Mindfulness and Meditation
Jon Kabat Zinn - sometimes referred to as the Godfather of modern mindfulness defines mindfulness as: “The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment.”
Several times a year we run an introductory series on Meditation and Mindfulness over Zoom, led by ourselves and our colleagues Ruth, Nancy and Stephanie. This is a series of six 75 minute session, based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing - Take Notice, Connect, Be Active, Give, and Keep Learning. The final session, appropriately called The Full Monty as we are based in Sheffield, brings it all together.
It has been clear from the response to these sessions that there is considerable interest in mindfulness and meditation. We have run these sessions nine times so far, and more than 1100 people have joined them.
When we asked participants in what ways they had benefited from the series, answers included: Calmer; more positive; more relaxed; more reflective; more connected; living in the present; exercising more; expanded knowledge; more happiness; meditating more; equanimity; addressing ageist stereotypes
And when we asked what were their three biggest takeaways from the series, answers included: Acceptance; gratitude; Wild and precious life is the only one we have; Second dart; Be kind to oneself; empathy; savouring; poetry; wellbeing; visualisation; taking time for just me, quiet thinking and extra knowledge; Beginner’s Mind; optimism; positivity; concentration; meditation; mindful movement; mindful walking.
You can find out more by taking a look at our website created especially for the Meditation and Mindfulness Series.
We also run monthly Continuation sessions, exploring mindfulness themes in greater detail. You can find resources from these sessions at u3a Continuation Sessions.
My three biggest takeaways from the series
'Ways I have benefited from the series'
Join us for the next series
If you would like to take part in the next series [which is of course free!] please watch for details at the u3a National website on the page for u3a learning events
Your Subject Advisers are :
- Dr John Darwin and Mike Pupius
- E:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Website: www.mindfulageing.org
We are very interested in making contact with u3a members who are guiding mindfulness sessions around the country, and we want to provide the resources that you will find helpful. Please email us with any questions, and we will do our best to answer them. We have prepared a document on Setting up a u3a Mindfulness Group.
More About us
John began a daily meditation practice more than 30 years ago. He has a Postgraduate Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Approaches, and a Master of Science [with distinction] in Mindfulness Studies. He is co-founder of the Centre for Mindful Life Enhancement and has been running courses in Mindfulness-Based Life Enhancement [MBLE] and Mindful Ageing since 2010. To date the Centre has introduced mindfulness and meditation to more than 1000 people in person, and even more online. For the past ten years John has been a Teaching Fellow at the University of Aberdeen on its M.Sc. in Mindfulness Studies.
Mike also studied for an MSc (awarded with distinction) at the University of Aberdeen joining John to co-found the Centre. He has been teaching mindfulness courses for individuals and organisations since 2013. He is a volunteer park ranger in the Peak District National Park and has been leading mindfulness walks for the last six years, introducing participants to the benefits of mindful walking and connecting with nature. He is supporting a Peak District project relating to Green Social Prescribing.