Meditation for Daily Life Mindfulness course
The evidence suggests that if you suffer from depression you can greatly benefit from Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). MBCT prevents relapse in recurrent depression, and in fact it is shown to halve relapse rate in those people who have had more than two episodes. The evidence is so compelling that the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) now recommends this as a treatment for people suffering from recurrent depression.
But other people can benefit too! Many people find Mindfulness useful, including those dealing with the everyday stresses of life. Mindfulness can offer you a tool to help you deal with stress and to help you improve your mental well being.
In 8 weeks experience how mindfulness can bring your mind and body back into balance however challenging your circumstances, giving you a real sense of choice in our life. Learn why this practise has survived for more than 2500 years and continues to help and support ordinary people in their exceptional lives. This course has had a massive impact on my life. Although nothing external has changed in the 8 weeks, my attitude and the way I respond to stress has completely altered. All of the things that were ‘wrong’ when I started the course are still there, but I no longer feel I have to change them.
For anyone dealing with depression, anger or stress I cannot recommend this course and Hugh’s teaching highly enough. It is not easy, but well worth the investment in time and effort.
Tim Henry Marketing Manager
It has helped me see recurring patterns in my life and has helped me see when they are
occuring and change my reactions often ending with a more positive result.The course has enhanced my teaching and personal practice of yoga ten-fold. Having 3 or 4 meditations means in my daily life there is now always time for some sort of practice. Clarity of teachng and materials absolutely great.
Andreas Wren Yoga/Pilates instructor
This course has brought together a lot of the stuff I've been exploring since I retired, the drive 'to be good', accepting myself as I am, 'being with' previously denied and suppressed emotion and how I am so 'goal focused'
I found your teaching outstanding, very clear and to the point aiming to make as simple and approachable as possible the meditation practice. You were willng to share yourself and your experiences with us and came over as totally authentic...At times you challenged us to find answers for ourselves and to dig deeper within ourselves to explore our experience... and embodied your own guidance of treating this all with curiosity, lightness and fun.
OG Retired teacher.
It has given me beutiful moments of clarity, enabled me to unwind or focus in times of stressand made me much more aware of how often I (used to) go into autopilot without even noticing. In short, a process of gradual awakening.
Edmund Jones Warehouse asst.
More focused, Happier with my achievements, more accepting of self amd others. More optimistic, less attached to outcomes. I will continue to practice this way, I wouldn't want to be without it.
Angela Gwatkin Accountant
It has given me tools, practices and awarenesses that I can use in daily life. This is really useful in reducing stress and in dealing with thoughts and emotions. I have a greater sense of the most useful approaches to accepting what is.
Liz Merry Rare Book Expert and Healer
The course had everything I needed....the clarity of the teaching was profound.
Celia Edmondson Teacher
It has given me awareness and acceptance of feelings, thoughts and self that I am learning to integrate into my daily life. I like the fact it is not completely structured on a forma basis and can literally be used to accept what is going on in the mind any place any time.
Hannah Messenger Youth Worker
Depression
‘…allowed me to cope with stressful situations
without recourse to medication. … I had
previously stopped taking tablets and had
suffered a further period of depression
necessitating going back on a low dose and
consequently worried that no tablets =
depression. This is a very important milestone
for me. I can now acknowledge that for me
certain issues are 'troubling' but I have learnt
not to dwell on them and to let them go so
that they do not become stressful’.
A.I. Teacher
Working with Pain
‘Hip and knee problems have created mobility
difficulties for me.
The walking meditation practice has been a
great asset. I was frustrated with my slowness
and exhausting myself… (I now) just enjoy the
walking process. I enjoyed the course and
found all of it useful and relevant’.
J. L. Occupational Therapist Assistant, Oxford
Radcliff Trust.
Working with Chronic Conditions (Long term
MS)
‘I felt much more in tune with my body and all
of my family commented on how much better
I was walking and how less worried I was about
thinking that I was not going to be able to do
things physically. I am very conscious of my
balance and definitely improving there’.
