Mindfulness Meditation workshop launched at Leeds Beckett

The workshop, which will run from 11am to 5.30pm at the Carnegie Stand, Room 201, at Headingley Carnegie Stadium, will offer a practical and engaging introduction to mindfulness meditation which is open to all.

Mindfulness has its roots in traditional practices of meditation, and involves cultivating an enhanced awareness of, and attention to, the present moment; allowing ourselves to be more authentically present with one another and engaged with the world around us. Recent research has demonstrated that mindfulness may play an important role in reducing stress and anxiety-related disorders, while also improving concentration and enhancing creativity.

Led by Chartered Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at Leeds Beckett, Dr Elliot Cohen, the workshop is unique as it blends both the psychological aspects of mindfulness with its spiritual roots: introducing both the Zen Tea Ceremony and the Hold and Release Practice - which demonstrates the relationship between posture and breath and the mind.

Dr Cohen commented: “One of the unique properties of the human mind is that we can become aware of our being aware, conscious of our consciousness; and in doing so we can actually use our minds to change our minds – transforming and transcending negative psychological states and destructive emotions in the process.

“Mindfulness is currently being introduced into a great number of different professions and disciplines- medicine, psychology, psychotherapy, education, politics, business/management, and the creative arts. This workshop will be giving attendees a really thorough introduction to the varieties of mindfulness practice. It will also give participants the opportunity to explore how mindfulness-based approaches can be integrated into our daily lives.”

The workshop will be running throughout the year at Leeds Beckett,  the first university in the UK to include meditation classes as an integral part of one of its undergraduate courses – the BA (Hons) Psychology and Society, and its postgraduate course – MA Interdisciplinary Psychology, which has a popular module in Mindfulness-Based Approaches.

Theoretical elements range from the original Buddhist teachings to the latest findings from neuroscience. The level of the workshop will be tailored appropriately according to its attendees, making the content both relevant and engaging. There will be plenty of opportunity for the sharing of personal perspectives, exploration of theory and practical activities.

The Mindfulness Meditation workshop costs £105.60 per person and places can be booked by contacting hss-cpd@leedsbeckett.ac.uk or by calling 0113 812 7778. For more information, please contact Dr Cohen at e.cohen@leedsbeckett.ac.uk