Central Campus Mindfulness Compassion Training for Students
An eight week mindfulness training course for students at the Bristo Square Chaplaincy which will run from October to December 2017.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness refers to ‘kind-awareness’. It is about living fully in the present moment. This means paying deliberate attention to what you are doing, as you do it, without judging or trying to change the experience. Mindfulness increases moment-to-moment awareness so that we can notice and change ingrained automatic reactions. This enables the individual to respond creatively to stress and difficulty with more choice.
This mindfulness and compassion training offers an excellent foundation for understanding and practising mindfulness and kindness meditation both in a direct practical way and also within a group setting. It can offer an insight for many in cultivating a different kind of relationship with oneself and others and enhance your experience of living and being compassionately in the world.
Who is the course for?
Please note that this training is open to all students studying at The University of Edinburgh. Participants accepted onto the course are kindly requested to bring their student ID cards (matriculation cards) on week one.
Who will deliver the course?
Dr Avinash Bansode (Honorary Mindfulness Chaplain) and Rev Ali Newell (Associate Chaplain).
When will the course run?
Each session will run from 10:30-12:30 (two hours each session).
Each Thursday starting 26th October 2017 and ending on 14th December 2017:
- Session I: 26th October
- Session II: 2nd November
- Session III: 9th November
- Session IV: 16th November
- Session V: 23rd November
- Session VI: 30th November
- Session VII: 7th December
- Session VIII: 14th December
- All Day Session: As part of the course there will be a full away day during the start and end of the course. The date, times and location for the day session will be provided in week one.
Where will the course run?
Room 1, Chaplaincy Centre, 1 Bristo Square, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9AL.
How much does the course cost?
Donation cost: £20 (total) for 8 weeks (included: course manuals; meditation links for home practice; and all day retreat). The standard cost for the training is £250, however this course is hugely subsidised by the University of Edinburgh to benefit students.
Further information and course outcomes:
This mindfulness and compassion course helps you to systematically develop the skill of being present with your experience. The eight week course aims to assist you in dealing with what can be stressful for you and helps you to take better care of yourself and get the most out of your life. The majority of people completing this programme report lasting physical and emotional/psychological benefits including:
- An increased ability to relax;
- Greater energy and enthusiasm for life;
- Heightened self-confidence;
- An increased ability to cope more effectively with both short and long-term busy-ness and stressful situations;
- Balance and resilience in life and work situations.
Students will be supported throughout the course to incorporate a mindful and compassionate attitude into their daily life. The calming and focusing qualities of mindfulness help reduce stress and enable us to become more patient and present in the learning environment and with the students and staff with whom we work. Calm stability can positively affect cognitive functions like attention and memory and lead eventually toward greater understanding and wisdom.
Mindfulness and self-compassion can also assist with academic work e.g. the need to plan, set goals and priorities, and move back and forth between tasks. Mindful compassion for others enriches and enhances relationships. It also helps us address issues of pain and suffering in our families, communities and world without becoming overwhelmed.
How do I apply to take the course?
To submit an application for the course please visit the course Eventbrite page at:
Privacy Note
Please note that all data and information that you share with the University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy, researchers and facilitators will be kept private and confidential. To apply for this course please complete the application form through Eventbrite. The information you provide will be used by the University of Edinburgh Chaplaincy to select participants, administer and facilitate the course. If you apply for the course you will also be invited to take part in a research project evaluating the impact of the mindfulness courses. This will be conducted by Dr Amanda Martindale and her research team at the Moray House School of Education. The email address you provide on your application form on Eventbrite (preferably your University student email address) will be passed on to the research team so that they can invite you to take part in the research. Unsuccessful candidates will be invited to join the control group. All participation in the research is entirely voluntary and full details will be provided with the invitation email. No other information from your application will be passed on to the research team.