The Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation course in Porirua includes four one-hour classes with certified mindfulness teacher, Lucy Schwabe, downloadable guided mindfulness meditations and a 45-page guidebook and a money back guarantee.

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

“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

Lucy’s philosophy of mind-body work has evolved over years of education and practice. Beginning with a bachelor of health science, she is a qualified acupuncturist and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, tai chi instructor and certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher.

More recently she has completed postgraduate studies in Contemplative Psychotherapy and ACT therapy.

Lucy has been practising Taijiquan – internal martial arts since 1987 and insight meditation since 1995, which has awakened a passion for mind-body interventions as a holistic approach to health and well-being.

She started Wholistic Health Works in 1997, enjoys working with people in the community and offering mindfulness-based interventions for individuals and groups. Lucy’s favourite slogan is ‘choose to stay curious’.

“Thank you for the opportunity to find myself again. It is good to remind myself that I need to give time to relax and sit. It is ok. You Lucy bring a lovely peace and honesty as a leader and allow people to feel fully accepted and safe.”

Annette

“I have got a lot out of my mindfulness coaching sessions. Lucy’s kind and compassionate attitude allowed me to feel safe to ask lots of questions. Her knowledge helped me clarify what it truly means to live mindfully. And the best part was to learn new skills for dealing with my emotions.”

Jane F.

“Many thanks for your warm, open nature, your calming presence. This course has been a delightful learning and growing experience for me. All aspects you covered were helpful and empowering. The gentle way you presented the weekly session helped me to feel okay about my own processes.

I would recommend this course to anyone. I have felt supported and thoroughly enjoyed coming every Thursday. A new way of “being” in the world for me to practise for which I am grateful.”

Lynn

“That was an awesome course. You held the space with much mindfulness and compassion and thus exemplified what you were sharing and teaching.

You provided a spaciousness that allowed for comfort and for an opportunity to explore our discomfort, as well. You paced yourself well with a sense of allowing things to unfold in their own right time.

When one lives and practises ones truth it shines through like a beacon in the fog – Thus making the delivery and sharing of your passion easy to feel inspired with.”

Tim E.

“Thank goodness I came across Mindfulness Works. I have learnt so much in a year and am the happiest, authentic and content I have ever been. Learning acceptance without judgement as been an eye opener for me. I’m continuing my journey of self compassion and feel excited and hopeful for my future, but am grateful of the now and who I am today…” — Rebecca Young

“I feel calmer. I am able to use techniques when my triggers go off. Using the meditation at night has allowed me to get a better night’s sleep.” — Sue Mathew

Week 1: What is Mindfulness?

• What mindfulness is
• The benefits of mindfulness and meditation
• How to get the most from the course
• Guided body scan mindfulness meditation
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 2: Working with the Mind

• Why thinking can be problematical
• Practical ways to work with difficult thoughts
• Self-judgement and how to intervene
• Guided mindfulness meditation – counting the breath
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 3: Working with Emotions

• What are emotions?
• Learning to feel emotions
• The RAIN method
• Non-judgement and acceptance
• Guided mindfulness meditation on feelings
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 4: Radical Acceptance

• What it means to be present
• How wanting causes stress
• Developing wisdom and insight
• Authentic self-compassion
• Open awareness guided mindfulness meditation
• Questions and answers / discussion
• Next steps.

“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

Every participant on the Mindfulness Works Introduction to Mindfulness 4-week Course receives a free 4-week gift subscription to the award-winning Calm mindfulness and meditation app (premium version). This app was the Apple app of the year for 2017.

Meditate Learn the life-changing skill of meditation.

Sleep Get more restful sleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

Masterclass Audio programs taught by world-renowned mindfulness experts.

You are your own authority: Noone owns mindfulness. Mindfulness Works teachers emphasise the importance of participants trusting their own experience and authority.

Self-love as a cornerstone of practice: Our mindfulness training always starts from a place of people being OK, and not needing fixing. We seek to have you realise this in their own lives on the basis of their own experience. We see mindfulness and meditation as a practice that facilitates self-love, self-forgiveness and self-acceptance.

No religion or dogma: Mindfulness is a living practice, is not owned by anyone and is available to everyone. Ultimately everyone is their own teacher, learning from their own practice and experience. Mindfulness Works is not affiliated with any religion or dogma and does not explicitly or implicitly offer these.

Mindfulness and Meditation are experiential: Our training emphasises the experiential nature of mindfulness and meditation.

Mindfulness and meditation are creative processes: Just as life evolves, so to does mindfulness and meditation. There is nothing fixed about the meditative or mindfulness experience. In recognition of this, we seek to explore and offer mindfulness and meditation in a way that is informed by our own lives and our present moment experience.

Trauma informed practice: Creating a safe environment for all participants is critical. We ensure our trainers and offerings are trauma informed.

“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

“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

“The course guidebook was a useful guide and very informative. I also enjoyed the formal practice and the way different strategies were explained.” — Linda Daniell

Refund and Transfer Policy

• Full refunds are available up to one week before a course starts.
• Free transfers to other courses are available up to one week before a course starts.
• Once a course has started, full refunds are only available if you attend every class of the course and feel you have not got value. In this case you are entitled to and will be given a full refund.
• Refunds are not given if you do not attend every class of the course and if you simply ‘do not like’ the course or decide ‘it is not for you’.
• For more details about our refund and transfer policy, please read our FAQ.

How long is each weekly class and what happens?

Each class is one hour long. There will be a guided meditation for a period. This will include meditation instruction. After the meditation and instruction, there will be a talk or discussion. This includes a question and answer time.

Who is it suitable for?

This course is suitable for any of the following:

• 18-year-olds and over
• Beginners
• People who have never meditated or practised mindfulness before
• People who have just started meditating or practising mindfulness.