November 2026, Mindfulness Weekend Three- 9-10 January 2027 and Mindfulness Weekend Four- 13-14 March 2027) these can be paid for in six monthly instalments of £92.50.

Venue-  The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TA.  For more details about the Crichton please click here.

The cafe in Crichton Central is open for food/drinks from 10am until 4pm (last food orders being 3.30pm) and the Bistro in Easterbrook Hall serves food Thursday-Sunday 11am-4pm. Please find the Bistro menu attached here and the cafe menu here to see all the options.

There is an on-site Bankend Bar & Brasserie Holiday Inn, for room rates and availability please click here. Breakfast is served between 7.00am and 10.30am on a weekend and 7.00am- 10.00am on weekdays and dinner between 17.00pm and 21.30pm. There are over 200 complimentary car parking spaces for hotel guests.

Please click here for the evening menu at the Holiday Inn, tables are available to book via the website. Please find here a list of alternative accommodation in the area and there is also Air B & B and booking.com. These are purely suggestions, not personal recommendations.

There is a hotel room rate for Mindfulness Association participants. Please ring the Holiday Inn (01387 272410) and quote ‘Mindfulness Association’ the room rate is £105.00 per room per night B&B single occupancy and £110.00 per room per night B&B double occupancy.

There is free car parking outside Crichton Central and in the large car park outside Easterbrook Hall. Electric charging points and cycle racks are available outside Crichton Central and across the estate. The number 5 bus route from Dumfries town centre takes you from Great King Street to The Crichton Campus. The venue is a 10-minute car ride from Dumfries train station and 45 minutes from the M6.

If you are making up for missed weekends, please email info@mindfulnessassociation.net to sign up.

Research

We are delighted to announce that a large scale, long term research study is about to start in relation to our Four Level Pathway. This research is led by Dr Oleg Medvedev (link: https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/oleg.medvedev) and Katya Gus of Waikato University in New Zealand. Oleg is also the Editor of the Mindfulness Journal in which Choden’s recent articles have been published.

As a participant in this course you will be invited, with no obligation to do so, to take part in this research. Find out more here.

We are very excited to be developing a strong evidence base and hope that you will be willing to support us in this.

]]> Mindfulness Level 1 – Spring Intake https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/course/mindfulness-level-one-spring-intake/ Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:08:48 +0000 https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/?post_type=mec-events&p=39071 This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught on a Monday evening. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey. After the first part you can choose to continue…]]> This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught on a Monday evening. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey. After the first part you can choose to continue to complete the course over a further three parts.

Tutor: Alan Hughes

Dates on a Monday evening: 

Part 1- 4th May, 11th May, 18th May, 25th May and 1st June 2026

Part 2- 15th June, 22nd June, 29th June, 6th July and 13th July 2026

Part 3- 27th July, 3rd August, 10th August, 17th August and 25th August 2026

Part 4- 7th September, 14th September, 21st September, 28th September and 5th October 2026

Price: Part 1 = £185.00 Parts 2 – 4 £555.00 = 6 monthly payments x £92.50

Times: 19.00pm-21.00pm

Booking: To book the first part of this Monday evening course please click the booking link. You will be contacted after attending the first part to book the following three parts, these can be paid for in six monthly instalments of £92.50.

Location: Online via Zoom

If you are making up for missed weekends, please email info@mindfulnessassociation.net to sign up.

Find out more about this course here.

 

Research

We are delighted to announce that a large scale, long term research study is about to start in relation to our Four Level Pathway. This research is led by Dr Oleg Medvedev (link: https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/oleg.medvedev) and Katya Gus of Waikato University in New Zealand.

As a participant in this course you will be invited, with no obligation to do so, to take part in this research. Find out more here.

We are very excited to be developing a strong evidence base and hope that you will be willing to support us in this.

]]> Mindfulness Level 1 – Third Spring Intake https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/course/mindfulness-level-one-third-spring-intake/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 15:01:55 +0000 https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/?post_type=mec-events&p=38926 ]]>

This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught over four weekends. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey.

