The Background and Science of Mindfulness

Mindfulness meditation has it’s roots in all contemplative practices and the benefits have been well documented especially in the past 30 years when Jon Kabat-Zinn established the Mindfulness based Stress Reduction courses that has led to the wide-spread acceptance of these non-religious, practical exercises anyone can do, that give immediate relief from stress and anxiety ( and more).
When we are experiencing anxiety, fear, negative emotions our blood ( oxygen) rushes to the limbic system ( emotional area of our brains) away from the frontal cortex ( thinking area) and we become confused. With a few purposeful breaths where we put our full attention on the breathing process, the blood returns to the frontal cortex away from the limbic system and our emotional reactivity calms down and we experience greater mental and emotional clarity and balance.
“Practicing Mindfulness has been shown to alter the structure and function of the brain, which is what allows us to learn, acquire new abilities, and improve memory.” DR. ROMIE MUSHTAQ
Mindfulness trains the mind to be observant and responsive to the many challenges we face every day.
Harvard, Oxford and Stanford Universities offer Mindfulness courses. Mindfulness is not just a trend but a proven method for success.
“Rita is a fabulous facilitator – she made us feel extremely comfortable, was open minded
and encouraged us all to share from our diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. I came
away with many very practical, easy to use exercises that I have since been using with with my
classes of various ages.
Thank you Rita for gifting me such a wonderful and enjoyable afternoon of learning”.
-Louise Dore, Auckland
“When I am trying to get to sleep I use the body scan. It really works!”
Student, James Cook High, Auckland
‘The body scan felt relaxing and calm which took all the anger away”.
Year 5 student, Dilworth Junior, Auckland
Why Mindfulness?
Evidence based results from around the world continue to show that the regular practice of Mindfulness has ongoing benefits for physical and mental health. Research over the past few decades has found that Mindfulness training helps to;

Relieve Anxiety & Stress
In our fast paced lives, where we rush from one demand to another, there is very little time or space to stop and pause. Mindfulness offer the tools needed to connect with our inner intelligence where we can access natural calmness beneath the busy minds.

Let go of Anger & Frustration
Coming in contact with your direct experience in the mindful state allows us to become familiar with the patterns that direct our lives; our thoughts, emotions and reactions.

OVERCOME WORRYING
& NEGATIVE THINKING
Pain is an inevitable part of being human but suffering is optional. In Mindfulness we learn how to manage our thoughts and emotions instead of letting emotions and thoughts manage us.

STOP INNER CHATTER
Aimless thinking and inner chatter is draining our energy and clouding over the present moment. One of the most common benefits from regular Mindfulness training is greater mental clarity and a new sense of inner peace.

Have Better Sleep
To be able stop incessant thinking and worrying is one of the great benefits of Mindfulness. Using the body scan at bedtime has proved again and again successful in calming an agitated mind helping the body sink into a restful, untroubled sleep.

STOP LIVING IN THE PAST
Mindfulness practices increasingly bring you more into the present with the growing awareness that going over the past keeps you stuck in the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mindfulness is a way of noticing where your attention is in the present moment without judging it good or bad. It’s about not wandering off into an imagined future or going over the past but fully engaging right here right now.
Through guided, simple easy-to-do practisies you are training the mind to be more present in the moment. resulting in it to be less anxious, more alert and alive.
- Who over-thinks
- Thinks anxiously as a regular behavior.
- Stressed people
- People who engage in constant negative self-talk
- People who can’t sleep because of incessant inner chatter
- People who operate on ‘auto-pilot’ and are always ‘on’..
NON RELIGIOUS
There is no religion, dogma or beliefs attached to Mindfulness. Mindfulness has it’s roots in many contemplative practices but doesn’t require or impose on anyones belief systems. It’s a mental activity that has proven to be of great benefit for maintaining physical, mental and emotional balance.
Evidence Based
The many benefits of Mindfulness have been well documented especially in the past 30 years since Jon Kabat-Zinn established the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction programme that has led to the wide-spread, evidence based research and the acceptance of these non-religious, practical exercises anyone can do.
MINDFULNESS FOR EVERYONE
Mindfulness practice doesn’t require any preparation or beforehand knowledge about meditation. Anyone can experience the effect from these simple exercises.