N B: Please ignore the Eventbrite timings shown above.

There is much talk about mindfulness these days. But what does it mean? How can it help us enhance our lives, and what is its relevance to ageing?

In this series, Dr John Darwin, Mike Pupius, Ruth Lees and members of the Sheffield u3a Mindful Ageing Group will introduce mindfulness and meditation, using ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’ as a basis. They will explore these questions and suggest ways in which you can practice mindfulness as an aid to ageing well. Every session will be practical!

The course will run on Wednesday mornings at 10am-11.15pm, beginning on 22nd January for 6 weeks. You only need to sign up via eventbrite once.

Wed 22th January at 10am
Wed 29th January at 10am
Wed 5th February at `10am
Wed 12th February at 10am
Wed 19th February at 10am
Wed 26th February at 10am

Each week they explore a new theme: Take Notice, Connect, Be Active, Give, Keep Learning, and finally, the Full Monty – bringing it all together. For example, in the Be Active session, they shall be talking about the benefits of mindful walking and connecting to nature. This series has already run seven times and more than 1000 u3a members have participated. The series has received very positive feedback.

John began a daily meditation practice more than 30 years ago. He has a Postgraduate Certificate in Mindfulness-Based Approaches, and a Master of Science [with distinction] in Mindfulness Studies. He is co-founder of the Centre for Mindful Life Enhancement and has been running courses in Mindfulness-Based Life Enhancement [MBLE] and Mindful Ageing since 2010, and to date the Centre has introduced mindfulness and meditation to more than 1000 people. For the past nine years John has been a Teaching Fellow at the University of Aberdeen on its M.Sc. in Mindfulness Studies.

Mike also studied for an MSc (awarded with distinction) at the University of Aberdeen joining John to co-found the Centre. He has been teaching mindfulness courses for individuals and organisations since 2013. He is a volunteer park ranger in the Peak District National Park and has been leading mindfulness walks for the last seven years, introducing participants to the benefits of mindful walking and connecting with nature. He is supporting a Peak District project relating to Green Social Prescribing.

Ruth recently retired as a nurse following a 53 year career, for many years specialising in oncology and palliative care. Since completing the MBLE Course she has continued to develop her passion for mindful living including the art of savouring and mindful movement. The learning process continues as she deepens her knowledge of the link between body and mind, incorporating formal (and informal) mindfulness and meditation practices into her daily life, and enhancing the qualities of loving kindness, empathetic joy, compassion and equanimity. She feels so much more at peace, less rushed and accepting of her life's journey.

This event is for u3a members only.

Not a member? Find out more and join here

Mindfulness and Meditation Series