The Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation course in Canberra includes two 90 minute classes with certified mindfulness teacher, Neil Shepherd, downloadable guided mindfulness meditations and a 46-page guidebook and a money-back guarantee.

“I am so glad I did the course and would recommend it to everyone.”
— Rosie Smith

“The research tells us that practising mindfulness does have some benefits for mental health wellbeing and for managing depression and anxiety.” — Dr Grant Blashki GP – Beyond Blue Australia

“Thank goodness I came across Mindfulness Works. I have learnt so much in a year and am the happiest, authentic and content I have ever been. Learning acceptance without judgement as been an eye opener for me. I’m continuing my journey of self compassion and feel excited and hopeful for my future, but am grateful of the now and who I am today…” — Rebecca Young

“Mindfulness helps you to keep your thoughts in the present moment. As you practice, you tend to get better at calming the mind and keeping things in perspective.” — Dr Grant Blashki GP, Beyond Blue Australia

“Since doing this course, I have been sleeping much better, I feel much more in control of my emotions, I have enjoyed ‘noticing’ my own state, but also it has transferred to everything around. This means I am re-enjoying many things that I had been taking for granted.” — Sandy Good

Neil is a very experienced and qualified mindfulness educator who loves making a difference and helping people thrive!

Neil trained with Dr. Joe Dispenza and studied the neuroscience behind mindfulness and meditation, and trained with Dr. Russ Harris in mindfulness-based ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy). He completed Google’s Search Inside Yourself Leadership program and is a Peaceful Kids and Peaceful Parents facilitator.

He is an internationally certified HeartMath™ resilience and stress management coach and mentor and helps build awareness, personal resilience and stress management skills using advanced resilience building and science-backed techniques with biofeedback.

The various mindfulness practices learnt over the past 20 years are an integral part of Neil’s life. He loves learning and growing and helping people develop invaluable life skills especially in times where self-awareness, self-regulation, stress management and resilience are so important. He believes that life is to experience, not to struggle with!

“Neil has a warmth about him that allows one to feel quickly at ease.  He’s knowledgeable in all aspects of mindfulness and has been an informal mentor to me since I started as a Facilitator with Mindfulness Works Australia.  I’ve recently attended one of his courses on The Neuroscience of Mindfulness, wanting to increase my knowledge about the brain, mindfulness and ‘the science’ behind it all.  Neil delivered an excellent presentation which was enjoyed by all present. I would highly recommend Neil and am confident of his ability to impart his knowledge and wisdom on whatever Inner Synergy workshops you choose to attend. Thanks Neil.” 

Michelle Ryan

“I completed Neil’s advanced mindfulness course and I absolutely loved it. I cannot recommend it highly enough. I am now doing daily mindfulness and meditation practices which is calming my mind and impacting all aspects of my life. 1000 minutes so far according to the insight timer app. Neil is a fabulous teacher with lots of practical sessions each week. Thank you so much.

Michele Chaseling 

“I thoroughly enjoyed attending Neil’s Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation.

It was delivered in a professional and caring way and I have already benefited by applying the principles.

I 100% recommend this course to anyone wanting to expand their learning and application of this proven technique in day to day life.”

Nenad Vidovic 

“Doing one on one coaching with Neil absolutely changed my life. It was the biggest investment I had ever made into myself.  Over the weeks i learn’t so much about my triggers and behaviours and how my mindset and reaction to certain situations was contributing to my mental health. I am honestly a different person I am aware of my thoughts and as Neil would say just notice what they are without reacting. After the 4 weeks I felt my body settle and I was able to manage my life better. It made me realise that I set the temperament of how I feel. 

Neil is fantastic at facilitating the course. He always spent the time to explain things so that I would understand it. He would also check in every now and then to follow up on my progress.

I received a wealth of information that I decided after the course I wanted to continue the coaching as the benefits were life changing. Highly recommend the sessions.” 

Jacinta 

“I feel calmer. I am able to use techniques when my triggers go off. Using the meditation at night has allowed me to get a better night’s sleep.” — Sue Mathew

Week 1: What is Mindfulness?

• What mindfulness is
• The benefits of mindfulness and meditation
• How to get the most from the course
• Guided body scan mindfulness meditation
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 1: Working with the Mind

• Why thinking can be problematical
• Practical ways to work with difficult thoughts
• Self-judgement and how to intervene
• Guided mindfulness meditation – counting the breath
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 2: Working with Emotions

• What are emotions?
• Learning to feel emotions
• The RAIN method
• Non-judgement and acceptance
• Guided mindfulness meditation on feelings
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 2: Radical Acceptance

• What it means to be present
• How wanting causes stress
• Developing wisdom and insight
• Authentic self-compassion
• Open awareness guided mindfulness meditation
• Questions and answers / discussion
• Next steps.

“Using mindfulness to help me better manage unrelenting anxiety, obsessive worrying & sadness. I have found that using the apps is helpful when having a stressful day, & I intend to keep practicing daily. Thank you.” — Cecily Wilson

“Huge reduction in anxiety, calmness of mind and body and empowerment over my symptoms.” — Jo Kirwan

“The course was very relaxed and friendly, and full of useful practical advice that recognised the limits to time that everyone faces. Also I liked the mix of people attending, with a range of different reasons for being there.” — Rosie Cree

“Since doing this course, I have been sleeping much better, I feel much more in control of my emotions, I have enjoyed ‘noticing’ my own state, but also it has transferred to everything around. This means I am re-enjoying many things that I had been taking for granted.” — Sandy Good

“The course guidebook was a useful guide and very informative. I also enjoyed the formal practice and the way different strategies were explained.” — Linda Daniell

Refund and Transfer Policy

• Full refunds are available up to one week before a course starts.
• Free transfers to other courses are available up to one week before a course starts.
• Once a course has started, full refunds are only available if you attend every class of the course and feel you have not got value. In this case you are entitled to and will be given a full refund.
• Refunds are not given if you do not attend every class of the course and if you simply ‘do not like’ the course or decide ‘it is not for you’.
• For more details about our refund and transfer policy, please read our FAQ.

How long is each weekly class and what happens?

Each class is one hour long. There will be a guided meditation for a period. This will include meditation instruction. After the meditation and instruction, there will be a talk or discussion. This includes a question and answer time.

Who is it suitable for?

This course is suitable for any of the following:

• 18-year-olds and over
• Beginners
• People who have never meditated or practised mindfulness before
• People who have just started meditating or practising mindfulness.