Finding stillness amidst the chaos
The world at times can feel a very uncertain, unsettling and chaotic place. For this reason if no other, it is important that we take care of ourselves, so that we can see clearly, respond calmly and be there for each other. Taking care of the body and mind is essential and below are a series of short videos to help you connect with and steady the mind and cope better with the challenges ahead…An Introduction
Mindfulness teacher and physiotherapist Martin Towey introduces the series of short videos including mindful yoga and other meditation practices. We hope these will offer you a way to steady the mind and cope better with the challenges which lie ahead.Sitting Meditation
The practice comprises awareness of breathing to steady the mind, improve moment to moment awareness and the noticing of habitual thought patterns. Learning to consciously respond with an attitude of self-compassion rather than automatically react.Self Compassion & Loving Kindness
This self-compassion and loving kindness meditation is designed to work with more challenging emotions in a gentle and novel way, to really care for these troubled parts of ourselves – not fighting with or fleeing from what is here but gently taking care of ourselves.Mindful Movement
This is a guided meditation of gentle yoga movements. It improves our sensitivity to the body so we can recognise the effect of thoughts and emotions in our everyday life and therefore take care of ourselves more effectively.The Settling Breath
This simple technique, which takes just a few minutes, helps to restore a sense of balance in the mind and body.The Seven Eleven Breath
This is a short practice of less than 5 minutes, which can lower stress levels quickly…The Body Scan
This practice promotes wellbeing and concentration by allowing the mind to focus on sensations in the body.Mindfulness of Body and Breath
This sitting meditation helps to settle the mind and body. It also teaches us some key points about the practice of mindfulness.On Joy and Sorrow by Kahlil Gibran
Then a woman said, Speak to us of Joy and Sorrow.
And he answered: Your joy is your sorrow unmasked.
And the selfsame well from which your laughter rises was oftentimes filled with your tears.
And how else can it be?
The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.
Is not the cup that holds your wine the very cup that was burned in the potter’s oven?
And is not the lute that soothes your spirit, the very wood that was hollowed with knives?
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy.
When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.
Some of you say, “Joy is greater than sorrow,” and others say, “Nay, sorrow is the greater.”
But I say unto you, they are inseparable.
Together they come, and when one sits alone with you at your board, remember that the other is asleep upon your bed.
Verily you are suspended like scales between your sorrow and your joy.
Only when you are empty are you at standstill and balanced.
When the treasure-keeper lifts you to weigh his gold and his silver, needs must your joy or your sorrow rise or fall.