Mindfulness and Compassion Courses
Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances our Mindfulness courses and day retreats are currently on hold. We do plan on restarting these as soon as possible and ask that you keep and eye on our website and social media platforms to keep up to date. We are still running two weekly drop ins, one online and one in person please see our events page for more information and we hope to see you there.
Courses Semester 1 2023
Mindfulness Course for Students
Mindfulness and Compassion Course for Staff and PGRs
Course Teachers
Dr Kitty Wheater (Mindfulness Chaplain)
Revd Dr Harriet Harris (University Chaplain and Head of the Chaplaincy Service)
Mindfulness Course for Students
In person, Chaplaincy Centre, Bristo Square
Wednesdays, 27th September to 22nd Novemeber.
2.30-4.30pm.
Suggested donation:* £35
Mindfulness is a well-researched and effective means of alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression, and promoting wellbeing and flourishing. This 8-session course is intended for those who want to develop skills to deal more easily with the stresses of everyday life and work. It is a progressive course, suitable for beginners and those with previous experience of meditation. It is taught in 8 weekly sessions over 9 weeks (no session on 25th October), requires 20-30 minutes’ daily home practice, and includes an all-day mindfulness retreat on Saturday 21st October.
The course-book, Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World (Williams and Penman), will need to be purchased separately. The Chaplaincy offers an attendance-linked reimbursement for this (6/8 sessions).
What will I learn?
Mindfulness training consists of formal and informal practices, cognitive exercises, and psycho-education. Over eight sessions, you will learn to steady your attention, and recognise and work with unhelpful patterns of thought. We will investigate the patterns of mind and behaviour that give rise to low mood and a sense of being ‘stuck’, and those that promote good mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
How much time will I need to commit?
As the course is progressive, you will need to be able to commit to the duration of the programme over 9 weeks, and to 30 minutes’ home practice per day.
What do previous participants say?
‘I was hesitant to sign up, but I’m so glad I did. I really enjoyed my time in class and will definitely recommend this class to others.’
‘This course literally changed, if not saved my life.’
‘Fantastic. Amazing. Life changing.’
Is this the right course and/or the right time for me to attend?
The course is not a treatment for any specific physical or psychological conditions, and it is not suitable for people who are currently experiencing very severe problems in these areas. Before you book, please check the course webpage for more information. If you wish to discuss whether the course is suitable for you currently, please contact the Mindfulness Chaplain.
Mindfulness and Compassion Course for Staff and PGRs
In person, Chaplaincy Centre, Bristo Square
Mondays, 6th November to 4th December.
14:00 - 16:00pm.
Suggested donation:* staff £75, PGRs £35
Mindfulness and compassion are well-researched and effective means of alleviating stress, anxiety, and depression, and promoting wellbeing and flourishing in ourselves and our relationships. This 5-week course is intended for those who want to develop skills to deal more easily with the stresses of everyday life and work, and promote flourishing in daily life. It is a progressive course, suitable for beginners and those with previous experience of meditation. It is taught in 5 weekly sessions, and requires about 30 minutes’ daily home practice. An optional all-day mindfulness retreat is included, on Saturday 2nd December.
The course-book, Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World (Williams and Penman), is included in the suggested donation.
What will I learn?
Mindfulness and compassion training consists of formal and informal practices, cognitive exercises, and psycho-education. Over five sessions, you will learn to steady your attention, recognise and work with unhelpful patterns of thought, and orient mental habits towards presence and appreciation. We will investigate the patterns of mind and behaviour that give rise to low mood and a sense of being ‘stuck’, and those that promote good mental health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
How much time will I need to commit?
As the course is progressive, you will need to be able to commit to the duration of the programme over 5 weeks, and to about 30 minutes’ home practice per day.
What do previous participants say?
‘Really enjoyable and helpful – will definitely recommend it.’
‘I felt understood, supported and had a safe space to come to.’
‘Thank you so much. This feels like the beginning of a journey with meditation and compassion at the end. I feel well equipped to go forward and be kinder to others and myself.’
Is this the right course and/or the right time for me to attend?
The course is not a treatment for any specific physical or psychological conditions, and it is not suitable for people who are currently experiencing very severe problems in these areas. Before you book, please check the course webpage for more information. If you wish to discuss whether the course is suitable for you currently, please contact the Mindfulness Chaplain.
Book on ePay:
Mindfulness and Compassion Course for Staff and PGRs
Mindfulness Course for Students
*For those wishing to make an alternative donation amount, or staff members who are receiving funding from their school/ department to attend this course, please email mindfulness@ed.ac.uk directly to arrange this.