One journey: many pathways

Emma -BA (Hons) Health and Social Policy (part-time)

Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning undergraduate module

"I have recently taken a driving theory test at an examination centre. I found that my hands were shaking so much I could not use the computer properly. I took a moment, closed my eyes, recalled the breathing techniques I had been taught and managed to calm myself down and stopped shaking."

Contents

1. An introduction to mindfulness and lifelong learning

2. More about mindfulness

3. The Golden Nuggets

4. Mindfulness in-the-moment techniques

5. Mindfulness meditations

6. Other useful resources

BA (Hons) Social Studies (full-time)

Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning undergraduate module student

"At the time I began practising mindfulness, I was suffering from anxiety due to some personal issues. I had been experiencing panic attacks which meant that I initially struggled with the breathing techniques. My brain had become accustomed to slowing down my breath at times of distress so to do it when I was not in a heightened state of anxiety caused me to feel as though I was being strangled. However, I persevered and began to practice at home before I went to sleep and when I woke up and the more I engaged in mindfulness practice, the easier and more ‘normal’ it became and I slowly felt that each time I practiced, the more of a mindful state I could reach. At times when I felt that I would have a panic attack, I would stop what I was doing and practice mindfulness and over time, I was able to control the anxieties during the day."

Wai - BA (Hons) Social Studies (part-time)

Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning module

"Mindfulness has so many transferrable qualities that can be used for different settings. Focussing on the present has helped identify any underlying foundations that require restructuring in the aim for personal growth. Although our experiences shape who we are and may determine how we react to certain situations, mindfulness has been beneficial in making me more self-aware. I now recognise that there are alternative, better solutions and outcomes to stimuli. But more importantly, to be less reactive and more thoughtful to situations and considering context and with minimum bias."

Gemma - BA (Hons) Social Studies (full-time)

Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning undergraduate module

"This had a direct impact on my ability to study as I was able to use mindfulness not only to control my anxieties but also by using mindful planning techniques, I was able to compartmentalise external factors that were having an impact on my studies as well as using the techniques on individual assignments."

Dean - Mindfulness teacher

"These golden nugget sayings can help you before, during and after specific moments in your life. The experiences of the collaborators can be used to guide and to build awareness and confidence that, although we are all unique, we share a lot of our experiences and moments. You can also use the sayings as mantras or affirmations. However you use them, we hope that they illuminate your journey with mindfulness and life."

Gemma - BA (Hons) Social Studies (full-time)

Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning undergraduate module

"I no longer use mindfulness as a coping mechanism but instead, as a lifestyle whereby I consciously take time out of my day to dedicate to ‘here and now’ breathing. I take in my surroundings and I seek out more natural environments that are conducive with decluttering the mind. I have also taken time during meetings to pause and temporarily enter a mindful state to stop myself from becoming overwhelmed and this is a technique that I wish I had acquired sooner in my life, I know that I have not experienced it at its fullest potential so I will continue to work on this."

Michael - BA (Hons) Social Studies (full-time)

Mindfulness for Lifelong Learning undergraduate module

"My university grades improved when I chose to meditate before studying. I learned it is unwise to make decisions based on fear or worry because these had less desirable outcomes. It is better to find a calm inner space where I can think clearly and weigh up my options, including non-action, because whatever situation arises will also pass. This is why I now lean into discomfort and challenging times, because I know they are impermanent. I view them as opportunities to learn something new."