Introduction to Mindfulness

6-week Course – ONLINE

Wednesdays, 10 Mar, 17 Mar, 24 Mar, 31 Mar, 7 Apr, 14 Apr 2021

18:00-19:30 (UK time)

Whether you want to learn meditation to find more calm, happiness and resilience, improve concentration or more, this course will introduce you to the practice of mindfulness, meditation and art of living. You will be provided with the tools to establish a regular practice at home or work.

The course is developed from the Four Foundations of Mindfulness in Buddhist Meditation, inspired by the works of Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn of University of Massachusetts Medical School with MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) and Dr Mark Williams of Oxford University with MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy). It combines secular and traditional mindfulness practices. It is perfect for anyone wanting to learn mindfulness techniques from a practical point of view and set up a daily regular meditation.

Mindfulness is a simple, drug-free and self-empowering way for you to improve your health, resolve relationship conflicts and enable yourself to discard limiting beliefs that are holding you back. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce anxiety levels by 58% and stress by 40% (Krusche et al, 2013, Oxford University).

Mindfulness is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a way of preventing relapse in people with recurring depression, and mindfulness based cognitive therapy (MBCT, a talking therapy combining mindfulness and cognitive therapy) is provided by some NHS mental health services for depression and addiction. There is also evidence that loving-kindness meditation, and mindfulness delivered online may have benefits for reducing symptoms of depression.

There is evidence that mindfulness and meditation practices have benefits for reducing anxiety. A 2011 Meta-analysis found that mindfulness and acceptance based interventions were associated with substantial reductions in anxiety symptoms. In one randomised control trial (the gold standard for studies that test interventions), anxiety scores fell significantly following treatment by 31-43%.

Another study found that an online mindfulness course reduced anxiety scores by about 50%. There is also evidence that loving-kindness meditation, guided -imagery and mantra meditation may improve anxiety.

If you have clinical depression or long-term anxiety disorder, these practices should not be used as a replacement for talking therapy or medications. Instead, they should be seen as a practice which can form part of a self-care routine, created by the individual to suit their needs and preferences.

This introduction to mindfulness course for wellbeing and resilience is joinedly led by Karuna Priya, a former Buddhist monk and Nitima Priya, a Holistic Counsellor and Meditation teacher. Both of them have collectively over 30 years of meditation experience in Mindfulness, Meditation and Psychotheraphy. They have been working closely with individuals and organisations to support performance and resilience.

Register Here

Earlybird discount expires soon!

What you’ll get

6 weekly meditation classes with experienced teachers (Private Zoom meeting

link be emailed upon successful registration)

Recordings provided each week to deepen experience

Community support via Private Whatsapp group

Catch up live sessions anytime through recorded sessions

E-mail support during course

TESTIMONIALS

SUZY – EDITOR PSYCHOLOGIES MAGAZINE

I have been meditating every day since we met.

MICHEAL – ENGLISH FORMER PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALLER

I would encourage anybody who is going through stuff in their lives to come to this course to find peace of mind.

CATHERINE – HEAD OF RETAIL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT, CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

I would highly recommend Karuna and Nitima to people who work with people and in large organisations, dealing with diverse group who are all looking at life from different perspective.

THOMAS – SENIOR BUILDING SURVEYOR, CUSHMAN & WAKEFIELD

I was feeling tense due to the fast pace of a busy life. Akanista Mindfulness helped me gain clarity, become more aware, live in the moment and put myself first. I now have a new perspective which I carry with me, it has changed my life.

ELIZABETH – INTERCULTURAL SERVICES MANAGER

Really comfortable, dynamic and life-changing retreat! It really brought the group together, created a family atmosphere and really brought new ways of looking at old issues. Definitely the best retreat I have had in my life.

BHARGAV – MEC GLOBAL

Akanista mindfulness classes have shown me a simple yet highly effective way of becoming calmer and focused in my day to day life. The recordings that are provided at the end of each class are helping me practise the techniques on a daily basis.

NICOLA – CEO MAIA LUXURY

I felt fantastic. So much more grounded and this was a massive lesson in dealing with stressful situations. They have something really special about them.

NIKKI – CHOICES FOR ALL

You provided me with an amazing experience of well-being. The provision of tools enable me to develop a coping strategy. This has been so empowering.

NATALIE – DESIGNER, SOTHEBYS

Their teachings were profound and his meditation training was a life changer for me.

LAURA – MA CANDIDATE AT UCL

I started the 6 week course with insomnia and difficulties in dealing with the stresses of undertaking a challenging masters programme. By only the third week I was sleeping much better and was more relaxed and focused. Thank you Akanista!