Welcome to Unit 1 of your course – the first step on your journey!
Here are some take-home points for this unit:
Jon Kabat-Zinn’s definition: “Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, moment by moment, and non-judgementally.”
It’s not a Buddhist class – it comes from Buddhism, but what we practise is secular mindfulness
It’s not a relaxation exercise – the intention is to be present with whatever is in our experience at any given moment
It’s not a technique – it’s a way of life
Informal practice: Mindful eating
Formal practice: Body scan