Mindfulness

“I can use it in the workplace and even when sitting on a bus, I can calm myself”

Mindfulness can be described as ‘paying attention on purpose in the present moment without judgement.’ It is a way of understanding our thoughts, emotions, feelings and sensations so that instead of becoming overwhelmed by them, we manage them. Since 2013, Avenues has been offering a ‘mindfulness in practice’ programme to our employees.

The course has been developed in partnership with Dr Nick Gore of The Tizard Centre and presents the concept of mindfulness in a straightforward, clear and practical manner. The programme is delivered by two internal trainers who study mindfulness-based approaches at Bangor University.

The aim of the programme is to improve the emotional wellbeing of our employees, which in turn can improve the quality of individual relationships, and the effectiveness of the support they provide.

Over six sessions, participants learn through experiencing and reviewing mindfulness exercises within a group setting. They discover how to use mindfulness in home and work life and investigate how to use mindfulness at times of emotional intensity.

Employees who have completed the programme report a number of positive changes, particularly around wellbeing at work and home as well as work performance.

“At first I was a bit confused if it would work, then after 2-3 sessions, I was really understanding and practicing it. It has made a tremendous difference in my personal and professional life”

“Now I have the ability to calm down in a difficult situation in order not to rush into things”

“It has made me think about the relationships with people and the way I communicate”

Below Avenues Mindfulness course leader, Day Wells, answers some of the popular questions and misconceptions around Mindfulness…