Dr Paul Atkins…. “I’ve always been interested in the mind and how it works.” Photo by Andrew Finch
“Regular mindfulness practice can change both the structure and function of the brain in the direction of positive emotions and less focus on the self,” he says.
“There is evidence that it can improve physical and emotional well being, communication, creativity, resilience and performance at work.”
Paul has created an eight-week course, “Mindfulness for Living Well”, that will run in Turner from October 15, and says it’s unique because it’s his own blend of two well-known practices; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
“ACT was designed help people accept what’s out of their control, and then commit to improving their lives while moving towards their values; while MBSR was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 and has formed the basis of many mindfulness training courses since then,” he says.
Paul says he became interested in mindfulness when he wanted to “get out of his own head” as a younger man.
“I’ve always been interested in the mind and how it works,” he says.
“For my part, regular mindfulness practice and meditation have made me a nicer person – I’m now more confident, and far less selfish and concerned about furthering myself.”
Paul says he has also published research on mindfulness and meditation regarding the effects of mindfulness training on wellbeing, relationships and health.
He says the program he’s running has been extensively tested and validated at the ANU.
“Thought is language and the key thing that mindfulness can help with is knowing that we have to plan when we need to, but stop ruminating when we’re not going anywhere on things like regret, comparisons or imagining disastrous futures,” he says.
“Through mindfulness we can tune into the body and mind, and ask is this helpful to me?”
Paul says the course is for anyone who wants to live with more vitality, engagement and authenticity, but that they have to be at the point where they’re willing to commit and practice regularly.
“We can’t control our emotional side or suppress it, but with mindfulness we can learn to be in the presence of what already is,” he says.
“Then we can move in the direction of what’s important.”
Mindfulness for Living Well, October 15-December 10, Turner. It costs $790, including an all-day silent retreat. There is a free information session on October 1, 7-8pm. Bookings to the program to 6255 3008.
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