Mindfulness

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgment. It is about learning to focus your attention when your mind is distracted and bringing that attitude of awareness into daily life. 

The goal of mindfulness is not to clear your mind or even to feel better or less stressed, although this might be an outcome for some people. Instead it is about striving to act and behave intentionally in the present moment, rather than reacting or running on autopilot.  

Key tips:

• Don't expect to be able to hold your focus for very long, especially when you're just getting started.
• It's completely normal for your thoughts to wander.
• The goal isn't to have a totally 'blank' mind; it's more about noticing and gently guiding your mind back when your thoughts do wander.
• The more you practice mindfulness, the better you'll become at it.
• If you're struggling with a particular exercise try a different one. Every person is different, and you may find some mindfulness exercises easier than others.

Learn more about the health benefits of meditation and being mindful.

Experiential mindfulness sessions run in person or from a distance on a Monday and Thursday.

The groups are for University of Tasmania undergraduate and postgraduate students who would like to build or practice mindfulness skills and connect with others.  The Monday sessions are also open to UTAS staff.

Monday Mindfulness

Mondays 12.00-12.30 pm

Sessions run weekly (excluding all Northern Tasmanian public holidays)

• Facilitator: Dr David Lees, Lecturer, School of Nursing 
• Contact: d.b.lees@utas.edu.au 
• Location: Online or Newnham campus (Room: J104)
• Students: Zoom link https://utas.zoom.us/j/87573574176
• Staff: please email David for the Outlook calendar invite.
• Events Hub: Student Events - Events | University of Tasmania (utas.edu.au)

Mid-Week Mindfulness Online and in Person

Thursdays Online

Feel like you never stop hustling? Take a moment in the middle of your week to ground yourself, wherever you are. Discover the power of mindfulness meditation and how it can help you focus better, regulate your emotions more easily, and build self-awareness and concentration. Leave each session feeling calm, content, and ready to take on the rest of the week. Facilitator: Suna D’Eye, UTAS Counsellor 

Join us online at 10.30am to 11.15am for a 45 min mindfulness experience on Zoom: https://utas.zoom.us/j/83340030980 

Thursdays In Person

Join us in person at 12.30pm for a 45-minute mindfulness experience.

Venue: Social Sciences Building, 2nd Floor Counselling Area, Sand Bay

• Contact: suna.deye@utas.edu.au 
• Every Thursday excluding Public Holidays

***For any technology or access issues, please contact UTAS IT on 03 6226 2600***

What do I do in these sessions?

Each week you will be guided through a different exercise using your senses, to help develop the skills to pay attention to the present moment. 

What if I can’t make it to all of the sessions?

The sessions are drop-in so participants can attend any session. Participants are encouraged to attend multiple sessions to benefit from the exercises, build connections and continue developing skills.

What do you think of the sessions?

We value your feedback. Please let us know how you have found the drop-in sessions by completing our anonymous survey:

Mindfulness with Suna

I want to learn more about Mindfulness, and practice at other times of the day.

Mindfulness Australasia offers free mindfulness courses to people living in Tasmania. You can register by visiting their website.

Medibank also have live and recorded morning mindfulness sessions with Emily Toner (Clinical Psychologist) on Facebook that you can access anytime.

There are many different activities that you can do, to help you to practice and use mindfulness in your everyday life.