8-week mindfulness course (MBCT) 10th Jan 2024

Please note, it's called MBCT (Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy) but it is a course where you learn the skills rather than group therapy.

Studies have shown that MBCT programmes are highly effective in preventing depression relapse and the after effects of trauma, but you do not have to be clinically depressed or traumatised to learn mindfulness. It is a skill for life, improving the quality of life. It is proven to reduce depression, stress and anxiety, and help manage pain and addictive behaviours.

You will learn to

• Respond to life’s challenges skilfully
• Relate to thoughts and feelings in a new way
• Experience calm and clarity
• Increase a sense of wellbeing

Course format

Two hour class each week, for eight weeks, with homework or home practice, and a retreat day (in nature in/near London if all participants are based in London).

The sessions build on each other - try to attend each class.

Places are limited, so you will learn in a small group, co-creating a safe, inclusive and supportive space.

It is about

• Recognising the autopilot in our lives. We learn to step out of it by cultivating mindful awareness moment by moment.
• Coming back to our body – not just living in our heads. We recognise the imprints of the history of experience on the body.
• Gathering the scattered mind. We learn to see clearly.
• Looking into the mind’s habitual reaction to the unpleasant (aversion) and pleasant (craving).
• Learning to live fully in the present moment without being caught up in the past or future.
• Understanding shared human experiences and developing compassion.

About the teacher

Ariyananda has been practising mindfulness for 13 years and she teaches mindfulness, including mindful Qigong, in the UK and China. She holds a Master by Research in mindfulness and pain experience, and is trained with Bangor University and in monastic settings. You can find out more on this page. She meets the UK Good Practice Guidelines for Mindfulness-Based Teachers and the course is supervised by a Mindfulness Network supervisor. 

Please note: recordings may be used in supervision and are kept strictly confidential.

She is the co-founder of Heart Space, a non-profit organisation with mindfulness at its core, helping people remember our connectedness with oneself, others and nature, for the welfare of people, communities, and the natural environment.

Contribution

Mindfulness is invaluable, but to support the running of the course and ensure nobody is turned away because the lack of funds, fees are on a sliding scale. Please contribute what you can best afford. 

• Supporter (you will support someone who cannot afford the standard rate): £250
• Standard: £180
• Concession: Pay what you can

I believe mindfulness should be available to all regardless of financial status. Please get in touch if the above rate still presents a barrier. 

Free places available. 

Sign up using RSVP to receive the link to join and please send payment via https://www.paypal.me/openground

If you prefer bank transfer, please get in touch.

Any questions, please email ariyanandaluo@gmail.com