Starting something new can sometimes feel a little daunting, especially online. Our FAQs are here to help you know what to expect from our courses, answer common questions, and give you the information you need to feel confident before you begin. We want our courses to be as welcoming, accessible, and inclusive as possible. (Click on the arrow by the question to read more.)
Yes! The link for this will be part of the Welcome Email from the Course Leaders after booking. You can view these in advance, download and keep them. This will also be an invitation to meet one of the Course Leaders in a short zoom pre-course meeting. This gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the course, share any concerns, as well as meet face to face beforehand. If there are adjustments that would support your participation, please contact us before the course and we will do our best to accommodate reasonable requests.
We understand that at times you may prefer to turn your camera off for reasons including privacy, health and internet issues. If possible, we’d appreciate you turning your camera on when speaking. As this is a group course we hope cameras can be turned on so that we can see each friendly face.
You are welcome to engage through listening, chat function (online), reflection, or discussion. Sharing personal experiences is always optional and you are welcome to pass on any activity or adapt it to suit your needs. One of the main comments from feedback is how much you learn from the other participants. As Course Leaders we know your experience is valuable and worth hearing and so we always invite contributions.
No. We will offer options such as personal reflection time, or joining a breakout room /small group chat and listening without speaking. If you are put in a breakout room by mistake you can always leave and come back to the main room.
Sessions typically include guided mindfulness practices, teaching, small and large group discussion, and opportunities for reflection. Meditation practices are generally between 10 and 25 minutes and can be adapted to suit individual needs.
During meditation practices you are welcome to keep your eyes open or closed, change position, stand, stretch, move, lie down, use fidget toys, or take a break if needed. Online this can be easily managed with your camera off. In person we ask that you move with mindfulness and as quietly as possible. Each session will also include a short comfort break.
In each session we offer a walking meditation after the guided meditation and in sessions 3 and 4 we introduce Mindful Movements in a video led by Thich Nhat Hanh (online). You are welcome to use these movement times in a way that is most beneficial to you.
In order to benefit fully from the course we recommend around 20 minutes practice for 5 days a week, if not daily. This helps you embed the teachings into your daily routine and to appreciate how mindfulness can support all aspects of your life. We will do our best to support you in creating helpful habits and understanding how mindfulness can be introduced in manageable ways. The 20 minutes can include a variety of practices such as sitting and walking meditations as well as informal mindfulness like eating.
We recognise that attendance can be affected by caring responsibilities, work commitments, health needs, or other circumstances, and the handouts will give you an overview of the session if you have to miss one. The six-week course builds from one session to the next and full attendance is designed to help most learning. The Course Leaders appreciate you letting them know in advance if you are unable to attend, even if it is something unexpected or last minute.
As this is a live, interactive course we don’t have pre-recorded sessions nor do we record sessions during a course. This helps participants feel as relaxed and at ease as possible, and hopefully able to speak freely. The handouts give an overview of what is covered in a session.
Mindfulness practice can sometimes bring awareness to difficult thoughts, emotions, or experiences. We encourage you to engage at a pace that feels appropriate for yourself and to take care of your own wellbeing throughout the course. The Course Leaders will stay online for a short time after each session in case you would like a private conversation. You can also email them during the week with concerns or questions.
Although this hasn’t yet occurred, and we hope never does, we ask for a name and emergency contact number in case you experience any health issues whilst online that require medical assistance.
If you have any accessibility requirements or questions not covered by these FAQs or need this information in another format, please contact mindfulness-courses@plumvillage.uk
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