Mindfulness is about love and loving life. When you cultivate this love, it gives you clarity and compassion  for life, and your actions happen in accordance with that. - Jon Kabat-Zinn

Location: Holy Trinity Church* in Wimbledon, 234 The Broadway
Date: TBD
Time: 11am-5pm
Fee: £75 to include tea, coffee and snacks

Some of  the benefits of practicing mindfulness that have been reported through various studies include: a reduction of stress and chronic pain; boosting the body's immune system; a greater ability to cope with painful life events; dealing better with negative emotions; enhancing positive emotions; improving concentration; improving relationships; reducing addictive behaviours; enhancing performance in work, sports and education; and stimulating creativity

This will be a practical day exploring mindfulness and mindfulness meditation, suitable for beginners and anyone wishing to learn more about this area. The practice will include focused meditation and whole body awareness. We will gain insights into becoming more aware of what we hear, see and feel - all things that can help us to be more grounded in the present moment. We will practice some mindful eating and will try mindful walking which will be outside in the church grounds if weather permits. There will be opportunities to discuss what you are experiencing, as well as a chance to share and feedback to one another throughout the day.

Please bring a yoga mat, cushion and/or blanket to enhance your comfort on the day.

Tea and coffee making facilities are available on site. You can either bring your own lunch or eat at one of the local restaurants or cafes.

There are only 10 spaces available, so book early to avoid disappointment.

*NOTE: despite being held at Holy Trinity Church, the practice is non-religious, although some of the concepts of mindfulness are borrowed from Buddhist principles.

Rough Timetable for the day:

11:00-12:00: History of mindfulness and meditation practice

12:00-13:00: Seeing, hearing and feeling with awareness

13:00-14:00: Lunch

14:00-15:00: Walking and movement mindfulness

15:00-16:00: Sitting meditation and body scan

16:00-17:00: Wrap up and sharing

Developing Positive Emotional Habits

Date: TBD
Time: 11:00 - 17:00
Location: TBD
Cost: £75 to include tea and coffee and snacks

Learn:
•Why negative messages get downloaded into the brain
•Why we get stuck in certain emotions (stress, anxiety, depression)
•Why just thinking positively doesn't work
•Strategies to begin experiencing natural rewards such as sanctuary, authenticity, integrity, intimacy, etc.
•Tools to change your brain state
•How the tools of EBT can allow you to erase the wires that have been holding you back from experiencing the joy that you would like to have in life
•Different strategies that can lead to an end to unhealthy behaviours; improvements in relationships; a more concentrated and calmer mind; a greater ability to cope with stresses or anxieties as they arise; and a new way of seeing and experiencing the world around you

Who is this workshop for?
•People who tend to over-think or over-analyse (get caught up in their own heads)
•Those suffering from professional or personal stress, anxiety and/or mild depression
•Current health professionals (nurses, psychotherapists, counsellors, nutritionists) who want to learn a technique to use with patients/clients
•Parents or soon to be parents (kids can use these techniques and the more YOU use them, the less stress you will pass onto your children)
•Carers (the tools can help you and those you work with live more joyful lives)
•Anyone who wants to learn strategies to develop more positive emotional habits that can be used for life

There are only 10 places available on this workshop to ensure that everyone gets something personal out of the day. Book early to avoid disappointment!

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Meditation in Wimbledon

Studies have shown that meditation can be useful for:

•Reducing stress and anxiety
•Reducing physical pain and boosting the immune system
•Lowering blood pressure
•Encouraging deep relaxation and feelings of peace
•Focusing the mind and promoting deeper sleep
•Increased concentration
•Enhancing creativity and opening the mind to new ideas
•Identifying and balancing emotions
•Creating a deeper understanding and awareness of ourselves and others
•Helping you to connect you to your spiritual purpose/direction
•Helping you to make better decisions

These sessions are open to anyone (experienced or beginner). It is a small, fun, relaxed and welcoming group.

What: 75 minute non-religious mediations with time for sharing and questions.

Who: beginner and experienced meditators

When: not currently running

Where: TBD

Cost: £8 per session

Meditations include:

• Guided meditation. Sometimes called visualization. This method allows you to go on a journey in your mind, using all of your senses to really feel like you are really there. And because the brain cannot tell this difference between real life and visualisation, you can not only create a deeper connection to yourself, but also to places in your mind.
• Mantra meditation. In this type of meditation, you silently repeat a calming word, thought or phrase to prevent distracting thoughts.
• Mindfulness meditation. This type of meditation is based on being mindful, or having an increased awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment.. You focus on what you experience during meditation, such as the flow of your breath. You can observe your thoughts and emotions but let them pass without judgment.

Reviews from participants from the Meetup group:

"Loved it. Great people, great space and a really gentle teacher."

"Very nice group. I will recommend this meetup. ”

"Gia was an inspiration."

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About Me:

I have been practicing meditation and mindfulness since 2009 and after undertaking further training, hold weekly meditation groups in Wimbledon (currently on hold, but recommencing shortly) and regularly run workshops in mindfulness for therapists, businesses and individuals. I also conduct individual/couples coaching sessions for those who want to learn more about how to incorporate these practices into their lives.  Contact me here for more information.