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FAQs
Is Mindfulness easy to learn and to put into practice?
It is fairly easy to learn how to be mindful, however, like any new skill, it takes time to integrate the various meditations and principles in one’s life. It requires a degree of motivation, patience and time commitment. However, the benefits greatly outgrow the commitment involved. It is similar to learning a musical instrument or learning to swim.
I understand that mindfulness comes from the Buddhist tradition. I am uncomfortable about the ‘spiritual’ aspects of the course.
The courses are taught in a secular, non-religious way.
What if I cannot attend all of the classes?
During each session you are introduced to a new meditation practice and ‘mindfulness skill’ that build on from the previous weeks. If you have to miss a session, we will send you details of what it has been covered in that week via email. It is best to always commit to participate in the first and the last session of the course. Attending a minimum of 6 out of 8 weeks will make it easier for you to catch up on what you have missed. If you would like to receive a certificate of attendance for the course, attendance to 6 out of 8 sessions is the minimum expected.
How much practice is expected in between sessions?
The home practice is the most essential part of the course and Mindfulness works well when you put in the time to practice in between the sessions. In this course it is suggested a minimum of 20 minutes per day, for six days per week. If is not possible for you to put aside this amount of time each day, when you are considering the course, we would suggest you wait until you have more time.
Will I need to talk about my personal situation in the group?
No, it is up to you that you would like to share during each session and whatever you share is under the group agreement of confidentiality. There are times during each session where the teacher will encourage sharing of experiences; however, there is no pressure to share in a group and you can talk to your teacher privately after the session if you wish to do so. The group format is designed to be supportive and compassionate and overtime participants find it easier to share.
Is Mindfulness right for me?
Mindfulness is not a quick fix for all health conditions and it is not for everyone. If you are currently experiencing on-going low-level anxiety, long-term stress and/or deflated mood, or simply you would like to integrate Mindfulness in your life for well-being, better quality of relationships or more balance, than the Mindful Living and Sustainable Wellness course is for you. The above training a is trauma sensitive and informed. The meditations suggested can be customised to best suit your needs to feel well and to self-regulate your emotions and mental states.
However, the course is not suitable if you are currently going through episodes of acute depression or other severe mental-health disturbances including PTSD or psychosis, as it would be difficult for you to take advantage of its beneficial effects. In these cases, we suggest you wait until you are better before taking the course. Please email us prior to booking on the course if you are unsure.
I have started learning mindfulness using a book or an app at home.
Is there any benefit in attending an 8-week course?
We sometimes hear from people who've started with one of the books or an app that they have trouble in getting their practice started or maintaining it. In those cases, it can be helpful to have the structure/commitment of the eight-week course, the support of a teacher and the group interaction. There is a lot of experiential practice in the sessions and as homework in between, so you'll really have a chance to build a practice, which might prove too demanding otherwise. There is also a lot of value in hearing other people's experiences, thus doing the course in a group can be quite nurturing and stimulating.
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How many other people will be on my course?
Courses take part in small groups. The number of people on the group course can vary, with an average of 10. In order to achieve an optimum group dynamic, we ordinarily require a minimum of 8 participants and a maximum of 12. We occasionally make exceptions where we consider it suitable for the group.
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Are there concession rates available?
Our prices are kept quite low and we also offer payment by instalments. We have few concessionary places available at 20% discount from the standard fee and ask participants who would like to receive the discount to apply as early as possible. We will ask to complete a short questionnaire to verify eligibility for the course and the discounted rates. You may also be able to receive some help from your employer. We have found that some employers will release people from work to attend our courses, and in some cases will fund all or part of the course for them.
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I am having trouble finding the information I need on the website. Who do I contact?
Please contact Daniela Coronelli Email: EcoLW.info@gmail.com Telephone: 07941 841555; 01803 862653
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Do you provide any further support to continue practicing mindfulness meditation after the 8-week course?
Yes. We provide monthly online classes on the second Monday of the month for people beyond the 8-week course as well as group Mindfulness Day retreats, in person. We also offer 1-2-1 mindfulness coaching.
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What is the latest I can book?
For admin purposes it is helpful people book as early as possible, so we are clear that you are fully informed and prepared for the course. We ask a minimum of 8 days prior to the starting date. This gives us enough time for us to fully review your personal history, in the booking form, to ensure the course is right for you. It is not possible to join a course after the starting day.
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Do you need any information from me prior to the course starting?
We do require that each participant completes a brief personal history questionnaire, which is a part of your booking form. This will allow us to be aware of any issues that we need to be sensitive to during the course and to arrange a follow up call, if necessary. If you have navigated away from the booking form you can ACCESS THE COMBINED BOOKING FORM & QUESTIONNAIRE HERE
I’ve booked my course but haven't received any further information?
Once you have booked your course you will receive a receipt via email within 48 hours. If you have not received this please check your spam before contacting us. A minimum of 24-hours before the start of the course we will email you with further course details, including Zoom login information if you are doing an online course. Please note, we are a two-people team and will get back to you as soon as possible. Your patience is greatly appreciated.
PREPARING FOR YOUR COURSE (view all information here)
Are resources provided during the course?
If you are attending the group course in person, you will need to purchase the book that accompanies the course, prior to the starting day. The book is: 'Mindfulness: A Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World' - by Mark Williams and Danny Penman and can be ordered through Amazon, UK, Waterstone Bookshop or AbeBooks, UK.
We suggest you read the first 4 chapters of the book above before the first session of the course. If you do not have time to read the chapters before then, you can do so on your first session. The practice sheets accompanying the main book will be handed out to you on your first session. During the course your teacher will be able to recommend supplementary reading materials, should you ask for them.