Mindfulness

In today’s frantic race, we have lost the ability to enjoy the moment, to be truly present with what is happening. There is so much information, so many tasks, thoughts racing everywhere, unable to keep up with anything — stress. We worry, fret, fall into depression and anxiety. People all across the Western world feel the same way. The reason for this is our — Westerners’ — way of life, way of thinking. In searching for a solution, a way out, a millennia-old method has been rediscovered, one that is accessible to everyone. It utilizes our own brain’s “built-in” potential for improving its own functioning, thereby improving quality of life. This method is called “Mindfulness” (other translations: presence, observation). At the core of the method is mind training — learning new skills and abilities. This skill is non-judgmental observation — becoming aware of oneself, one’s feelings, thoughts, physical body, as well as the world around us. Though seemingly simple, this method is very deep, complex, all-encompassing, and universal. Although the roots of mindfulness meditation can be found in Buddhism, mindfulness is also applicable entirely outside of any religious context. It is currently widely used in psychotherapy, psychology, general healthcare (for both patients and staff), the military, business, and elsewhere. Research demonstrates that mindfulness training helps:

reduce stress;
improve attention;
increase reaction time and improve mental functioning;
improve immunity;
enhance the ability to cope with negative emotions;
improve mood;
strengthen skills for coping with intense experiences and past traumas;
reduce burnout symptoms;
improve life satisfaction, and so on.

In the lecture, I will talk about mindfulness, how it works, and most importantly — there will also be practical exercises, learning methods and techniques that will allow you to practice mindfulness in daily life. Meanwhile, here is a description of what an unmindful life looks like. Lecture times and locations