What is mindfulness yoga?
Jon Kabat-Zinn, the founder of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Program, describes Mindfulness as
“An awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally. It’s about knowing what is on your mind.”
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Mindfulness provides an awareness that helps us understand ourselves in the present moment. It allows us to be ourselves at this moment in time and not be overwhelmed by what is going on in the environment around us. Mindfulness involves us tuning in to the present moment, instead of tuning out from experience by focusing on the past or worrying about the future.
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Yoga is a practice that uses a variety of poses and exercises, concentration, controlled breathing and meditation to promote health and well-being. Yoga helps us to take care of our body and mind.
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The combination of the disciplines of Mindfulness and Yoga creates a practice to develop the body and mind. Mindfulness Yoga involves yoga poses and exercises with a deliberate focus on breathing and concentrating the mind. Through Mindfulness Yoga, we can manage our physical and emotional state, strengthening our body and mind.
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1. https://www.mindful.org/jon-kabat-zinn-defining-mindfulness/
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The Mindfulness Yoga experience can provide many benefits for the mind as well as the body, including:
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Increases fitness, flexibility, strength and balance
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Heightens awareness of the importance of taking care of your body and mind
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Improves self-image by creating a healthy, strong and positive body image
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Increases brain connectivity that has been linked to improved attention, memory processing and decision making
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Promotes self-awareness and self-confidence
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Helps regulate emotions
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Improves empathy by having a better understanding of feelings
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Reduces symptoms of depression, anxiety and ADHD
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Builds resilience so that you can better cope with stress
what are the benefits?
Mindfulness Yoga is a fun and practical activity for children. Our classes are designed to best support children to develop Mindfulness skills and gain confidence and the understanding to use them in their everyday lives. Our classes are run by Laura, a qualified Primary School teacher, who is passionate about teaching students how to look after their health and wellbeing through Mindfulness Yoga.