MINDFULNESS is very much in the news these days as a means of finding tranquility in our increasingly stressful world.

Mindfulness means merely to be present in the here and now, paying full attention to whatever is happening around you and within you.

We are subjected to many pressures - work, relationships, money, health worries and information overload to name a few.

Simply thinking about what’s happening to us can cause stress; regretting the past and worrying about the future inevitably makes us feel worse.

The result of these internal and external pressures is that the brain’s reaction to real danger, the ‘fight and flight’ mechanism, can be switched on all of the time.

This isn’t good for us and can lead to stress related illnesses, both physical and psychological. Once we become stressed, ruminations can become even more negative and stress duplicates.

Mindfulness gives us a way of breaking this vicious cycle, by repeatedly turning gently away from thinking and towards our sensory experience. Research shows that these simple techniques dampen down the reaction to stress and enhance activity in areas associated with wellbeing.

Evidence over more than three decades, supports mindfulness. It has been shown to have a positive effect on physical and psychological health and to enhance focus, memory, creativity and compassion, helping us to be the best we can be.

Experience the benefits of mindfulness for yourself at The Terrace. Tasters and courses start from Tuesday, January 13. Contact The Terrace to book your place on 01823-338968 or e-mail post@the-terrace.co.uk