All Clare Hall members are warmly invited to a series of Mindful Meditation Workshops this autumn.

Through the series, participants will be introduced to the basic principles of meditation and mindfulness. The sessions are free of charge, and no prior knowledge of mindfulness, Buddhism or meditation is required.

About the workshops

Mindfulness is the act of bringing one’s full attention to what is happening in the present moment. By bringing our minds back to our bodies and our breath, we arrive in the present moment; in the here and now.

Each workshop will last for up to an hour, beginning with a short meditation, introduction, and group discussion or creative exercise, and closing with another meditation.

This course draws on the writings and practices of Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh, who was a pioneer in bringing mindfulness to the West. He distilled Buddhist practices into books which people of all ages, backgrounds and faiths have benefitted from. During this course we will draw on Nhat Hanh’s writings to explore slowing down, sitting meditation, walking meditation, mindful looking, total relaxation and awareness of those around us.

The workshop series is being facilitated by Clare Hall’s Communications Manager, Katherine Selby, who is a Wellbeing Advocate within the University’s programme, and has practiced mindfulness for several years.

Course at a glance

24 October – slowing down

31 October – consuming mindfully

7 November – mindful movement

14 November – mindful looking

21 November – deep relaxation and sleep

28 November – being present for others

Booking is via Clare Hall’s Intranet. Spaces are limited, so signing up early to avoid disappointment is recommended. Please only book if you can realistically foresee being free to attend the majority, if not all, sessions.

Ahead of the first session, participants may find it useful to read the information on this webpage, which covers the basic principles of mindful living.

For any queries, please email communications.manager@clarehall.cam.ac.uk