MINDFULNESS THERAPIES
The Heart of Mindfulness: Deepening Practice
In this programme we go deeper into the attitudes that lie at the heart of our practice; friendliness, compassion, appreciation and equanimity.
These qualities can enrich our mindfulness practice, and transform how we see ourselves and others, and how we relate to the world.
If you have completed a mindfulness course, this may be a next step to develop your mindfulness practice.
The Heart of Mindfulness: Deepening Practice
A course for graduates
Who the course is for
This course has been designed for people who have completed a structured mindfulness course, such as MBCT or MBSR. Practicing in the group will provide an opportunity to reconnect with your practice and enjoy the richness of practicing again in a group with others.
It is assumed participants are already familiar with the main practices from standard mindfulness courses including sitting and walking meditation, and mindful movement. These meditations will be the foundation for new practices and exploring new themes. If you haven't already completed a mindfulness programme, please consider applying to the Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy course as your first step.
What happens on the course
We meet as a group on a Saturday afternoon between 1pm and 5pm. There are four sessions in total; one a fortnight over 7 weeks. It is a complete course - not designed as a drop in, and attendance at all the sessions is recommended.
The course will start with an opportunity to reconnect with mindfulness practice. Each session will use a combination of guided meditations, personal reflections, group discussion and interactive exercises to explore four key themes - friendliness, appreciative joy, compassion, and equanimity. We will investigate the ways that these qualities can support your mindfulness practice, further aid you in times of distress, and support your wellbeing.
Like the MBCT programme, this course is an experiential training, and aims to help you deepen your skills of attention, intention, awareness, and conscious action by infusing them with these boundless qualities of heart. This course will go further into other methods and tools for meditation - including imagination, visualisation, and mindful reflection.
As before, an important part of your learning will be in doing the home practice. Therefore, you will be invited to keep a daily mindfulness meditation practice of approximately 30 minutes per day, and do other brief exercises in the week to support your learning.
Course materials
Guided meditations are provided as audio files which can be downloaded and played on a computer, an MP3 player, or smartphone. Handouts are given each week with worksheets and summaries of session themes.
Learning outcomes
Building on your experience mindfulness meditation, you will learn how to reflect in a focused way on themes that help you deepen your mindfulness and connect profoundly to qualities that bring a richness to your meditation practice and your life.
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reconnect with your mindfulness practice
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cultivate kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity
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enrich your mindfulness practice with these transformative attitudes
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explore blocks and resistances to opening to kindness, compassion and joy
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develop a steadiness of heart that is less troubled by the ups and downs of life
Please note this is a skills training course, and you will get more from the training if you are able to make time for the daily meditation practice.
Please take time to consider the commitments involved. You are welcome to get in touch to arrange a telephone call to discuss this further if you wish.
Who teaches the course
The course is taught by Jim Clark, a UK Network Listed mindfulness teacher. Click here for more information about Jim's experience and training.
After the course
On completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
To support your ongoing mindfulness practice you will be warmly welcome to join the monthly mindfulness drop-in session to practice with others.
Apply for this course
Please check the dates and timing. When you are ready, click the 'Apply' button which will take you to the application form.
The Heart of Mindfulness: Deepening Practice
A course for graduates
Dates and times
Four Saturday afternoons
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Session 1: 29th September
Session 2: 13th October
Session 3: 27th October
Session 4: 10th November
Fee
£250
Includes guided meditations and handouts
Venue details
Upper Norwood Library, 39-41 Westow Hill, Crystal Palace, London SE19 1TJ
Nearest stations are Gipsy Hill and Crystal Palace (aprx 10 + 12 minutes walk respectively), and plenty of buses serve Crystal Palace from surrounding areas
Parking is available at the Library - information will be given before the start of the course.
For directions, click here.