1. MINDFULNESS FOR HEALTH Living Well with Pain and Illness: A Breathworks-based approach

2. What is Mindfulness? What it IS: A practice of bringing awareness to our present moment experience, with a non-judgemental attitude, and the cultivation of equanimity towards this experience. What it is NOT: A cold, or disengaged, awareness. AversionGrasping UnpleasantPleasant

3. How can mindfulness help? Experience of Pain (e.g. sore back) PRIMARY SECONDARY PhysicalThoughts/Emotions ache tightness sharp twinge inflammed REACT not fair/why me? what will I do if…..? anxiety fear Mindfulness gives us CHOICE, allowing us RESPOND not REACT We can lessen the secondary suffering we experience

4. Mindfulness techniques Breath awareness Meditation Mindful movement Pacing Mindfulness in daily life

5. Meditation What it IS For everyone Training the mind to develop more positive mental and emotional habits Turning awareness towards thoughts, feelings and emotions - direct sensory experience Connecting with self openly and honestly What it is NOT Forcing the mind ‘Pretending’ or disengaging from experience Making the mind blank

6. Helpful resources www.mymindfullife.co.uk http://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/ https://soundcloud.com/vidyamala-prue-burch Mindfulness for Health: A Practical Guide to Relieving Pain, Reducing Stress and Restoring Wellbeing By Danny Penman, Vidyamala Burch.