Meditation is simply paying attention, on purpose to the present moment with as little judgment and as much compassion as you can engage.
Meditation is exercise for the mind, training your attention and focus perhaps using an anchor such as the breath or sensations in the body.
Mindfulness is present moment awareness embodying the 9 attitudes:
Gratitude
Beginners mind
Non judgment
Patience
Trust
Non striving
Acceptance
Letting go
Generosity.
Guided meditation describes a type of meditation led by a teacher, in person or via audio or video.
When starting out, having an expert lead you through the basic steps of your meditation practice is recommended. Whatever skill we are learning in life, having an experienced teacher we can trust and relate to is important. But when it comes to exploring the intricacies and subtleties of the mind, it is not just important but essential.
It’s always a good idea to first understand what we’re trying to achieve through meditation before we embark on what is a journey of a lifetime. In a traditional meditation, meditation students are first taught how to view the contents of the mind and how best to approach the different exercises, to know how to get the best from their practice. Next, they are taught how to practice meditation, to become more proficient. Then comes the integration — learning how to fold the calm and clarity developed during meditation into everyday life.
In a guided meditation, a narrator or teacher explains the dynamics of the mind and how it’s likely to behave during meditation. (This is the approach.) The teacher may also explain meditation techniques. (This is the practice.) Finally, the teacher may explain how to take these techniques into everyday life. (This is the integration.)
Mindfulness involves awareness and acceptance of ones body sensations, thoughts, feelings and emotions without often usual judgment.
Mindfulness addresses the suffering of ones self and others by turning towards it in a kindly attentive way.
Compassion is a conscious choice, something to be practiced.
Compassion is caring for suffering with a heart felt wish for it to ease.
Paying attention and feeling Compassion may not come naturally, but what we practice does become stronger.
Science can prove through neuroplasticity how our Mindfulness practice is shaping our brains in the same way that physical repetition can shape the body.
Self Compassion involves kindness towards all our feelings such as anger, sadness, jealousy, frustration... these are all human forms of suffering that can be met with an inquisitive welcome, a wish to make sense of their message.
Self compassion is not to be confused with self cherishing whereby you automatically put ones self first and cling to attachments. However as you spend more time with yourself than anyone else you have most opportunities to practice and train your brain in compassion with yourself first, making the mind muscle strong enough to want to show compassion for all.
This is where compassion differs from self cherishing, it’s an equal, universal wish to relieve all suffering and for all to thrive.
Learn to manage feelings and thoughts with the lifelong skill of everyday mindfulness, any time of the day.
Join Our Mindfulness Community
Sunday Session
Looking for a way to unwind and prepare for the week ahead?
Join our online drop-in mindfulness sessions every Sunday evening at 7 PM. Our 45-minute sessions are perfect for anyone wanting to let go of the past week and welcome the new one with an open heart.
These Sunday Sessions are donation based, pay what you like or can.
To Book, please send your contact details; Name, Telephone Number to: enquiries@letsflomindfully.co.uk and I will reply to you asap.
or
applied to Psychological Trauma
A minimum of 8 one-to-one therapy sessions
to help traumatized people overcome difficulty by finding some acceptance, recognizing what there life values are and then learning to lean into and commit to those values. It is a very holistic which looks at mental and physical health together.
Learn to invite more Flo into life using mindful meditation.
5 week gentle introduction to meditation.
Available to individuals, groups and bespoke corporate packages tailored for different sectors.
Ideal for beginners or experienced meditators. Suitable for anyone wishing to fully immerse themselves and receive the countless benefits of meditation and a mindful lifestyle.
Available to individuals, groups and bespoke corporate packages tailored for different sectors.
• A child friendly fusion of Mindfulness Now, MBSR and MBCT
• Flexible enough to meet the needs of individual children and different age groups
• Adaptable for working in informal groups or working 1:1
Mindfulness with Teenagers and Young Adults
With mental health problems on the rise, it is said that around half of all lifetime mental health problems start by the mid-teens and three-quarters by the mid-twenties, according to documentation published by Public Health England, 2019.
According to Mental Health Foundation, mindfulness can be used as a tool to manage your wellbeing and mental health1. Some people call mental health ‘emotional health’ or ‘wellbeing’. We all have times when we feel down, stressed or frightened; most of the time those feelings pass, but sometimes they develop into a more serious problem, and this could happen to any one of us.
It’s important to maintain your mental health but being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem. With good mental health, you can:
• Make the most of your potential
• Cope with life
• Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends
One-to-One Trauma Sensitive Equine Assisted Mindfulness Sessions
These bespoke one to one Sessions take place in the beautiful natural setting of the equine establishment.
Experience all the benefits of Mindfulness sessions with the added therapeutic nature of the horses.
I share my lifelong therapeutic relationship with horses and the healing nature of Mindfulness.
Sessions include equine related activities to deepen the knowledge of how to live mindfully to reduce stress and build emotional resilience.
Research by Cambridge University and published in the journal Nature Mental Health shows that individuals taking part in 6 sessions of Mindfulness will experience reduced anxiety and depression for up to six months after.
One-to-One Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness Sessions
What does Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness actually mean?
8 weeks Mindfulness Based Stress reduction 2hr sessions with parenting and childcare giving central to the programme.
6 weeks of Mindfulness informed and meditations for women experiencing perimenopause through to post.
Courses available to individuals, groups and bespoke corporate packages tailored for different sectors.
“I would highly recommend Maria's mindfulness classes. All aspects of her teaching are incredibly interesting and the sessions are insightful and empowering. Maria's delivery is fun and engaging and she instantly makes everyone feel at ease.
I have enjoyed learning the breathing and meditation exercises.
I have found them incredibly useful tools for everyday life situations with extremely positive results”
Emma Biscard
“I enjoy Maria’s approach to teaching mindfulness, she has a really lovely voice.
The course made me look at myself in a different perspective, I can handle my stress or any worry in a different way, made me realise that I shouldn’t go into auto pilot and I can just try to be aware of my surroundings.
I’ve found that the breathing techniques taught have helped considerably - especially when I can’t sleep.
Highly recommended”
Alice Carpenter
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