Module 3 - Y: Your Life
Welcome, to module 3.
This module aims to enable you to become aware of how to introduce mindfulness into daily life and the joys of a mindful movement practice.
This course is broken into a series of modules and lessons. On each module page you’ll find a table, just like the one below, where you can see the lessons available to you, and access the content.
To get started, simply click on the first lesson in the list.
When you have finished all of the lessons in the module, you’ll be returned to this page so that you can click “mark complete” under the table, and move to the next module.
Mindfulness in Daily Life
We can do anything and everything mindfully, if we choose.
Strategies to Assist in Remembering to be Mindful
When starting on this work, it is hard to keep remembering to remember. Setting the intention to be mindful engages the brain. The following may be helpful too:
- Laminated cards with a practice by the computer, kettle, mirror etc
- Scheduling it in the diary
- Coloured spots
- Phone apps- there are a multitude
- Every time they do a task e.g. going upstairs, through a doorway
- Enlist help and feedback from those around
- Computer programmes
- Anchoring with a body gesture
- Diary appointments with self
Set the intention to do one thing mindfully each day at work.
Benefits of Mindful Movement
Mindful movements has so many benefits for us. Karen will take you through some of these in the video below.
Mindful Movement Practice
Karen will take you through a 5 min mindful movement practice in the video below.
You can use the script card to guide you through some of the key points.
In your journal...
After each practice spend a little time, perhaps a minute or two, in reflection, noticing what the experience was like, asking yourself questions such as those below.
You may want to make a note of these questions in your journal for ease of reference.
- What did you notice inside your body?
- Did you notice where in your body you felt emotions?
- Were you aware of what was happening in your mind?
- How did you react when you noticed what your mind was doing?
- Did bringing awareness to your thoughts change your experience?
- Is there a familiar pattern emerging here?
- Can you identify your experience with other areas of your life, your relationships for example?
- How do you think it would feel to bring compassion in here?
- How could you transfer what you have learnt through this practice to benefit your life?
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whoever comes.
Because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
Mindful Movement Check in
Take a moment to check your understanding of the content so far. Answer the following 6 questions.
Question 1:
What happens when we accept things as they are?
Question 2:
Name 2 important qualities that a teacher must have to contribute to developing a safe space.
Answer 1
Answer 2
Question 3:
Which part of the autonomic nervous system is responsible for the fight and flight response?
Sympathetic Nervous System
Question 4:
What percentage of the body’s afferent nerves go towards the brain?
Question 5:
What is the name of the bonding hormone that can be released through mindful and compassionate movement?
Oxytocin is the hormone that can be released through mindful and compassionate movement.
Question 6:
What kind of movements might you teach if someone is agitated?