Mindfulness / meditation
Discussion
Is there anywhere one can learn mindfulness or meditation (i.e. relaxation techniques) without having to pay the earth to a consultant/alternative therapist/whatever, or join a religion?
I'm not having much luck with google, and currently the only option I've found involves paying mega bucks for the priviledge for 1 to 1 "consultations".
ETA I'm particularly thinking about the West Mids area, but am interested generally as well.
I'm not having much luck with google, and currently the only option I've found involves paying mega bucks for the priviledge for 1 to 1 "consultations".
ETA I'm particularly thinking about the West Mids area, but am interested generally as well.
Edited by oldbanger on Wednesday 3rd February 23:44
What do you consider is not paying the earth?
If you want to learn basic mindful meditation, then next time you do something mundane, focus on each movement eg when washing dishes, focus on which plate you will select next, then think about how it feels when the hot water covers it, and concentrate on every wipe to remove the dirt, rather than just wiping it and thinking of problems at work.
That's £200, please.
If you want to learn basic mindful meditation, then next time you do something mundane, focus on each movement eg when washing dishes, focus on which plate you will select next, then think about how it feels when the hot water covers it, and concentrate on every wipe to remove the dirt, rather than just wiping it and thinking of problems at work.
That's £200, please.
Got your mail thanks.
Well not paying the earth involves not having to pay out £125 per session, only for the consultant to tell me I need to buy and read a book.
I get the basic principles of mindfulness meditation and have had a go, but would like to go further, particularly in terms of things like breathing exercises. I want to learn this as I thought it might be helpful for insomnia and stress related back pain, things with have both returned after a long absence.
However, I would like to a) try it with other people and b) have the opportunity of trying it in a more condusive environment (rather than having to wait until late and the kid's asleep etc). The other problem is that whilst you can get instructional CDs, I don't have a CD player other than the one in the lap top, and the lappie's on it's last legs (won't charge whilst in use, and holds maybe an hour charge tops).
Well not paying the earth involves not having to pay out £125 per session, only for the consultant to tell me I need to buy and read a book.
I get the basic principles of mindfulness meditation and have had a go, but would like to go further, particularly in terms of things like breathing exercises. I want to learn this as I thought it might be helpful for insomnia and stress related back pain, things with have both returned after a long absence.
However, I would like to a) try it with other people and b) have the opportunity of trying it in a more condusive environment (rather than having to wait until late and the kid's asleep etc). The other problem is that whilst you can get instructional CDs, I don't have a CD player other than the one in the lap top, and the lappie's on it's last legs (won't charge whilst in use, and holds maybe an hour charge tops).
ShadownINja said:
Holy crap. I am charging too little - I actually teach various meditation techniques but charge a fifth of that price!! YHPM! 
Well to be fair, I am paying for something else, and for over an hour, but they're pushing this too, and it looks like it would be useful, but not at that price.I'm getting mindfulness 'instruction' from of all people a physiotherapist at the local psychiatric hospital. My anxiety levels have gone sky high since I finished my cancer treatment - I feel on my own and am 'fascinated' by the thought of dying - my projected 5 year survival rate means I have a 1 in 3 chance of not being here in 4 years, so I was referred to a psychiatrist who has in turn referred me for physio which consists of relaxation exercises and the mindfulness sessions.
May be a route worth trying?
May be a route worth trying?
Broomsticklady said:
I'm getting mindfulness 'instruction' from of all people a physiotherapist at the local psychiatric hospital. My anxiety levels have gone sky high since I finished my cancer treatment - I feel on my own and am 'fascinated' by the thought of dying - my projected 5 year survival rate means I have a 1 in 3 chance of not being here in 4 years, so I was referred to a psychiatrist who has in turn referred me for physio which consists of relaxation exercises and the mindfulness sessions.
May be a route worth trying?
Good luck with it! You should find a local Macmillan centre who will do things like yoga and tai chi classes plus massage and other therapies completely free of charge. Many hospitals have these centres.May be a route worth trying?
ShadownINja said:
Just had a thought. You could find a local Buddhism centre as they would likely teach mindful meditation techniques - I think the concept of such meditation stems from Buddhist practices.
Quite by coincidence, I found a Buddhist class within drivable distance that started this week. It wasn't overtly religious either, so we'll see how it goes.oldbanger said:
ShadownINja said:
Just had a thought. You could find a local Buddhism centre as they would likely teach mindful meditation techniques - I think the concept of such meditation stems from Buddhist practices.
Quite by coincidence, I found a Buddhist class within drivable distance that started this week. It wasn't overtly religious either, so we'll see how it goes.Gassing Station | Health Matters | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff