Mindfulness and MITC at QMUL - Autumn 2020 (draft text)
We are delighted to be invited back to Mile End for a second year by the Ella Sharples at the St Benet's Chaplaincy. We will again be offering opportunities, alongside Ella, for members of the university community to learn about and practice mindfulness.
Many of us have had our lives turned upside down by Covid 19 since March. There is growing concern about the impact on our mental health these pressures and changes are making. There is also a realisation that we need to work on taking care of ourselves and others rather than carrying on as normal.
Mindful approaches to stress have proven to be easy to learn and use in almost any circumstance. Although it's not a magic solution or right for everyone it can form an important part of a personal strategy in these challenging times.
Being a student is stressful at the best of times, now Covid-19 is adding another dimension to that pressure. Studies have shown how mindfulness can be of help. It is now offered in many universities around the world. This Lancet paper may be of interest - The Lancet Student Study 2017
Whats on offer?
As you would expect, most activities will now take place online, although by October there may be a possibility of holding small activities groups in the Chaplaincy Yurt. The ZOOM sessions allow people to participate from wherever they are located in the world.
Taster sessions
Designed to be a great introduction to mindfulness for the curious. Participants leave with an understanding of the theory behind mindfulness and an experience of mindfulness building practices.
Over one and a quarter hours we will cover the science behind mindfulness and why it is being embraced by health professionals in the UK. We will introduce you to the key concepts and techniques that you can begin using right away. More ...
Practice sessions
Once you have learned one of the basic exercises you can top-up experience by dropping into a free Practice Session. These are hosted by Ella Sharples and Bob Chase (MITC) on a regular basis. No booking required. A calendar of sessions will be made available soon. More on MITC sessions...
4 Week Mindfulness First Steps Course
This beginners course gives a firm introduction to mindfulness and core mindfulness skills. Each session lasts 1 hr 15 min and is accompanied by a web based information on each session. This includes downloadable audio resources and videos to watch from scientists and respected teachers. More on this course...
Who is it for?
We will be offering courses specifically designed for staff and students. We will do our best to make these available at convenient dates and times. Please note these sessions are secular in nature. They do not include any religious content or agenda. If you have any concerns or difficulties due to disability, for example, contact Ella or Bob.
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Is there a charge?
All Taster and Practice sessions are FREE. For 4 week "Mindfulness First Steps" course participants can make a voluntary donation/contribution to the costs if they wish to.
Register your interest
If you are interested in these sessions and want to know more.. register your interest with no obligation. We will email you with more details as they become available.
Contacts
Ella Sharples - QMUL: e.sharples@qmul.ac.uk
Bob Chase - MITC: bob@mindfulinthecity.co.uk
About MITC and Bob Chase
Mindful in the City (MITC) is a partnership of Mindfulness Teachers working in London and Cambridge. Take a look around our website for more information. You can read about Bob and the other partners HERE.
