Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

An evidence based approach to managing stress, improving problem solving and boosting concentration taught in a non- religous format.

Recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in the prevention of depression. Incorporates varying techniques such as meditation, gentle yoga and mind-body exercises.

What is the Mindfulness For Life Course?

Mindfulness is a practice that helps you learn to calm your mind and body in order to help you cope with illness, pain and stress.

The Mindfulness For Life course teaches “mindfulness,” which is a focus only on things happening in the present moment. Mindfulness is not a time to “zone out” or “space out” but is rather a time to purposefully pay attention and be aware of your current surroundings, your emotions, your thoughts and how your body feels. When you are mindful, you do just one thing and you pay close attention to that one thing.

A key aspect of mindfulness is to not judge the present moment. This is because judgements may lead you to dwell on (or “get stuck” thinking about) bad situations, feelings or thoughts. Dwelling on the past does not help you accept or solve problems, it just brings you down.

How can it help?

By training your mind to focus only on the present, you learn not to get lost in regrets from the past or worries about the future. Letting go of such thoughts may help you worry less and accept things as they are. Mindfulness teaches you to be in control of your mind so that your mind doesn’t control you.

Course details:

Teacher: Cynthia Bonnell

The course will run weekly on Sunday evenings from 18:00 – 20:00

It will be held over a five week period from Sunday 27th October

There will be a full practice day on Sunday 17th November from 10:00 – 15:30 where you will have the opportunity over a full day to put into practice what you have learnt under the guidance of Cynthia.

"I started doing Reformer Pilates several years ago after finishing a local 'Better Bones' course, and it turned out to be a really good decision. Gemma and the team have been wonderful - very friendly, and offering just the right mix of challenge and encouragement. I've been specially impressed by the way they can adapt exercises to meet the individual needs of each student within the class. Thank you!"

Isobel, Reformer Plus Class

"I am working hard to get my back to some way near to flexibility it was before my injections last year. Sydney has been brilliant to help me improve my core strength through the reformer classes."

Leon, Sydney Yoshida's reformer class

"All Things Pilates is amazing! My strength and flexibility has improved massively thanks to the team there. Thank you!"

Gloria, Gemma Chavez Kenny's studio class

"5 stars! I am always pleased with my classes, whichever teacher takes them. All are very knowledgeable, competent and friendly, and have a good understanding and attitude towards older participants."

Mindfulness