Take a Mindfulness Course

For courses in Stroud, Cheltenham and Gloucester see our friends at Mindfulness West

On an Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course you’ll learn meditation and explore new ways of paying attention – on purpose and non-judgmentally – to what is happening right now, even if it’s difficult. That can help you break habitual patterns and respond more creatively to challenges and difficulties, from stress at work and physical pain to anxiety, depression and other conditions.

We teach MBSR/MBCT courses in two formats: over eight evenings and a practice morning; and over five afternoon double sessions, one of which is the practice session. Working 1-to-1 in person or by phone is a good way to learn mindfulness. We can work flexibly in a way that works for you and meets your needs

Who is it for?

The MBSR/MBCT programme is known to help with a wide range of problems, both physical and psychological, and greatly enhance your capacity to cope. The course is useful for anyone who is ready to look directly into themselves and learn new ways of responding to what life brings. It is entirely secular and suitable for those of any religion or none.

Sometimes people come because they want to work with a particular issue: depression or anxiety, for example. Some people want to learn better how to cope with stress in their work or family life; and some people simply want to learn to appreciate their lives more fully, letting go of preoccupations. The principles and practices explored in the course are relevant in each case, and through dialogue we will explore how they can apply in your life. Over the years we have worked with people experiencing depression, OCD, PTSD, chronic pain and even terminal illness along with many others.

A word of caution: if you are at an acute stage of mental illness or depression this might not be the right time for you to take the course. Please contact us to discuss your situation and whether the course is suitable for you right now and also consult your health specialist or GP.

What happens on an MBSR course?

You’ll learn several mindfulness practices and have the chance to discuss your experience of them. Home practice is an important part of the course, and you’ll need to spend 30 and 50 minutes a day between each class. To get the most from it, you need a strong commitment to working on yourself through this gentle but rigorous daily discipline of mindfulness exercises.

Trainers

Vishvapani Blomfield, the trainer, has taught mindfulness and meditation for 19 years. He trained with Breathworks, one of the leading UK mindfulness organisations, and teaches Breathworks courses in pain and stress management and also trained in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction with Michael Chaskalson and the University of Bangor’s Centre for Mindfulness. He is also known for his broadcasts from a Buddhist perspective on BBC Radio 4’s Thought for the Day. His biography of the Buddha: ‘Gautama Buddha: the Life and Teachings of the Awakened One’ was published this year.