Frequently Asked Questions

Q1

What is mindfulness? 

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“It is a non-doing. A radical non-doing. And right inside any moment of non-doing lies peace, insight, creativity and  and new possibilities..” 

~ John Kabat-Zinn

The word mindfulness is a translation of the Sanskrit word ‘Sati’ derived from Buddhist teachings, and means to ‘remember’ or to ‘observe’. This would reflect the early Buddhist practices of ‘anapana’ or ‘vipassana’ (sometimes known as insight meditation), where a central  part of these practices is maintaining awareness of (or observing) the breath, body sensations, etc. 

Today, mindfulness is an umbrella term for a host of different types of practises, which includes mindfulness of breathing, body sensations, thoughts and emotions, and also includes self compassion practises, lovingkindness practises, forgiveness practises, open awareness practises and mindful movement. 

Q2

How can mindfulness help me?

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There is now much scientific research to support the benefits of mindfulness practices. For example, meditating on an ‘anchor’ such as the breath, can help focus, calm and control the mind. Learning to observe emotions and thoughts can free practitioners from being wholly bound up in them and allow for a more spacious and calm mind. Self compassion practices can enable meditators to learn to be with difficult emotions, rather than bypass them, allowing the emotions and associated body sensations to shift and change for the better. For some, mindful movement offers a way in to meditation when a more formal, sitting practice is difficult. We are all different, have different nervous systems, physical, emotional and psychological needs, conditionings and beliefs. Mindfulness practises, due to their different ‘flavours’ can help most people in some way or another, and some of us will benefit from some practises more than others.

Regular meditators can gain insight into the workings of their own minds, and tools to free themselves from some of the layers of sufferings they carry. Long term practitioners of mindfulness note positive changes in their minds over time. 

In the words of Buddhist and neuroscientist Rick Hanson PhD,

“It’s a remarkable fact that the people who have gone the very deepest into the mind - the sages and saints of every religious tradition -  all say essentially the same thing: your fundamental nature is pure, conscious, peaceful, radiant, loving  and wise, and is joined in mysterious ways with the ultimate underpinnings of reality, by whatever name we give That.” 

Q3

What can I expect from courses with Serena?

Serena's courses vary in topic and are tailored to the needs of the group. She offers introductory courses, which cover the basics of mindfulness practices and give you a toolkit for a regular home practice. Serena also takes a deep dive into some of the meditative practices listed above, for example, self compassion. Serena works with women’s groups, creatives, and those suffering chronic pain. She currently runs all her courses online, and offers in-person coffee meets where appropriate, to foster community. 

If you or your group are interested in receiving mindfulness teachings with Serena, then please get in touch and we can discuss how we might best help you.

Please note that, although I have received training in trauma sensitive mindfulness as part of my teacher training, I am not a counsellor or therapist, and I always recommend that those suffering trauma (and/or PTSD) should seek help from a professional before, or alongside, embarking on a mindfulness course.

Q4

Have further questions? Please send Serena a message via her Facebook page (above) or fill in the form on this site.