Philosophy

The course is based on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programme developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn and combines the best of Eastern and Western wisdom.

The East teaches us to be in the moment. We can cope with the adversities of the moment or even of one day. When we add to these adversities yesterday’s worries and tomorrow’s fears we break down.

The West teaches us to systematically study the nature of our behaviour.

Mindfulness means being in the moment; being with what is. It enables us to face our daily experiences and adversities with awareness. When you can see your distresses clearly for what they are, you can learn to accept them. In time it could turn out that you had mistakenly taken the rope for a snake, or you can turn this stumbling bloc into a stepping stone. Either way your life will be enriched and more fulfilling.

Jon Kabat-Zinn uses meditation or mindfulness to help thousands of people cope with stress, anxiety, pain and illness. Since the training began 25 years ago thousands of people have taken the course and have shown longterm improvements in their health.

Research has shown that it has a beneficial effect on physical complaints (high blood pressure, chronic pain) as well as psychological states (depression, anxiety, general stress levels.)
It has also been shown to improve the immune system.

You are adviced to read Eckhart Tolle's book 'The Power of Now'. By being in the moment we use our energies wisely.

What is meditation?

• Being mindful.
• Being exactly where you are.
• Letting go of wanting the be somewhere else.
• Being with things as they are.
• Being completely open to the present.
• Paying attention.
• To be in the ever present now.
• Non-doing.