What is Mindfulness?
We often tell ourselves that we don’t know what mindfulness is however it can simply be described as paying attention or bringing our awareness to what we are doing, as we are doing it.
You may have noticed that in the simple act of seeking help, as you are doing now, brings a sense of relief - as you are doing it. That sense is a felt realisation of well-being, often very slight or hard to describe, yet we cannot deny it is there. Why? Because it is always there. That sense of well-being cannot leave us, but it is possible to not be aware of it. Mindful practice helps to remove the blocks to this awareness.
How can Mindfulness Help with my Addiction?
At bodhitree21 our addiction programme is rooted in mindful practices. As part of a varied and comprehensive 21 day programme, you will be introduced to simple mindfulness meditations, starting with as little as 10 minutes a day. These are gentle, guided sessions with skilled and experienced practitioners. You will then extend these practices to other activities like jungle trekking, Qi-Gong, photography and art classes. Gradually, as we experience the benefits, our mind is drawn to increase the practice into everyday mundane activities like brushing your teeth, reading a book or contemplating nature. Mindfulness is simple, but not always easily attained.
You may have noticed that in the simple act of seeking help, as you are doing now, brings a sense of relief - as you are doing it. That sense is a felt realisation of well-being, often very slight or hard to describe, yet we cannot deny it is there. Why? Because it is always there. That sense of well-being cannot leave us, but it is possible to not be aware of it. Mindful practice helps to remove the blocks to this awareness.
How can Mindfulness Help with my Addiction?
At bodhitree21 our addiction programme is rooted in mindful practices. As part of a varied and comprehensive 21 day programme, you will be introduced to simple mindfulness meditations, starting with as little as 10 minutes a day. These are gentle, guided sessions with skilled and experienced practitioners. You will then extend these practices to other activities like jungle trekking, Qi-Gong, photography and art classes. Gradually, as we experience the benefits, our mind is drawn to increase the practice into everyday mundane activities like brushing your teeth, reading a book or contemplating nature. Mindfulness is simple, but not always easily attained.
“Mindfulness is a therapeutic technique that can help you manage and prevent feelings of depression, stress, anxiety, or discontent. It enables anyone who practices it to live a more attentive, appreciative and vibrant life.”
DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHIATRY, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Fad or Here to Stay?
In the West there are many individuals and institutions who are jumping on the "mindfulness" bandwagon. Authentic mindfulness practices are usually noticeable by the omission of dogma. No demands to sit in certain positions, think or feel in a specific way or for a certain amount of time. There will be no insistence on calming or slowing down the mind and absence of religious terminology. The implication here is not that religion is wrong, it is more to do with the nature of mind, not religion; no religion can claim ownership.
If the practice is authentic, we will sense an experimental tone to the invitation that may attract us, repel us, or even leave us feeling indifferent. All are possible and valid, yet the tone remains invitational, not moralistic or dictatorial. What matters is what changes happen during or after the practice and it is important to take notice of what happens, as best we can. Our ability and capability to notice these changes will vary from person to person. So the emphasis is on enquiry, practice and awareness.
In the West there are many individuals and institutions who are jumping on the "mindfulness" bandwagon. Authentic mindfulness practices are usually noticeable by the omission of dogma. No demands to sit in certain positions, think or feel in a specific way or for a certain amount of time. There will be no insistence on calming or slowing down the mind and absence of religious terminology. The implication here is not that religion is wrong, it is more to do with the nature of mind, not religion; no religion can claim ownership.
If the practice is authentic, we will sense an experimental tone to the invitation that may attract us, repel us, or even leave us feeling indifferent. All are possible and valid, yet the tone remains invitational, not moralistic or dictatorial. What matters is what changes happen during or after the practice and it is important to take notice of what happens, as best we can. Our ability and capability to notice these changes will vary from person to person. So the emphasis is on enquiry, practice and awareness.
Get in touch about our Mindfulness Programme
