Mindfulness

“Breathing in, I calm body and mind. Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment I know this is the only moment.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

MINDFULNESS BASED STRESS REDUCTION

This course is the inspiring and industry standard 8-week ‘gold standard’ Mindfulness course, as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn. It is a skill that can be learnt by anyone, developing awareness and the ability to respond with the choice to challenging situations. Mindfulness allows you to take control of your life rather than being driven by habits you may not even notice.

Methods such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) teach practical skills to help us meet such challenges. By building emotional and mental resilience through simple yet powerful practices, it is possible to improve levels of happiness, concentration and creativity, bolster the immune system and reduce levels of stress and irritability.

The practice of Mindfulness gives people new and effective ways to manage stress, and handle thoughts, moods and emotions more productively. It has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety and chronic pain, enhancing mental, emotional and physical health. The NHS is increasingly recognising the benefits of Mindfulness to combat stress and it is recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) as a treatment option for people with recurrent depression.

The approaches of MBSR and MBCT have been developed by Kabat-Zinn and colleagues at the University of Massachusetts Medical Centre. They are an integration of ancient Buddhist meditation practices and philosophy of mindfulness with current psychological and neuroscientific understanding. The teaching is entirely secular with no religious context and no prior knowledge of Buddhist practices or meditation is needed.

The course is taught by Dr Gail Loudon who has thirty years experience of working in the NHS, including as a GP and elderly care doctor in the hospital. Student numbers are limited to a maximum of six participants per course, so advance booking is essential.

“When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering, like the flame of a lamp in a windless place.”~ Krishna

  • Annie Burchmore
    Since starting Tamsin’s hatha yoga classes a year ago, I have noticed a marked improvement in my balance, core strength and flexibility. Tamsin makes all ages and abilities feel relaxed and welcome and her enthusiasm, warmth and encouragement have created a positive and enjoyable environment in which to practice and learn. I always look forward to my classes and leave feeling calmer, stronger and happier. Thank you.
    Annie Burchmore
  • Sarah Towneley
    Coming to yoga with Tamsin is like going on a mini-holiday every week.
    Sarah Towneley
  • Name withheld
    Please could you let Anneli know how brilliant I think she is as a Pilates teacher. What she does with me is really helping reduce any pain and is increasing my strength and flexibility. Thank you.
    Name withheld
  • Christine Alexander-Smith
    Tamsin is a great tutor, who creates an environment for her students that fosters the spirit of giving everything a go in a safe way. I wholeheartedly recommend Studio Yoga to anyone wanting to increase their flexible and sense of general well-being. The classes are friendly and small and are made up of all ages, sizes and genders. Each session builds on the last; creating a sense of achievement for the student each week.
    Christine Alexander-Smith
  • L.F.
    The Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course has really helped my shoulders and flexibility. I like creating space for me and the calm it gives - thank you.
    L.F.
  • Dagan James
    I, like many many others have suffered years of lower back problems, not helped by being a livestock farmer.
    Last year I had a prolapsed disc. When it eventually eased I went on the yoga for lower backs course.
    It has been hugely beneficial, not only for building physical strength, but also because it gave me the framework for better and quicker recovery when flareups have reoccurred and the mental strength knowing there is a way forward when things go wrong. The course shows an effective and doable way to really reduce back problems. As long as you do your exercises!
    Dagan James
  • Anna Thomas
    It is a necessary pleasure for me to kick-start my week at Studio Yoga. The Monday morning class sets me up for the week ahead.  Tamsin is a dedicated teacher.  Her classes are varied, her instructions clear and she always has an eye on her pupils individual physical requirements making adjustments that enhance their practice.  I highly recommend Studio Yoga.
    Anna Thomas
  • Steve Pollard
    I would highly recommend the Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs course to anyone who suffers with back pain. It certainly has been the most beneficial form of treatment for me and has helped me recover from the most agonising painful back period I've ever had. That now seems to be a distant memory. I am genuinely thrilled I came to Yoga for Healthy Lower Backs.
    Steve Pollard
  • Liz Parsons
    Studio Yoga offers the unique opportunity to attend regular classes in a range of Yoga styles in a tranquil dedicated space. I am particularly pleased to be able to attend workshops led by a resident or visiting teachers offering a more in-depth exploration of Yoga.
    Liz Parsons
    MSTAT Teacher of the Alexander Technique
  • Vicky Liddell
    After 6 years, I still look forward to my weekly yoga session. It sets me up for anything that the week can throw at me.
    Vicky Liddell
  • Emma Todd
    Thank you for a couple of very good years of yoga. I had no experience of yoga before coming to you and you've been a super teacher. I now incorporate yoga into many daily activities - from walking the dogs, working at my to desk, to emptying the washing machine...Your studio is a serene and friendly place, and I've appreciated your immense professionalism and commitment.
    Emma Todd