Mindfulness is a type of meditation, rooted in Buddhist teachings, which encourages the practitioner to pay attention to the present moment and notice aspects about it. This may be paying attention to your physical body and noting any sensations arising. It may be paying attention to your breath, staying present for each inbreath and outbreath. It may be paying attention to the sounds around you, or the thoughts in your head.  

It is a way to open your senses and really notice what is happening in this very moment. The encouragement is to try not to change anything but  simply turn up just as you are and notice, without judgement. 

What Does Mindfulness Look Like?

Sara will guide you to the most comfortable position for each meditation, which may be sitting on a straight backed chair or on cushions on the floor; lying down or standing up. You will then practice a mindfulness meditation together, Sara gently offering guidance for you to follow, for example in a body scan meditation Sara might direct your attention to the sensations in your feet or hands. 

Meditations can last anywhere from a few minutes long to over 30 minutes, but rarely over 45 minutes. When working with you Sara will adapt each meditation to suit you and your needs. You are encouraged to feel comfortable and relaxed through the sessions, so are welcome to shift your posture or make any other changes as needed. After the meditation has finished there will be a time to reflect and talk about how it was for you. This is an important part of the process as you can gain insight into thought and behaviour patterns. Sara will guide you through this process as well.

How Can It Help Me?

Mindfulness can help with many different challenges, including but not limited to:

• Anxiety and depression
• Stress and overwhelm
• Tech fatigue
• Sleep problems
• Anger issues
• Grief

There are many other benefits to practicing mindfulness as well, including but not limited to:

• Feeling more connected to yourself, others and your surroundings
• Having more compassion for yourself and others
• General overall better health
• Improved sleep
• Putting situations into perspective
• Improved focus and concentration
• Help with parenting
• A more positive outlook on life 

As you practice mindfulness you will begin to see patterns of thinking, behaviour and emotions, such as 'I am thinking about this stressful situation and it is having a negative physical affect on my body, but I know it is only a thought and thoughts are not me.' 

Noticing and possibly shifting patterns of thinking, behaviour and emotions can lead to a calmer, less reactionary life. It can help to balance chemical reactions in the body, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Practicing mindfulness may lead you to feel more kindness and compassion towards yourself and others, and it could help you focus more and increase your productivity. 

You may also notice that you are getting more enjoyment out of life generally by being more aware of the present moment and noticing the abundance of life around you.