Working through "Mindfullness - finding peace in frantic world". Join me?

[ColouringInQueen]

Hi there,

I'm recovering from a severe depression, a lot better now, but still plenty of room for improvement re: anxiety, dealing with stress, negative thinking etc and this looks like a really helpful book. There is increasing evidence that Mindfulness (and Mindfulness based cognitive therapy) is helpful in reducing your likelihood of relapsing with depression too

see it here

I've read the first few introductory chapters which have been v interesting and enlightening and just wondered if anyone might be interested in joining me in working through the meditation exercises?

Ideally I'd start with exercise one next week (its one each week, practised ideally 6 days out of 7) but I can be flexible

Thanks x.

[Sunshine31]

I have had the book for the last two months and got no further than the introduction. But I really need to read it as my anxiety isn't getting any better. How would we work through it together though?

[ColouringInQueen]

Hi sunshine I was thinking having someone else to be accountable to so I do my practice... and dont skive really!

[AlteredState]

Marking place as bought this book ages and ages ago (recommended by another mnetter sorry can't remember who but need to find out in case I ever start/finish and need to thank her). I've yet to read a sentence so I'm woefully behind you two . Hopeful that I might be spurred on to some action

[ColouringInQueen]

Hi altered yes it was recommended to me on here too. OK. Get into that intro tomorrow

[everydayineveryway]

I've just ordered the book through Amazon on your recommendation. I've been looking for a recommended CD of guided meditations, which sometimes seem to work really well for me. So can I join in, please? Can't promise anything, but...I will try.

[ColouringInQueen]

Hi everyday that's great I can't promise anything either but hopefully we can encourage each other.. I need to get into the habit of it as I think it will help me... so am trying to work out when in the day I will do it. You're supposed to practice 6 days out of 7... Hoping to start the exercises next week so if you have the chance to read the intro before that would be fab x.

[everydayineveryway]

My insomnia tonight has been sent to guide me to your thread. I really need to try to do it.

[Sunshine31]

I re read the introduction last night and could probably do with someone to be accountable too as well! 6 days out of 7 may be quite tricky! I'm up for going through the book together

[ColouringInQueen]

Great stuff everyday and sunshine. I can do 5 out of 7 realistically I think...

[AlteredState]

still no intro here I'm afraid colouring . Though your thread did spur me into contacting the leader of a mindfulness course I'm supposed to be on. I agree with the 5 out of 7 days as hopefully I could force myself to do it while dd in school otherwise I probably won't get a second of peace! < waves the lone parent banner >. I really need to get to grips with this 'helping myself' especially as I'm coming off venlafaxine.

[OnaPromise]

Well you have inspired me to order it anyway. I've been interested in finding out more about this for a while. I've had a couple of periods of depression in the past. Been OK for a while (although possibly slightly on the manic side recently with hindsight) and now can feel myself starting to slip down again. Don't want to have to go back on the meds, so this has got to be worth a try.

[ColouringInQueen]

tut tut altered but that sounds great about the course - better than a book if you've got the option I'd think. Yes I'll be doing it whilst dcs at school too...

Ona great to hear you've ordered it, and like you say, got to be worth a try. My first mini mindfulness meditation on Mon definitely helped me. The others give you techniques to use in eg stressful situations which sounds like a good tool to have.

[ColouringInQueen]

OK. Whilst we wait for books to arrive etc, here's the contents:

Ch 1 Chasing your tail (14pg)
Ch 2 Why do we attack ourselves? (16pg)
Ch 3 Waking up to the life you have (23 pg)
Ch 4 Introducing the 8 week mindfulness programme (10pg)

This is where I have got to so far. I'd say it is all worth reading. I can give you some tasters if that's any help!

After that you get into the 8 week programme with accompanying guided meditations on cd.

Is it realistic to start on Ch 5 next week - Mon 16 Sep - let me know what you think...

Alternatively we could all read Ch 1-4 next week and start Ch 5 Mon 23 Sep...

I really hope this doesn't sound too bossy/regimented, just trying to get head round timings will happily do Ch 4 and chocolate meditation again next week

[podmumlet]

I'd like to join in too please.
Starting the exercises w/c 23rd would be better timing for me. :

[ColouringInQueen]

Hi podmum that's great. I think that date is probably the best

[Sunshine31]

Either is fine with me. I did do one mini meditation thus morning which was good. Planned on doing another this evening but pjs, sofa blanket and bake off sent me to sleep on sofa and now I need my bed! which is why doing it with others may be good!

[ColouringInQueen]

Ok how does this sound?

• next week read through chapters 1-4, can discuss on here too
• following week get into the mindfulness meditations and see how we go!

[everydayineveryway]

Sounds great, Queen. Don't worry about sounding bossy! Amazon says my book will arrive Mon - Wed, but usually it's quicker than they say.

I read this thread today, which is interesting on the question of mindfulness, and rather inspiring, I thought.

[ColouringInQueen]

Great stuff everyday - thanks for the link and I've mentioned this thread to the OP too.

And thanks for the reassurance

[AlteredState]

Bossy is good!! I'm off to read the intro now. Honestly! Course leader still hasn't got back to me so perhaps I'm on my own now. Well not completely on my own as you guys are here

[Rummikub]

Hi I have the book, and have had for (months) a while. I have done some of the meditations but old like to make it into a habit and having a group to chat about it would be useful.

I do think it's something the should teach in schools.

So we read chapters 1-4 starting next week? W/c 16th sept?

[Sunshine31]

I like bossy too. Especially if it means I actually read the book! I will re read the first few chapters next week and maybe do a few chocolate meditations too, ready for the following week

[ColouringInQueen]

Great Rummikub yep we read Ch 1-4 next week (week beginning 16th) and the following week, take Ch 5 and practice the meditation mon-fri...

Thanks altered and sunshine I think a plan's coming together!

[OnaPromise]

Book arrived this morning so I'm all set. Looking forward to it.

[everydayineveryway]

Got my book today too, really pleased - thanks so much for the recommendation. Ready to read. Will need encouragement to actually do any of the work, though.