Mindfulness Course for Staff and PGRs - Autumn 2026

Event Location

Contact

kitty.wheater@ed.ac.uk

mindfulness@ed.ac.uk

More Information

Mindfulness is a well-researched and effective means of alleviating stress, anxiety, and low mood, and promoting nervous system regulation, wellbeing, and flourishing in ourselves and our relationships. 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, 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 8 weekly sessions over 9 weeks (no session Friday 30^th October), and requires about 30 minutes’ daily home practice. An optional all-day mindfulness retreat (online) is included, on Saturday 14^th November.

The course-book, Mindfulness: a Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World (Williams and Penman), is readily available in bookshops, libraries, and second-hand; you will need to obtain a copy of this for the course.

The course is taught by the Mindfulness Chaplain, Dr Kitty Wheater.

What will I learn?

Mindfulness training consists of formal and informal meditation practices, cognitive exercises, and psycho-education. Over 8 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, nervous system regulation, 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 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.