This 6 weeks training covers the basics of mindfulness and embodiment to improve one’s quality of life and reduce negative stress responses. The course sessions will consist of guided meditation practices as well as Embodied Yoga Principle postures. Luisa Demant will give short talks on certain themes, but the training focuses on experiencing the content through guided mediations and movement. We will discuss insights in the group and use zoom breakout rooms for partner work.

What we will cover:

• The basics of mindfulness and embodiment and how it can impact your work and life?
• The body as a focus point for mindfulness.
• The breath as a focus point for mindfulness.
• Working with thoughts, calming the worrying mind.
• The benefits of cultivating kindness towards oneself and others.
• Implementing the learnings into everyday life.

The training uses a secular approach following researchers and practitioners like Jon Kabat-Zinn (founder of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program, MBSR) and mindfulness practices researched and developed at Oxford University by Mark Williams and Danny Pennman. The meditation practices aren’t related to any religion so that everybody can take part in this training.

Every participant will be given a 'home practice' to do between the sessions - guided meditations to download and reflective exercises. Participants will need to set aside 30min per day to practise at home. All classes will be taught live, online via Zoom and last 1.5hours. Participants will need a laptop or tablet, a room with a little space to move around and ideally a blanket or mat on the floor. There is no need to wear sports clothes, but comfortable clothes are recommended.

About Luisa Demant

Dr. Luisa Demant is trained as a social worker and holds a Ph.D. in sociology. Her research focuses on professional development and consulting in social professions. Since 2012 she has taught seminars on consulting and professional development in social professions at the Technical University of Dortmund as well as seminars on inclusion, diversity and participation in society at the Technichal University of Munich. After finishing her Ph.D. at the Technichal University of Munich she moved to London to train as a yoga teacher with a specialisation in Embodied Yoga Principles. She now combines her research background in professional development with her passion for yoga, mindfulness and embodiment. Luisa has been delivering courses on a regular basis for Frontline, students of Sociology at the University of Kent, PhD students at the Technische Universität in Munich and staff at the NHS in the borough of Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Poplar.

This course will be conducted online.
Technical requirements: Access to internet, laptop, camera, microphone, zoom (potentially).
Your email address will be forwarded to the trainer for organizational reasons.