At Natuurlijk Harmonieus Leven we regularly offer mindfulness trainings in Leiden and Haarlem. Maybe you've heard the word mindfulness In podcasts, at work or through friends. Maybe you've been told by your doctor or other professional that you could look into mindfulness. The term mindfulness is coming up quite often at the moment. But what is it really. Some people think it's something you only need when you're overworked to reduce stress and recover. And this is certainly what it is suitable for. However, it is not the only reason to do mindfulness training. Mindfulness consists of concrete and practical skills and is easy to apply in everyday life. That's why you can benefit from it even if you don't have a burnout.

Mindfulness is a way to experience your daily life consciously, with more resilience and focus,  and with more pleasure. In periods when things are not so good, but also for preventive care and if you just want to live more consciously.

Mindfulness is: being present in the moment

The official definition of mindfulness, as formulated by Jon Kabat-Zinn (founder of the MBSR training), is:

“Mindfulness is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”

In other words, to be consciously present in the here and now, with open attention, without judgment. On one hand that sounds pretty simple, on the other....is it?

In real life, we are often everywhere but in the moment. You probably recognize this:
- You go home and when you get home you don't remember everything from the journey home.
- You're thinking during a conversation about another conversation or what you're going to say next.
- You're in bed, but you can't manage to fall asleep because the thoughts keep going through your head and you're brooding.

Mindfulness helps you step out of that autopilot. This not only makes you notice more, but also allows you to make more conscious choices and experience more peace.

So what does mindfulness provide?

Many people start mindfulness because they experience stress, have trouble sleeping, fret a lot or are more easily overstimulated. But as said, even if you experience fewer or no complaints, mindfulness can be very beneficial:

- You learn to recognize automatic patterns and thoughts and deal with them lovingly and gently
- Make more conscious choices
- Learn to deal with difficult situations and emotions
- Experience less stress
- You are more conscious and attentive in life
- You worry less
- You experience more peace, energy, fun and freedom
- Better attention and focus
- More self-confidence
- Be more resilient in life

Mindfulness has origins in Buddhism, but it is not tied to any religion and is therefore easily accessible to everyone. Western mindfulness training was developed by John Kabat Zinn as a method for dealing with physical and psychological pain. This method has since been scientifically researched by many universities. It has been shown to help with stress and tension symptoms, as well as being effective with recurring symptoms of depression.

Mindfulness at Natural Harmonious Life

The 8-week mindfulness training courses in Leiden and Haarlem, are the scientifically based programs. It is very practical and “down to earth”, so it is also good to use in your daily life. There are attention (meditation) exercises, accessible movement exercises, observation and reflection exercises, exercises from cognitive behavioral psychology and explanations of, for example, stress, fixed patterns and negative thinking. And you practice being conscious in life with mild acceptance and compassionate kindness.

The group is small where a safe atmosphere is important and you don't have to know anything “mindful” yet. You just come as you are.

Is it for you?

Most people who start with us say something like:
"I know it can't go on like this.... but how can I make it work?"
"I fret quite a lot and when I've slept, I still feel tired."
"I'd like to experience more peace and enjoy myself more, but I don't know how."
Or:
"I do everything for everyone, but who actually takes care of me?"

Frequently asked questions about mindfulness:

1. Do I have to meditate?
The exercises we do often focus on practicing attention and being in the now. We practice sitting meditation, walking meditation and other forms of attention exercises. There will be a variety of exercises, so you can try out what suits you. But mindfulness does not consist only of meditations. For example, there are also observation and reflection exercises, exercises from cognitive behavioral psychology and movement exercise.

2. Is it spiritual?
No, not in the sense of religious or woolly. We work with down-to-earth exercises and insights that are accessible to everyone. Also, it is a scientifically researched method, which is still being studied. It shows that it helps with stress and tension symptoms, as well as being effective with recurring symptoms of depression.

Nothing woo-woo, no incense or candles, no Buddha statues, special clothing or trance (although of course you may choose any of these things at home if you wish). The meditation exercises that are part of mindfulness focus on the here and now and bringing your attention to yourself.

3. Is it suitable when I'm busy?
Yes, especially then it is suitable. The training helps you cope better with busyness without "adding another thing."

Mindfulness, however, is not a “quick fix” method. It's like exercising. If you don't exercise regularly, nothing happens. It works the same way with mindfulness. So practicing for 30-45 minutes 6-7 times a week is what is asked of you during mindfulness training.

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Please check the website to see if a mindfulness training in Leiden or Haarlem starts soon.

www.natuurlijkharmonieusleven.nl/mindfulness-cursus

Any questions? Feel free to send me a message. I like to think along with you.