A mindfulness training takes 8 weeks, which is a significant investment and requires commitment. That might raise questions. Below you will find the most frequently asked questions with the corresponding answers. Is your question not included? Feel free to contact me to ask me your question directly.
How do I know the training is suitable for me?
That’s hard to say. It is a practical training; you only really experience something when you start working with it. What you might want to check is whether you have any affinity with the approach to mindfulness. You can find more about the background of mindfulness under mindfulness, under the group training or under the individual training.
Mindfulness is not so much about changing situations, your surroundings or yourself, it’s mainly about noticing what situations -especially difficult situations- do to you: what do you feel in your body, what thoughts and emotions are there.
Mindfulness means being fully aware of the current experience. Other words for ‘mindfulness’ are ‘perceptiveness’ or ‘attention’.
Research shows that mindfulness ensures a higher quality of life and that it causes positive changes in cognitive and neurobiological functioning. Mindfulness also transforms the way a person looks at themselves and the world and subsequently responds to it. This broad effectiveness ensures that mindfulness is of great value to many people.
What kind of exercises are done during the training?
The training consists of eight sessions of approx. 2 hours, a practice day (silence day) and exercises at home. Each session has its own theme.
The training lasts eight weeks: a period that is well foreseeable. In addition, it has been proven that such a practice period is long enough for lasting effects. The exercises focus on our breathing, the body, the senses and the mind.
The mindfulness training is mainly a practical training. You learn by doing. Parts include: body scan meditation, lying and standing movements (yoga), and walking and sitting meditations. Afterwards there is room for discussing your experiences. By looking closely at your experiences, your awareness sharpens and insights can emerge.
In addition we discuss theoretical aspects such as stress, worrying or dealing with awkward situations and how to deal with them better.
I want to do the training, but I already know I can’t make all the dates. Does it make sense to participate?
The 8-week training has a specific internal structure. It is therefore important to participate in each session. In general, a single absence can be bridged – by mutual agreement – but several absences really reduce the effectiveness of the programme.
Is it necessary to do exercises every day?
During the training you practice the ability to be more aware of where you are with your attention. When learning any skill, practice is essential, therefore also during this training. You learn by doing and repeating it.
During the 8 weeks it is important to practice daily at home. Reserve about three quarters of an hour a day for this. Of course, during the eight weeks there will be days when it doesn’t work out, consider that the exercise. It is advisable to make the intention in advance to practice on a daily basis. You take out what you put in! Therefore, check your agenda and make a realistic estimate. If your assessment is positive, commit yourself to it. You do this training for yourself, if you reserve time during the 8 weeks of training, it is easier afterwards to reserve this as me-time.
Do I have to wear special clothes during the meetings?
Just wear easy-fitting clothes. Since we meditate without shoes, it might be nice to bring warm socks, and maybe a warm cardigan.
I want to do the training, but I’m also in therapy. Is this going to work together?
In principle, yes. In general, it is not recommended to start training in a hectic period of your life. That’s why it’s good that the therapy has come into calmer water. Talk to your practitioner if this training will stand in the way of your recovery.
I’m on medication. Does this stand in the way of participation?
In general, if you can currently function in everyday life, you can also participate in the training. Ask yourself practical questions such as: can you concentrate reasonably while listening or reading? Do you have enough energy to come to the sessions and practice at home?
If you have any doubts as to whether your medication or mental functioning is currently getting in the way of longer (meditation) exercises, discuss this with the practitioner who prescribed these medications.
I have a physical disability. Does this stand in the way of participation?
In principal no. However Annes Ademruimte is situated on the 2nd floor (without an elevator). The training is aimed at learning to deal better with your current life, including any limitations. Discuss this with me or with your practitioner. For each restriction there are customized ways to do the training. After all, meditating is also possible on a chair.
What will be discussed of my personal life during training?
That’s up to you. It’s a training, not therapy: the conversations are about the practice experience, not your life history.
Can I apply what I learned after 8 weeks?
At the end of the 8-week training, It is up to you how you want to get on with what you have learned. During the training you have gained insight about your own functioning, experience with what mindfulness has to offer, taking care of yourself and how to apply mindfulness in your daily life. The last part of the course is aimed at integrating mindfulness into your daily life. Living more consciously and with attention. Many participants integrate meditation and attention exercises into their daily lives. There is also the possibility to participate in deepening courses and return days.
Is your question not included?
Check mindfulness, group training or the individual training. If you haven’t found your answer, please feel free to contactme.
