Mindfulness Now/ UK College of Mindfulness Meditation

20/10/2025

17/10/2025

Mindfulness, Self-Love, and the Subtle Aggression of Self-Improvement

“Don’t meditate to fix yourself, to improve yourself, to redeem yourself; rather, do it as an act of love, of deep warm friendship to yourself. In this way there is no longer any need for the subtle aggression of self-improvement, for the endless guilt of not doing enough. It offers the possibility of an end to the ceaseless round of trying so hard that wraps so many people’s lives in a knot. Instead, there is now a meditation as an act of love. How endlessly delightful and encouraging.”
— Bob Sharples, Meditation: Calming the Mind

https://mindfulnessnow.org.uk/mindfulness-meditation-the-subtle-aggression-of-self-improvement/

Discover within Mindfulness Teaching, - Meditation, Self-Love, and the Subtle Aggression of Self-Improvement

15/10/2025

Mindfulness Teaching, Cultural Roots, and the Call for Integrity

As mindfulness becomes more widely adopted in schools, healthcare settings, workplaces, and community programmes, teachers carry increasing responsibility—not just to deliver practices effectively, but to do so ethically and with cultural sensitivity. Mindfulness, as it is often taught in secular contexts, draws from contemplative traditions rooted in Buddhism and other Eastern philosophies. While a secular approach ensures accessibility and inclusivity for people of all faiths and none, it can unintentionally lead to cultural erasure or appropriation if not handled with awareness and integrity (Kabat-Zinn, 2011).

Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

Cultural appropriation occurs when elements from a culture are used without understanding, credit, or respect, often by those in a position of privilege (hooks, 1992). For mindfulness teachers, this might show up as using Sanskrit or Pali terms without context, borrowing symbols or rituals without understanding their sacred significance, or presenting mindfulness as something newly invented in the West.

Cultural appreciation, on the other hand, involves learning from the sources, citing lineage, using language respectfully, and avoiding commodification (Purser, 2019). When we share mindfulness as a secular tool, we can still signpost the historical traditions, invite curiosity, and encourage ongoing learning rather than presenting mindfulness as a detached wellness product.

https://mindfulnessnow.org.uk/mindfulness-teaching-cultural-roots-and-integrity/

Discover Mindfulness Teaching, Cultural Roots, and the Call for Integrity. Exloring Cultural Appropriation vs. Cultural Appreciation

12/09/2025

Mindfulness & Neurodivergence
What to Know, What to Watch Out For, and What to Do

If you’re teaching mindfulness, you probably already know how powerful it can be. But working with neurodivergent people sometimes means rethinking the usual assumptions, adapting things, and being extra attentive to how folks are experiencing the practice. Here are some of the things you might want to think about, and some simple tweaks to help the group stay connected, safe, and benefitting. 🌿

14/07/2025

Research Opportunity – Share Your Experience of the Mindfulness Now Programme! 🧠

We’re thrilled to be supporting new research into the Mindfulness Now Programme – and we’d love your help!

Poppy Ryan, a passionate master's student from the University of Lincoln, is carrying out an evaluation to explore how the Mindfulness Now approach supports wellbeing – and your insights could make a big difference. ✨

👉 Have you taken part in a Mindfulness Now programme?
👉 Are you a mindfulness teacher who has delivered the programme?

If so, Poppy would love to hear from you. She’s asking participants to share their experience through a short and confidential survey. It’s a chance to help shape future versions of the programme and support the wider mindfulness community.

Take the survey or share it with your past participants here:
🔗 https://unioflincoln.questionpro.eu/t/AB3u0gIZB3wEng

Here’s a message from Poppy herself:

“Hi!
I’m Poppy, a master’s student at the University of Lincoln. I’m evaluating the Mindfulness Now programme and would love to hear about your experience – especially how it may have affected your wellbeing.
The survey includes questions on stress, anxiety, and other personal topics, so please only take part if you feel comfortable.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 25631074@students.lincoln.ac.uk.
Thank you so much for supporting this research!”

💛 This study has been ethically approved (UoL_2025_20259).
Thank you for helping us continue to grow and strengthen the Mindfulness Now community!

Participation Info - This survey is created by QuestionPro

30/06/2025

Why We All Need to Learn Mindfulness to Cope with Our Screen Addictions

Smartphones have become so woven into our daily lives that it’s easy to forget they’re not always serving us. While these devices offer convenience, entertainment, and connectivity, they’re also driving a surge in anxiety, distraction, and disconnection—especially among young people.

