What is Mindfulness…?

Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention, on purpose, to the present moment and bringing a non-judgemental, compassionate awareness to the nature of things and one’s own emotional and physical state. It is a way of being, a way of relating to our experience of our inner space and the world around us.

Too often we run on ‘autopilot’ – we have done the same actions so many times that we no longer have to think about them. We make assumptions, we take ordinary things for granted and we drift along, distracted, in a state of unseeing – blind to what is happening right before our eyes. Mindfulness is a way of becoming fully awake and living each moment fully. For some, beginning a mindfulness practice can result in them feeling as though they are seeing the world in colour for the first time.

Practicing mindfulness can help us find a healthy balance in our daily lives and to develop a compassionate, friendly relationship with ourselves and with others. It has been proven to reduce the effects of stress and low self-esteem, can enable us to be more aware of the early signs of anxiety or depression, and help reconnect us to the well of our own wisdom, joyfulness, productivity and creativity.

How is Creative Mindfulness

different?

For centuries, creative practices have been used as a form of meditative practice. It is a wonderful way to engage the subconscious and to enter the ‘flow’ state, where we are fully present and feel pleasurably immersed in our creative activity.

The unceasing stimulation of the modern world can be overwhelming. We are flooded by information - sounds, images, ideas and interactions - on top of the general demands and expectations of daily life. The conscious brain and our nervous systems often feel overloaded. When we have this continual hum of ‘noise’ it can be extremely challenging to find balance or enjoy true stillness.

Art provides a stimulating focus, whilst allowing us to enter a quieter, restorative space where we can begin to access a well of imagination and inspiration and begin to feel both inspired and nourished on a deep level.

As an author, a trained and published artist, I know first-hand the transformative effects of engaging in creative activities. In these sessions we use a variety of playful and meditative visual art and writing exercises such as journalling, drawing, painting, poetry, dancing and free writing to unlock your unique creative voice.

This can be a powerful, beautiful experience, even if you believe you don’t have an artistic bone in your body!

I also offer the Mindfulness Now Programme as an 8-week course, which follows a proven format that helps with feelings of anxiety, depression, stress and helps individuals find more balance and contentment in their daily lives.

What do these mindfulness

sessions look like?

I use a number of exercises and practices within my 1-to-1 sessions or a group courses, including seated or lying meditations, simple creative exercises, mindful movement, free writing and journalling and thoughtful discussion. Also included in my longer courses is ‘the gift’, which is a one-day virtual contemplative retreat. If you’d like a quick complimentary chat to discuss which options would be best for you, you can simply contact me here.