Introduction
Mindfulness is about paying attention, on purpose to what is happening here and now so that we can become fully engaged with our world and our experience. The process is one of training our attention to become more present rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Over the past few years many benefits of learning mindfulness techniques have become apparent and include;
- Improvements to memory and recall,
- Improved ability to process information,
- Improved self-awareness and reduction in stress.
Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment, with intention and with a sense of curiosity.
Unfortunately, our mind often seems to do the opposite. We live in what is referred to as the "default mode network" where we are doing one thing while our mind is absorbed on another. We might drive somewhere and upon arrival, fail to remember the journey. We may be having a conversation and instead of listening to what the other person is actually saying we are preparing what we want to say or thinking about something completely unrelated. This is not bad. It just means that our brains are operating in a different way. However, sometimes we get so caught up in our memories or fears about the future that we start to activate our stress response which can have long term negative effects on our body and mind. In turn, these can limit our ability to work and study effectively.
Numerous studies have now been undertaken that indicate that training in mindfulness techniques can help reduce many of these problems. In 2017 HEPI (Higher Education Policy Institute) published a report entitled The Positive and Mindful University in which it recommended "Universities should make mindfulness courses far more widely available for staff and students, with senior teams demonstrating themselves the qualities of reflexive, open and compassionate leadership".
The University of London Meditation Group has been offering training and practice in mindfulness and other meditation techniques since 2023. This present course is based on the work of Dr. Craig Hassed and Dr. Richard Chambers. Over four weeks it looks more closely at the default mode network and with various mindfulness and self-compassion techniques.
About the Course
The course is highly practice based with homework assignments to complete between each of the classes. It runs over four weekly sessions and each week builds on the previous weeks' work and the practice exercises undertaken during the week. Each session lasts about one hour.
- Week 1 Introduces Mindfulness and unmindfulness and their impact on living
- Week 2 Looks at Mindful Stress Reduction
- Week 3 Improving performance: studying and working
- Week 4 Living a Mindful Life
Pre-registration for the course is required. The course is provided free of charge.
Eligibility
The course is open to staff, students and alumni of the University, its associated colleges and schools.
A word of caution. While mindfulness training can be very beneficial there can occasionally be some adverse effects. If you are going through a particularly stressful time or have a mental health challenge such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or diagnosed with an illness involving psychotic states then you should consult your mental health practitioner before embarking on mindfulness practice. This does not mean that you should not develop more mindfulness, merely that you have sufficient professional support during the process.
Course tutor
The course tutor is Keith Ryan. MSc. MInstP
He is a physicist, health and safety professional, and a stress management counsellor with over 45 years experience of teaching mindfulness and other meditation techniques. He was the approved tutor for Buddhist and Meditation courses for the Inner London Education Authority (ILEA) from 1979 until its abolition in 1990.
He also likes practicing meditation with his buddy...