(Anon) Accountant
Creativity
‘The course has brought together fragmented
bits of my life, helped me to develop
mindfulness to stop stress, enabled me to look
at life more creatively and developed my
practice further’.
V. W. Teacher
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Managing Stress in Daily Life Workshop
"Nearly a third of sick leave in the UK is related to stress, anxiety or depression."
CBI / Dept of Health.
"Depression has overtaken back ache as the single largest cause of absence at work"
BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour 1st June 2005 quoting the British Medical Journal
Half a million people in the UK experience work related stress at a level they believe is making them ill. Up to 5 million people in the UK feel 'very' or 'extremely' stressed by their work. Work related stress costs society £3.7 billion every year (95-96 prices).
HSE commissioned research in "Tackling work related stress"
"I feel it is life changing in terms of understanding and perception of one's self"
Phillip Hinton - Smith. Senior Contracts Manager Thames Valley Police
"Very clear, concise instructions making participation easy and enjoyable"
JR. Business Support Manager
"I enjoyed the quiet relaxed approach"
N.B. Procurement
"very interesting and achievable steps to better deal with stress in the workplace"
Chris Leadbetter Contract Manager TVP.
"made me think about my attitude to my job and those I work with, very well communicated"
Linda Green, Contract Management Assistant TVP
"Knowing I'm not alone with my feelings of anger"
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From the first class
I didn't realise you could feel so relaxed just by doing a
few stretches and concentrating on your breathing a little
more"
C.H. Export Sales Co-ordinator Barry Callebaut
I attended your class for the first time last night and just
wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it, it was the first
time I had a decent nights sleep in ages!
Debbie Bastonscott Office Manager
I asked Hugh to do a yoga workshop for my staff. Only a few
had done this before. They all enjoyed the session and I was
surprised how they took it so seriously but with a sense of
humour. Everybody was happy with what they did and most are
looking to find their own teacher.
Steve Morrison Detective Superintendent. Major Crime Unit.
Thames Valley Police
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Relieving back pain
"Back disorders are the most common form of ill health at
work"
HSE: Back pain in the work place 2004
Consider the impact of Back Pain alone:
Simple backache represents 95% of the 14-15 million GP consultations for backpain per year) ".backpain ...11 million working days and an estimated £5bn are lost to industry every year."
Tessa Jowell Health Minister 30/6/99
I needed an activity to improve posture - thoracic flexion with a second rib dysfunction now all fine, only took 3 months of regular practice. I wanted to stand more symmetrically and lie on my right, both of which I can now do successfully. I can also find the head rest in my car which used to be a problem due to thoracic flexion.
Charlie Winward 36-45 Clinical Specialist Physio for Brain Injury
Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust
More able to move around since doing yoga. Being office based
I was usually sitting down and had previously had problems
with my hip and back, particularly getting up after sitting
on the floor. I find I am generally much more supple.
Margaret Ashmore 46-55 Book-keeper
..feel much stronger in (my) back, arms, shoulders. Feeling
of physical well-being has improved.
KJ 36-45 Nurse
Improved flexibility, improved posture, no back problems (anymore),
use relaxation techniques when unable to sleep.
Carol Burton
I feel more toned and less flabby - it is very good at strengthening
arms in particular. Considerable improvement to RSI problems
with neck and left shoulder. Better posture and a stronger
back.
Helen Rappaport 46-55 Freelance writer and translator
Yoga gives you the belief that you don't have to degenerate
into old age, you can keep your mobility, flexibility and
strength and in my case improve upon it. I have reduced neck
pain and driving the car (reversing) is a lot easier, also
reduced back pain. I can put things in the dishwasher more
easily, it used to hurt my back before.
Jane King 36-45 Lecturer in Accounting
Released my spinal stiffness.
Pamela Parker 46-55 Corporate Sales Exec. Apartments in Oxford.
Yoga has increased my strength (especially in my back) and
made me much less physically tired.
JB 36-45 Professional Potter
When I practise regularly I feel stronger and fitter and generally
more in control of my body. I also suffer far less from period
pains.
Tina Ferguson 36-45 Teacher
Yoga has helped me regain confidence and fitness after extensive
abdominal surgery for the treatment of cancer. The yoga breathing
has helped in pain control.