Smartphone addiction is real, and it’s hurting our mental health. But there’s a powerful, evidence-based way to respond: mindfulness.

Read the full articile here - https://mindfulnessteachers.org.uk/mindfulness-and-smartphone-addiction/

11/06/2025

Mindfulness Now understands the severity of what trans people are experiencing at this time, and we want to be absolutely clear: you are welcome here.

We are in full solidarity with our trans and gender-diverse community – we see you, we hear you, and we are standing with you. This isn’t just a statement—it’s a commitment.
Read more here

Mindfulness Now stands in solidarity with the trans and gender-diverse community. Read our commitment to inclusion and support.

05/06/2025

🧠✨ Why Mindfulness Needs to Be Trauma-Informed ✨🧠

Mindfulness can be transformative—but only when it’s safe, inclusive, and trauma-sensitive. In our latest article, we explore why all mindfulness teachers need to understand trauma, and how the NIA Language Model is helping us lead the way.

Whether you're a mindfulness teacher, therapist, or simply passionate about mental health, this is essential reading.

👉 Read the full post: https://mindfulnessnow.org.uk/why-mindfulness-needs-to-be-trauma-informed/

Teach mindfulness with confidence using trauma-informed methods. Learn how the N.I.A Language Model supports safer, more inclusive practice

05/06/2025

Why Every Mindfulness Teacher Should Also Train in Compassion

Linking Compassion Training and Mindfulness Teacher

Learn how to bring the power of compassion into your teaching, support clients through pain and trauma, and become an accredited CFW practitioner.

Perfect for mindfulness teachers ready to deepen their work with compassion-based techniques 🧘‍♂️✨

👉 Learn more & enrol:
https://mindfulnessnow.org.uk/compassion-training-for-mindfulness-teachers/

Discover why compassion training is essential for mindfulness teachers. Learn how compassion deepens your practice and teaching

05/06/2025

Hot off the press!
The latest issue of our Breathing Space Journal (Issue 36) is now available 🎉

Packed with inspiration, insights, and resources for mindfulness teachers and trainers, this edition explores trauma-informed practice, compassion-focused wellbeing, and real-life teaching reflections from across our growing community.

📖 Read it here:
👉https://mindfulnessnow.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Breathing-Space-Issue-36-1.pdf

Let us know your favourite article or takeaway from this issue 💬

03/06/2025

Research news!

Supporting latest research into the Mindfulness Now Programme.

We’re excited to share an opportunity to support the Mindfulness Now programme and community through some great new research being done by Poppy Ryan, a masters student at the University of Lincoln.
This evaluation will help improve the Mindfulness Now course and better support participant’s wellbeing.
If you have taken part in a Mindfulness Now programme and are willing to share your experience that would be wonderful. Also if are a mindfulness teacher and have run the Mindfulness Now programme yourself with an individual or group then would you mind please sharing the this link with them -

https://unioflincoln.questionpro.eu/t/AB3u0gIZB3wEng

Here’s a little more about the study from Poppy herself:
“Hi!
My name is Poppy, I am a masters student with the University of Lincoln and I am completing an evaluation of the Mindfulness Now programme.
I would like to ask you about your experience on the programme and the effects that the programme has had on your wellbeing. Please note that the survey will include questions on depression, anxiety, stress, and wellbeing. If you find this distressing, please don't take part in the study. We will also ask if you could provide information on your gender, age, ethnicity, and neurodiversity. However, you don't have to share this information with us.
If you are interested in taking part please click on the link below to gain more information.
If you have any questions please contact me, Poppy Ryan at 25631074@students.lincoln.ac.uk.
This study has been ethically approved (UoL_2025_20259).
Thanks, Poppy”

If you’re interested, please sign up here:
https://unioflincoln.questionpro.eu/t/AB3u0gIZB3wEng
Thank you for considering supporting this important work!

24/02/2025

Train to teach a fusion of evidence based Compassion Focused Therapy CFT and Mindful Self - Compassion MSC.

An intensive five day course leading to the Compassion Focused Wellbeing Teacher Training qualification, accredited and certified by the NRPC (National Register of Psychotherapists and Counsellors) and the MTA (Mindfulness Teachers Association). Equipping you to teach compassion based approaches along with the formal CFW Programme in educational, therapeutic, workplace and health settings, in public and private groups and working 1-2-1 with clients.

12th - 16th May 2025 - BOOK NOW

To find out more and to book please see https://mindfulnessnow.org.uk/compassion-focused-wellbeing/