What is Mindfulness and Meditation?

Mindfulness is a simple and practical way to learn to observe our thoughts, rather than be trapped by them and worrying about the past or the future.

Meditation is where we sit still undistracted for a period of time and practice being mindful

“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 and Beyond Blue’s (beyondblue.org.au) lead Clinical Advisor

The Top 3 Benefits of Mindfulness and Meditation

Less stress and anxiety. With practice and over time, mindfulness and meditation reduce the amount of stress and anxiety we experience. This occurs because a) we are taking time out of our day to relax and not be distracted by family, work and other obligations and b) we learn practical skills for working with difficult mental states so they have less negative impact on us.

More self-acceptance. Mindfulness allows us to realise we are perfectly OK just as we are, right here and right now. This OKness includes feelings our feelings of unworthiness, shame, guilt and feeling like we need to change.  We understand and realise for ourselves that is OK to not feel OK and difficult emotions, feelings and life-circumstances are not proof we have somehow failed.

Better sleep. Many people experience better sleep when they practice meditation. This is simply the result of relaxing through meditation on a daily basis. The more relaxed we become, the easier it is to sleep.

The Top 3 Myths about Mindfulness and Meditation

MYTH #1 – You need to stop your thoughts to meditate. You do not need to stop thinking when you practice mindfulness and meditation. Thinking is a natural part of being human. Instead of trying to stop our thoughts, we learn to observe our thoughts. By observing our thoughts instead of being trapped in them, we reduce the amount of anxiety and stress we experience.

MYTH #2 – You need to sit cross-legged on the floor to meditate. You do not need to sit in any particular position to practice meditation. You can sit on a chair, you can lie on your back or you can stand to practice meditation. Mindfulness can be practised throughout our day, even when we are engaged in conversation.

MYTH #3 – You need to chant, pray, believe in a religion to practice meditation. You do not need to chant, pray or believe in any religion to practice mindfulness and meditation. Mindfulness and meditation can be practiced and you can enjoy it’s benefits no matter what religious background you have, including if you are 100% non-religious. The practice does not rely on any dogma, beliefs or religion. This is why many psychologists offer mindfulness in their practices for their clients.

The Science Behind Mindfulness

Many peer-reviewed scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of both mindfulness and meditation in terms of reducing stress and anxiety and improving mental health. Read how mindfulness works and what the science says.

“Multiple scientific studies have demonstrated effects of mindfulness on wellbeing, as well as effects of mindfulness on brain function and brain structure. The neuroscience community accepts these facts. There is no debate surrounding the potential for mindfulness to deliver positive benefits for individuals and organisations.” – Dr. Bechara Saab, PhD Neuroscientist, Mobio CEO

“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

Learn Mindfulness and Meditation From Mindfulness Works.

Practical and non-religious mindfulness and meditation courses for absolute beginners. Find a course near you now.

“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

✔ Full length 4 week course so you can practice and report back

✔ Includes 4 week subscription to the full version of the CALM premium mindfulness and meditation app

✔ 100% live, engaging and interactive learning environment. Max 20 people per course

✔ No risk money-back guarantee; if you attend all the classes and don’t feel you have received any benefit get your money back

✔ Facilitated by Australian-based mindfulness experts

✔ Exclusive 46-page guidebook including weekly assignments, in-depth articles and a reading list.

✔ Over 15 guided downloadable guided meditations for you to keep.

✔ No religion. No dogma. No funny positions. Practical and non-religious course.

✔ Designed for absolute beginners

“Thank goodness I came across Mindfulness Works. I have learnt so much in a year and have the happiest, authentic and content that I have ever been. By learning acceptance without judgement has been an eye opener for me.” — Rebecca Young

Mindfulness Works is the largest mindfulness training organisation in Australia. Over 15,000 people have completed the Mindfulness Works Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation 4-week course.

Mindfulness Works is committed to:

• Providing accessible and affordable mindfulness courses.
• Offering a diverse range of experienced and skilled mindfulness trainers.
• Providing courses in a practical format with exceptional supporting resources.
• Improving the mental health of all of us and fostering self-love in all.
• Supporting our facilitators with options for further professional development.

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

“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

“Mindfulness is now my go-to tool when I’m overwhelmed or need to re focus.” — Biljana Rufati