“Neuroscientists have found that meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex…This mental shift decreases the negative effects of stress, mild depression and anxiety. …The researchers found that the meditators showed a pronounced shift in activity to the left frontal lobe. In other words, they were calmer and happier than before.” - Psychology Today

Benefits of mindfulness & meditation:

• Reduce stress and anxiety
• More focus and energy
• Greater sense of ease and perspective
• Sleep better
• Relax more
• Greater self-awareness and wisdom
• Deeper levels of self-acceptance
• Richer and deeper experience of day to day life
• Studies and articles on the benefits of mindfulness meditation

What is mindfulness?

• Practical with no dogma or religion
• Bookings are essential. The last course was fully booked prior to starting
• Class numbers are restricted to 30 people
• Each class includes a instruction, a guided meditation and time for questions/reflections
• Meditation is in chairs (mats and cushions are available if you prefer this)
• Four weekly 55-minute classes
• Receive an articles, weekly emails and two downloadable guided mindfulness meditations
• Safe and supportive environment
• Learn to meditate in a simple, clear, effective and practical way
• Develop your capacity of self-awareness, self-understanding, compassion and mindfulness
• Generate greater calm, insight and wisdom

Course Contents:

Week 1: What is Mindfulness? 

• What mindfulness is
• The benefits of mindfulness and meditation
• How to get the most from the course
• Guided body scan mindfulness meditation
• Question and answers / discussion 

Week 2: Working with the Mind 

• Why thinking can be problematical
• Practical ways to work with difficult thoughts
• Self judgement and how to intervene
• Guided mindfulness meditation – counting the breath
• Questions and answers / discussion

Week 3: Working with Emotions and Feelings 

• What are emotions?
• Learning to feel emotions
• The RAIN method
• Non-judgement and acceptance
• Guided mindfulness meditation on feelings
• Question and answers / discussion

Week 4: Radical Acceptance 

• What it means to be present
• How wanting causes stress
• Developing wisdom and insight
• Authentic self compassion
• Open awareness guided mindfulness meditation
• Question and answers / discussion

All Introductory Courses Include:

• Two guided mindfulness meditation audio files
  
• Handouts and articles for each class
• Weekly email instructions and articles

Refund policy and money back guarantee

Should you attend the entire course and not be satisfied you are entitled to a full 100% refund should you wish.

How long is each weekly class and what happens?

Each class is 55 minutes long. There will be a guided meditation for a period. This will include meditation instruction. After the meditation and instruction there will be a talk or discussion. This includes a question and answer time.

Who is it suitable for?

This course is suitable for you if you have never practised mindfulness or meditation or if you have attended introductory mindfulness and meditation courses and want to deepen your practise.

 Your trainer is Liana Johnson

Liana works as a shamanic and sound healer. She has facilitated holistic women’s networking for many years and is also a funeral celebrant. She has a particular passion for the emotional well-being of children and families and tells how the raising of her own children has been profoundly transformative in her own personal development.

Liana has practised meditation most of her adult life. Combined with her 15 years of holistic training and retreat experiences, Liana credits mindfulness practice as the element of self-acceptance and self-compassion that has transformed both her personal and working lives.

Questions or More Information:

If you have questions or require more information: 

Email: karen@mindfulnessworks.co.nz

Ring or text: 027 664 9281

Contact Form: Mindfulness Works website contact form

Testimonials for the Introduction to Mindfulness & Meditation course:

“The course was very relaxed and friendly, and full of useful practical advice that recognised the limits to time that everyone faces. Also I liked the mix of people attending, with a range of different reasons for being there.” 

— Rosie Cree

 “Since doing this course, I have been sleeping much better, I feel much more in control of my emotions, I have enjoyed ‘noticing’ my own state, but also it has transferred to everything around. This means I am re-enjoying many things that I had been taking for granted.” 

— Sandy Good

 “The course guidebook was a useful guide and very informative. I also enjoyed the formal practice and the way different strategies were explained.” 

— Linda Daniell