After the first weekend you can choose to continue to complete the course over three further three weekends (Mindfulness Weekend Two- 16-17 May 2026, Mindfulness Weekend Three- 4-5 July 2026 and Mindfulness Weekend Four- 19-20 September 2026)

Tutor: Kristine Janson and Ellie Kortland

Dates: 16-17 May 2026, 4-5 July 2026 and 19-120 September 2026 (weekends two-four)

Price: £555.00 payable in six monthly instalments of £92.50

Times: The course will run from 10.00am-17.00pm on Saturday and 9.00am to 16.00pm on Sunday.

Booking: Please contact info@mindfulnessassociation.net to book your place

If you are making up for missed weekends, please email info@mindfulnessassociation.net to sign up.

Venue- Crichton Central, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TA.  For more details about the Crichton please click here.

The cafe in Crichton Central is open for food/drinks from 10am until 4pm (last food orders being 3.30pm) and the Bistro in Easterbrook Hall serves food Thursday-Sunday 11am-4pm. Please find the Bistro menu attached here and the cafe menu here to see all the options.

There is an on-site Bankend Bar & Brasserie Holiday Inn, for room rates and availability please click here. Breakfast is served between 7.00am and 10.30am on a weekend and 7.00am- 10.00am on weekdays and dinner between 17.00pm and 21.30pm. There are over 200 complimentary car parking spaces for hotel guests.

Please click here for the evening menu at the Holiday Inn, tables are available to book via the website. Please find here a list of alternative accommodation in the area and there is also Air B & B and booking.com. These are purely suggestions, not personal recommendations.

There is free car parking outside Crichton Central and in the large car park outside Easterbrook Hall. Electric charging points and cycle racks are available outside Crichton Central and across the estate. The number 5 bus route from Dumfries town centre takes you from Great King Street to The Crichton Campus. The venue is a 10-minute car ride from Dumfries train station and 45 minutes from the M6.

Accessible parking spaces and a Changing Places Toilet are available at the venue.

There is a 12 metre swimming pool, sauna and steamroom which is open daily from 7am-8pm. Booking is essential and you can pay as you go if you are not staying as a guest, please just book at the Bistro.

Research

We are delighted to announce that a large scale, long term research study is about to start in relation to our Four Level Pathway. This research is led by Dr Oleg Medvedev (link: https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/oleg.medvedev) and Katya Gus of Waikato University in New Zealand. Oleg is also the Editor of the Mindfulness Journal in which Choden’s recent articles have been published.

As a participant in this course you will be invited, with no obligation to do so, to take part in this research. Find out more here.

We are very excited to be developing a strong evidence base and hope that you will be willing to support us in this.

]]> Mindfulness Level 1 – Second Autumn Intake https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/course/mindfulness-level-one-second-autumn-intake/ Wed, 04 Jun 2025 10:43:07 +0000 https://www.mindfulnessassociation.net/?post_type=mec-events&p=38887 This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught on a Monday evening. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey. After the first part you can choose to continue…]]> This is the introduction to our Level 1: Being Present Mindfulness Training taught on a Monday evening. It can be taken in isolation as a retreat or a refresher for those already with a Mindfulness practice or is a perfect way to begin a Mindfulness journey. After the first part you can choose to continue to complete the course over a further three parts.

Tutor: Kristine Janson

Dates on a Monday evening: 

Part 1- 19th October, 26th October, 2nd November and 9th November 2026

Part 2- 23rd November, 30th November, 7th December and 14th December 2026

Part 3- 11th January, 18th January, 25th January and 1st February 2027

Part 4- 22nd February, 1st March, 8th March and 15th March 2027

Price: Part 1 = £185.00 Parts 2 – 4 £555.00 = 6 monthly payments x £92.50

Times: 19.00pm-21.30pm

Booking: To book the first part of this Monday evening course please click the booking link. You will be contacted after attending the first part to book the following three parts, these can be paid for in six monthly instalments of £92.50.

Location: Online via Zoom

If you are making up for missed weekends, please email info@mindfulnessassociation.net to sign up.

Find out more about this course here.

 

Research

We are delighted to announce that a large scale, long term research study is about to start in relation to our Four Level Pathway. This research is led by Dr Oleg Medvedev (link: https://profiles.waikato.ac.nz/oleg.medvedev) and Katya Gus of Waikato University in New Zealand. Oleg is also the Editor of the Mindfulness Journal in which Choden’s recent articles have been published.

As a participant in this course you will be invited, with no obligation to do so, to take part in this research. Find out more here.

We are very excited to be developing a strong evidence base and hope that you will be willing to support us in this.

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