Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Simply put Mindfulness is Awareness. It is to be aware of your current experience without being lost in thought. It’s not something to be understood but rather practised. We are all mindful , as you read this you might be aware of the chair or floor that you are sitting on. You might also be aware of the judgements you are making about this statement. Or you may even be lost in thinking about what you might have for dinner. That’s awareness
or mindfulness. Through meditation practices such as sitting, standing, moving and walking, awareness is cultivated. So, we practise being fully present to where we are, what we are doing, aware of thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them.
People often ask – What are the benefits of Mindfulness? Personally, I don’t like to ‘fixate’ on the benefits. Ask yourself though, ‘would so many people practice it if there weren’t benefits to it?’ Mindfulness is evidence-based and it has been demonstrated to have positive benefits for health, happiness, work and relationships.
Who am I?
This is me – People know me as Jaq. I live locally and have been volunteering at MONOS Abbey Grange since April 2024.You’ll usually find me somewhere in the garden, though more recently (over the winter months) I’ve been in the Tearoom when needed to help out. I trained in Occupational Therapy and qualified in 1997 where I then worked in Nottingham for the Alcohol and Drug Team under the NHS. I trained to teach Mindfulness (Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy) through the NHS in 2013-2014. I started to work for a charitable organisation
as a Team Leader still in alcohol and drug use – specialising in alcohol use. I was fortunate enough to be able to teach Mindfulness to Service Users and Staff. I have also completed a course in Teaching Mindfulness Intuitively. I have taught several
courses, drop-in sessions and taster sessions to service users (specifically alcohol and drug users), staff and a women’s choir. I have also led several Mindfulness Days.
If I’m about when you attend MONOS or The Tearoom I’m happy to chat about anything Mindful – just ask for Jaq or come find me in the garden I’m probably meditating there as that’s my favourite thing to do!
At MONOS we offer:
* A Weekly Drop
* Introduction to Mindfulness (2 hrs) Check website or Facebook for dates
* Mindfulness Silent Days
* Mindfulness in and with Nature (Starting in April 2026)
* Mindfulness Courses
Please remember : Mindfulness can be emotive and therefore individuals should be aware of this. You are responsible for looking after your own wellbeing. Mindfulness is not recommended for individuals going through trauma. Our events are led by a Mindful Practitioner with 10+ years experience in teaching Mindfulness (see previous information). The sessions, group and courses are provided to help participants learn about Mindfulness and to deepen their own practice and understanding. If you or anyone you intend to book for (or if you intend to attend the FOC sessions) suffer from any mental, emotional or physical health conditions, please ask your medical practitioner if it is advisable for you/them to attend.