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Mindfulness
39 Answers
Has anyone ever done a 'mindfulness' course?
Just done the 5th week of an 8 week course (only one day per week).
First couple of weeks were ok but am now thinking thats its all a bit of new age woo woo.
Cant say that repeated concentrating on my 'breath' and 'been in the moment' has greatly increased my sense of self worth or emotional well being.
In fact talking to others after the group has only confirmed my suspicions and yet during group discusion everyone seems to want to believe that its all beneficial in some way. (but saying something different away from the teachers).
Thanks
Just done the 5th week of an 8 week course (only one day per week).
First couple of weeks were ok but am now thinking thats its all a bit of new age woo woo.
Cant say that repeated concentrating on my 'breath' and 'been in the moment' has greatly increased my sense of self worth or emotional well being.
In fact talking to others after the group has only confirmed my suspicions and yet during group discusion everyone seems to want to believe that its all beneficial in some way. (but saying something different away from the teachers).
Thanks
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I don't believe these kind of courses are for everyone, first of all you need to be in the right frame of mind to get any fulfilment from it, I think it would be like sending me on an art course or cookery when it is just not what I'm in to. Personlly I dislike meditation and listening to some of the meditation from a link earlier just wound me upn again. I think if after a few weeks it's having a negative affect and waste of time for you ask whoever referred you to go to plan B
I think Jack answered it well, I remember the leaders of these courses calling to our office and putting their proigram across to my supervisor/boss, she fell for them hook, line and sinker, even a First Aid program we had, I don't know how it got into the NHS but I think it's all to do with positive thinking.. I walked away feeling negative about it all - but you've already completed 5 days, just go for the next 3 and put it behind you as been there and won't be asked again - look for something that interests you and show those who are in control of your care what you like and gives you a positive vibe .
Sam Harris, author of "Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion" might be an interesting source for your question. I can't really comment only having read the first few chapters, but it is going to require some substantial evidence before I will be dissuaded from my default position of skepticism.
Nailit - the effectiveness of group courses like the one you describe is very patchy, and isn't so much a reflection on the philosophy of 'talking cures' as on the capabilities of the group leader as a teacher, and the group dynamics.
One of the well-known phenomena in the sector is 'therapy junkies' who just adore coming to such groups.
Another element that has distorted its perceived benefit is well described by others here - namely when organisations buy a course and build it into staff evaluations. I attended one such course as part of a compulsory organisational training package, which issued 'life coach' certificates to some very untrustorthy and manipulative people.
It sounds like you've had a duff experience this time round, but I'd urge you not to chuck out the baby with the bathwater.
Finding trustworthy people you can talk through your problems with is something that everyone can benefit from. The danger is that without it you might try unconsciously to substitute something else for it, like shopping (mentioned above), alcohol etc
So follow your heart and your instincts, but try not to cut yourself off from possible sources of help.
And as others have said, if you haven't found benefit from this group leader then your written feedback on the course is a valuable way of making sure its better in future.
One of the well-known phenomena in the sector is 'therapy junkies' who just adore coming to such groups.
Another element that has distorted its perceived benefit is well described by others here - namely when organisations buy a course and build it into staff evaluations. I attended one such course as part of a compulsory organisational training package, which issued 'life coach' certificates to some very untrustorthy and manipulative people.
It sounds like you've had a duff experience this time round, but I'd urge you not to chuck out the baby with the bathwater.
Finding trustworthy people you can talk through your problems with is something that everyone can benefit from. The danger is that without it you might try unconsciously to substitute something else for it, like shopping (mentioned above), alcohol etc
So follow your heart and your instincts, but try not to cut yourself off from possible sources of help.
And as others have said, if you haven't found benefit from this group leader then your written feedback on the course is a valuable way of making sure its better in future.
These kind of courses have infiltrated into the NHS because they are cheaper than individual therapy with a fully trained and skilled mental health professional.
They are most certainly not useful for everyone but do help some people....but then anything helps some people.
I'm sorry that it hasn't helped you nailit, but not surprised. From your previous posts on here, I'd guess that your problems are complex and longstanding.
Complex problems take a long time to resolve and , although it is possible that a 'mindfulness' course might be helpful for complex problems, with the best will in the world it is not going to resolve things.
I'm afraid I cannot make any suggestions other than that you complete the course. If you don't you risk being labelled as 'resistant' to treatment.
I think I'd also say , after you finish the course, go back to your GP and tell them that, although you are sure the Mindfulness course was helpful for some people, it has not helped you other than perhaps to give you a technique for reducing your anxiety a bit. (or whatever you feel you can reasonably say that sounds as though you were trying to make he best of it.).
Then ask if there are any other referral options .
I wish you the best of luck and hope you eventually find a therapist who helps.
They are most certainly not useful for everyone but do help some people....but then anything helps some people.
I'm sorry that it hasn't helped you nailit, but not surprised. From your previous posts on here, I'd guess that your problems are complex and longstanding.
Complex problems take a long time to resolve and , although it is possible that a 'mindfulness' course might be helpful for complex problems, with the best will in the world it is not going to resolve things.
I'm afraid I cannot make any suggestions other than that you complete the course. If you don't you risk being labelled as 'resistant' to treatment.
I think I'd also say , after you finish the course, go back to your GP and tell them that, although you are sure the Mindfulness course was helpful for some people, it has not helped you other than perhaps to give you a technique for reducing your anxiety a bit. (or whatever you feel you can reasonably say that sounds as though you were trying to make he best of it.).
Then ask if there are any other referral options .
I wish you the best of luck and hope you eventually find a therapist who helps.