DT 56-64 Advisory Teacher
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Energy, stamina and all round fitness
I feel much more flexible in my body generally. I can also
move easier and do more energetic things than I could before
I started.
Wendy Peake Office Manager
Apart from feeling fitter I am sure the effects of practicing
run deeper than the physical. I (now) attempt to get up 15
mins earlier to fit in some practice. I'm sure my yoga practice
helped me achieve a healthy pregnancy and a straightforward
drug and gas free birth.
Angie Cavana 26-35 Accountant
I think practicing the postures from Hugh's class keeps my
body and mind feeling young and flexible.
Francine Rodrigues 26-35 Public Relations
More aware of (the) use of (my) body and postures. Feel more
supple, use the knowledge of yoga positions to help with daily
activities.
KH 36-45
Being in a sedentary job I appreciate the physicality of the
Yoga. This has given me more flexibility and the chance to
exercise safely.
Dena Seward 56-65 Audio Typist.
(greater) flexibility and relaxation. Very good lunchtime
session.
John Savin 46-55 CEO Physiomics.
More flexibility, stamina and energy.
Morag Macdonald 46-55 Teacher
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Reduce tension and headaches, improve sleep
I have always had tension in my shoulders which has now gone.
I feel more relaxed and flexible throughout my body. I find
the classes very relaxing and look forward to them.
Steve Morrison 46-55 Police Officer
Increased suppleness, reduction in muscle tension in the neck
and shoulder. Always get a good nights sleep after the class.
CG
Excellent de-stressor, tension and headaches quickly dispel
when I come to class.
HR 46-55 Writer.
I attended your class for the first time last night and just
wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed it, it was the first
time I had a decent nights sleep in ages!
Debbie Bastonscott Office Manager
I am more aware of my breathing and tension in my neck and
shoulders during my normal day. I am now allowing myself to
relax more. I also think yoga has a calming influence on me.
Vicky Broadley 26-35 Research Scientist, Sharp
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Returning to Post Natal Fitness
It has given me better posture back, having fallen into bad
habits of slouching since the birth of my daughter. I have
practised Hatha Yoga for some time but since discovering you,
there's no going back. It's the type of energetic yoga practice
I've been looking for!
Francine Rodrigues 26-35 Public Relations
Much stronger pelvic floor, much better for this than the
exercises prescribed after child birth. Post natal women should
be prescribed yoga instead.
JK 36-45 Lecturer
My back and shoulder feel much less tense generally. After
having three children the ability to control my pelvic floor
is a great advantage! I also find using the locks can help
give energy and lightness. My upper body strength has really
increased.
Clare Ramos 36-45
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Increasing self esteem
Yoga leads to greater body satisfaction and fewer symptoms of eating disorders than traditional aerobic exercise like jogging or using cardio machines.
A study published in the May 2005 issue of Psychology of Women Quarterly
Lead author Jennifer Daubenmier
There is a sense of achievement in being able to do things
not attempted since childhood. Makes you feel less old, and
somehow more in control of things. Better able to cope with
stressful situations (better breathing) and better deportment
makes you feel better. I think yoga helps with weight control
and cutting back on alcohol, perhaps (because) you feel stronger.
Jane King 36-45 Lecturer in Accounting
I was particularly surprised and pleased how rapidly my waist
whittled down to a 12 from a 16! The classes energize me and
make me feel good about myself and my body.
Helen Rappaport 46-55 Freelance writer and translator.
Yoga has increased my awareness generally in how I use my
body in everyday life. It has made me more positive and confident
in my approach. It has made me look after myself better.
JB Professional Potter 36-45
Certainly my body (has changed). I think I look at least 5
years younger because of it, and I've stopped the downward
slide of age! I am also much more supple.
Arabella Ellis Business Psychologist Director OCG Limited
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Managing crises and stress
"Nearly a third of sick leave in the UK is related to stress,
anxiety or depression."
CBI / Dept of Health.
