Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness, what is it?

Maria is trained to teach and lead practices with the highest level of safety possible.

Mindfulness and meditation has exploded in the last few years and can be found in nearly every setting such as work, education, recreation and more. Although the practice is considered safe and suitable for most people, occasionally there will be exceptions.

Maria conducts a intake process to assess suitability of sessions for new clients. This takes into account physical and mental health and a history of trauma.

So what is Trauma,

An event or series of events that cause fear and helplessness that impact one’s life adversely. As well as experiencing violence or catastrophic events, witnessing another’s trauma, the fear or threat of a traumatic event happening, even the media can cause one to suffer from trauma related problems. Trauma can be passed down generationally. Trauma can cause lifelong problems impacting all areas of life, mentally and physically. It can lay dormant for a long time and be triggered unexpectedly. Trauma is different for everyone.

However the whole world has been through the trauma of COVID. The whole world is exposed to the trauma of global war. The internet and media are connecting us all to witness the trauma of others even if it’s not directly affecting us.

It is essential Mindfulness teachers are trained to work sensitively with trauma.

Mindfulness will never traumatise, however it may bring past traumatic events to the forefront. For this reason it is essential that Mindfulness teachers are equipped to recognise signs of trauma and respond accordingly.

Maria makes it her priority to continually update her skills and knowledge of trauma so she can adapt her sessions to the individuals specific requirements.

Maria is trained by Reni Brown of The Mind Life Centre for Mindfulness and Compassionate living. Reni is an expert in Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness.

Maria has also attended training with the world leading expert David Treleavan.

Maria is therefore able to offer Mindfulness to a wider group of people without the risk of doing harm.

Life isn’t perfect but it does have perfect moments, you just need to learn how to notice…

Living life in flow for Maria means aligning with the universe by practising meditation and being present throughout her day, good days and bad days.

For Maria being in flow means using the skills she has learnt to emotionally regulate so she can show up and experience life as it really is with a heartfelt wish for kindness to self and others.

Maria uses the words Letsflo as a brain cue. For her that’s a sign to fully focus attention, open to all present experience with no judgment. Letsflo invites compassion and the spirit of universal connection experienced with the breath.

Secular Mindfulness

Secular Mindfulness is the result of science, neuroscience, medicine, psychology, philosophy, education, models of human experience and the history of worldwide contemplative practices.

Secular Mindfulness is a programme of training that addresses universal suffering and develops a decentered way to experience life using present moment awareness and compassion to build greater emotional regulation and equanimity.

Mindful meditation may hold things in common with several contemplative practices . However there is no necessary belief in god or search for spirit needed to engage in practice

Mindfulness respects and allows space for all religion.

The many benefits of meditation

When we sit to meditate, we are looking after ourselves in ways that might not at first seem obvious. The benefits of meditation are numerous and varied, and supported by science. Many people start meditating to manage stress, reduce anxiety, and to cultivate peace of mind. But there are thousands of studies documenting other less-known mindfulness meditation benefits, which can have a positive impact on mental, physical, and emotional health. Read on to find out more about the many health benefits of meditation you may experience when you establish a practice and repeat it consistently.

Mental health benefits of meditation

Most people are likely familiar with the positive side effects of meditation associated with mental health: increased awareness, clarity, compassion, and a sense of calm. Improved focus is another benefit commonly associated with meditation. In fact, one study showed that 4 weeks of using meditation can increase focus by 14%, while another showed that just a single session cuts mind-wandering by 22%.

But there are even more ways meditation can benefit the mind. A study that researchers from John Hopkins University found general meditation programs helped ease psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and pain related to stress. A published study conducted at Google and Roche, in which employees used Meditation for 8 weeks, had similar results: participants reported a 46% reduction in depression and a 31% reduction in anxiety.

That’s not all: Another study showed that 30 days of Mediation resulted in an 11% increase in mental resilience. What’s more, people who Mediatated for just 10 days experienced a 7.5% increase in satisfaction with life. It’s clear that regularly setting aside a few minutes — even one minute — to let go, breathe, and recharge, can go a long way to improve health.