What is Mindfulness for Life?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Life (shortened to Mindfulness for Life or MBCT-L), is an 8-week skills-based course which has been developed by the Oxford Mindfulness Foundation in collaboration with the University of Oxford. The programme built on the framework of the original MBCT programme, and has now been adapted so that the course is suitable for the general population. 

Mindfulness for Life takes participants through a structured curriculum that promotes the cultivation of understanding, skills and attitudes of mindfulness. The learning is largely experiential and is based on learning mindfulness both in ‘formal’ practices and in everyday life. The programme offers participants with a new way to work with difficulties as well as a different way of relating to ourselves and others – a way that includes more contentment, appreciation, wisdom and compassion. 

Mindfulness for Life combines the ancient wisdom and practices of mindfulness with cognitive behavioural methods, with the aim of participants becoming more familiar with their mind and learning to work with it more skilfully.

Whilst the programme is designed for the general population, there may be some circumstances that could limit or prevent participants from benefitting from a mindfulness course at this time, factors may include: 

- A recent bereavement

- Current stressful life event 

- Recent / current depression 

- Insulin dependant diabetes 

- Mania, suicidal thoughts, self harm 

 If you have any queries about the appropriateness or timing of the programme, please get in touch. 

The curriculum consists of skills-based training taught over an 8-week period with each session lasting between 2-2.5hrs a week. The programme is group-based with anywhere up to 16 participants in each cohort.  

Each participant is encouraged to complete a minimum of 20minutes of home practice daily to derive maximum benefit from the programme.  Home practice includes following recordings of guided practices, and bringing mindful awareness into your everyday activities. 

The agenda for each session typically includes; 

- Guided meditation practice and reflection 

- Home practice review

- CBT exercise and inquiry

- Setting of home practice 

Research has shown that Mindfulness Based Programmes are an effective and accessible way of reducing stress and anxiety and enhancing mental health and well-being.

 Benefits can include: 

• Reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression
• Improved ability to cope with pain and illness – and increased immune functioning 
• Less worrying and obsessing over things – reduced rumination
• Greater appreciation of what is pleasant and enjoyable in life
• Feeling clearer about what is truly meaningful, and living life with a stronger sense of purpose
• Improved overall wellbeing, even in difficult times
• Boosts to working memory and focus 
• Less emotional reactivity 
• More cognitive flexibility, increases information processing speed, decreases task effort and having thoughts that are unrelated to the task in hand. 
• Enhanced self insight and morality 

Challenges participants may face during the programme and should consider before applying for the course include: 

• Mindfulness is not a panacea, and not the only way to reduce stress or increase well-being
• Attending this programmes can’t guarantee all of the benefits for everyone
• At first, practising meditation may feel strange or unfamiliar.
• Mindfulness can sometimes feel uncomfortable because it’s about acknowledging all of our present moment experiences, whether pleasant, unpleasant or neutral.   
• Participants may face emotional issues that they would prefer to avoid 
• Wanting to give up at times.