Awareness and Meditation

What is awareness-based meditation training ?

‘Being aware of the full dimensionality of present moment experience, with open-hearted curiosity’ Lydia Vorona                    

Paying attention to the moments of our life with open-hearted curiosity is an extraordinary way to live. This approach we call ‘Living Aware’ offers life-enhancing benefits for everyone, whether you are dealing with stress, anxiety, illness or simply wishing to gain more balance and a sense of connection in your life and relationships.

Awareness is our natural state of being, focused and clear, a deep internal resource already available that we can harness – and the results can be life-changing.             

Benefits of Living Aware

Enhanced awareness gives us a deeper understanding of how thoughts and emotions impact our health and quality of life, to recognise stressors and overcome unhelpful habits. People report feeling more engaged in their work and relationships, more energized and less anxious. Research supports a range of positive outcomes.

Living Aware is life-changing. It’s easy to learn and can be done by everyone. Discover what’s possible for you with our range of awareness training programs.

Is awareness training suitable for everyone?

Meditation-based awareness training is suitable for people of different ages, interests and levels of wellbeing. People do our programs to enhance the quality of their lives, to develop personal resilience or professional effectiveness. Many are seeking help to manage day to day stress, anxiety or physical illness. Some wish to ‘unlock’ creativity. After registering, Lydia will contact you by email to arrange meet over the phone if you wish, allow you to raise questions or any concerns.

What is the average size of our training groups?

10 – 18 people are optimal.

Is awareness meditation training a type of group therapy?

No. Our training is educational, offering you a chance to investigate your habits and life patterns. We provide an opportunity to learn about stress, stress reactivity, and how to respond to the challenges of life with more acceptance and compassion. Through lectures, discussions and a variety of meditation practices you learn skills to integrate mindfulness into everyday life.

How much daily meditation practice is required?

Daily practice forms the foundation of our programs. Programs are experiential, you learn by doing, just like learning to ride a bike or to play a musical instrument so regular practice is advised. With daily practice you can experience more balance, clarity, peace and overall wellbeing.

Will awareness meditation help me control my thoughts?

Awareness training explores how the mind works and offers skills to become more aware of your experience in the moment. By becoming familiar with the patterns of your mind, feelings and actions, you are better equipped to navigate thoughts of negativity and self-criticism. This self-awareness opens up more choice and options for responding to situations rather than reacting habitually. Control is not the goal of mindfulness however more choice for where you place your attention will contribute to working with thoughts and emotions in a more productive and effective way. Participants report that they are able to engage with all the experiences life brings, both joyful and the difficult. Rather than trying to avoid or escape sensations awareness  offers a path to turn towards these with surprising and unexpected results.

Will awareness meditation make me more passive?

No, awareness meditation training is a very active process of self-regulation. It is about developing an investigative type of mindfulness. Training and practising in this way allows you to be better equipped to choose with how you would like to interact with people and the world around you and equip you with the capacity to change your relationship to life.

Are there any potential risks in doing a living aware meditation course?

You are encouraged to take your own authority with all the meditations offered in the program. Some courses include gentle movement which may be difficult if you have injury or are experiencing pain. Please practice self-care, working within your limits. For some participants becoming more aware of the inner experience can lead to a perceived increase in conditions, it may appear that stress, anxiety, pain or depression seem to worsen temporarily. There are always options for how to practice so please speak with us if you are experiencing difficulty. Learning new skills and changing existing habits can take time, we encourage you to continue with your practice so you can experience the benefits the program offers. Research shows that symptoms of stress, pain, anxiety and depression most often reduce as the programs progress.

Are there conditions or life situations where taking a living aware meditation course is not recommended?

It is best to do a program when you are able to commit to regular attendance and the home practice schedule to really benefit. If you are experiencing drug or alcohol addiction, thoughts of suicide, severe trauma or panic, or require psychiatric assistance, please consult us and your GP before enrolling. If you have any concerns please contact us to discuss if the programs are right for you at this time.

Watch Jon Kabat-Zinn talk about how Mindfulness works