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Mindfulness is about being continuously present with your experiences in an open and curious manner. As with any skill, such as learning to play an instrument, it can take some time to get the hang of. However, with time and practice it will often become a more natural way of being.

What are the benefits of learning mindfulness?

There has been an explosion in mindfulness research in recent years and the benefits are found to be wide ranging. When a person practices mindfulness they spend less time thinking about the past or worrying about the future, which means they are more available to enjoy their life. It is strongly associated with increased life and relationship satisfaction, as it helps people to become less reactive when provoked and to recover faster from a negative mood.

It also has numerous physical health benefits, such as decreased blood pressure, prevention of heart disease and increased immune functioning – so less days spent suffering from a cold each winter! Recent research has shown that many of these outcomes are enhanced when mindfulness is also combined with compassion.

In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, people often turn to mindfulness to help them to unplug, attend to their stress or struggles, and learn to live in the world in a more easeful manner.

Where can people go to learn mindfulness?

People can choose to learn mindfulness individually, or within a group setting, with a trained and experienced practitioner. Victorian Counselling and Psychological Services (VCPS) offers one-to-one appointments privately and under the Medicare Scheme. They also offer mindfulness groups including a Mindful Self-Compassion group.

Are you interested in learning mindfulness? We have a dedicated intake team to answer any questions you have. You can chat with our team in real-time online or give them a call on (03) 9067 8810.

Books we recommend:

  • The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive by Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer
  • The Headspace Guide to Meditation & Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe
  •  10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works by Dan Harris
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