"Depression has overtaken back ache as the single largest cause of absence at work"
BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour 1st June 2005 quoting the British Medical Journal
Half a million people in the UK experience work related stress at a level they believe is making them ill. Up to 5 million people in the UK feel 'very' or 'extremely' stressed by their work. Work related stress costs society £3.7 billion every year (95-96 prices).
HSE commissioned research in "Tackling work related stress"
See also Managing Stress in Daily Life Workshop
Inceased flexibility, releases stress, utilises muscles not
used in daily routines and provides a brighter start to the
day.
Tony Ward Director BAA 46-55
It has enabled me to control stress more effectively. I feel
generally calmer and more relaxed. I also feel much fitter,
revitalised.
Jan Kelly 36-45 Teacher.
I am seeing the improvements in my flexibility each week and finding I am using the breathing at other times of the day to de-stress and relax myself.
Alex Holloway 35-45 Assistant to School Nurses NHS
Far fewer headaches, less stress. More able to deal with crises.
Helen Rappaport 46-55 Writer/ Translator
Great! Good for flexibility and joints. Good for relaxation
and lowering stress. Makes me very body aware.
Lesley Buckeridge 36-45 Director Fishawack Comminucations
In my own experience anxiety manifests as a shortness of breath
and the apparent inability to inhale enough air. Since learning
yoga breathing techniques I have overcome these sensations.
Only once has this failed to relax then (I) used the relaxation
technique of individual muscle relaxation (which) helped the
condition. A recent use for these techniques came about due
to pre-exam nerves. Not only did it help with revision but
enabled me to remain calm for the exams.
Sally Hollis Student
The yoga classes are fun, always look forward to them and
finish very calm. Best nights sleep of the week after yoga.
Carol Burton
I feel more relaxed and don't feel so stressed
Barbara Steele 36-45 Mother
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Achieving work life balance
Yoga has created a balance in a busy lifestyle. I come to
the class often feeling too tired to get myself there. I leave
feeling an inner peace, relaxed yet energised, I sleep well
too.
DT Advisory Teacher 56-64
I feel more content, much more centred and much more positive
about myself rather than driven.
Arabella Ellis 36-45 Business Psychologist, Director OCG Limited
I think there are moments on my yoga mat when I am more accepting
of things as they are rather than as I would like them to
be. Practice leaves me moving more freely and feeling balanced,
centred and calm. Sarah Perry.
Antiquarian Bookdealer and Yoga Teacher 36-45
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Reducing high blood pressure and relieving asthma
Just to say thank you for help and encouragement. I went to
the doctor's about an hour ago for my three monthly review
and my blood pressure was the lowest it has been for a very
long time. He now does not want to see me for a year!
SG Materials Controller BH-F (Engineering) Ltd
Being asthmatic I appreciate the breathing exercises and the
value of breathing out as well as in! This and the relaxation
I feel contributes towards the fact that after a class I sleep
very well making me more alert the next day.
Dena Seward 56-65 Audio Typist.
After a debilitating affliction (plantar fasciitis) I gained
3 stone in weight which led to high blood pressure..with the
yoga breathing I found I could 'cheat' the blood pressure
machine. Now when I feel my blood pressure is going up, I
go somewhere, sit quietly and do the yoga breathing deeply
and it goes down again.
Cheryl Smithwick 56-65 Art Teacher
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Support life long learning
Relearning skills and flexibility associated with our youth
reminds us that all is not lost and that new skills are not
only possible but practical to achieve leading to a reassessment
of our abilities and potential.
Yoga gives you the belief that you don't have to degenerate
into old age... There is a sense of achievement in being able
to do things not attempted since childhood. Makes you feel
less old, and somehow more in control.
JK 36-45 Accountant.
I think practicing the postures from Hugh's class keeps my
body and mind feeling young and flexible.
Francine Rodrigues 26-35 Public Relations
More aware of (the) use of (my) body and postures. Feel more
supple, (I) use the knowledge of yoga positions to help with
daily activities.
KH 36-45
I am amazed at what positions my body can now achieve, which
I couldn't at the beginning.
Tina Morrison 46-55 Accounts Administrator
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