Mental Health
Buddhism encourages people to look the hard facts of life squarely in the eye, especially suffering and the truths of old age, sickness, and death. Many FWBO centres run meditation courses that help to reduce anxiety, alienation and stress. And to encourage positivity and calm. Some also run courses aimed at specific mental health issues. For example:
Meditation for Depression — for people who suffer from recurrent depression. Recent studies have shown that mindfulness meditation used with elements taken from cognitive therapy is helpful in preventing relapse into depression.
Meditation for Addiction — for people who are in recovery from addiction, to prevent relapsing into addictive behaviour.
Meditation and Bereavement — supports people in becoming aware of their pain, what to expect, how to work with the grieving process, and understanding the nature of attachment.
Carers’ Retreats
These are short retreats in the countryside specifically for people who are the primary carers for family members or friends. They provide a valuable opportunity for carers to have a complete break from their caring responsibilities in the company of other carers. The retreats are very nourishing, combining instruction in meditation with tuition in massage, Alexander Technique and various therapies that help manage stress and tension. Run by the London and Manchester Buddhist Centres.
Mindfulness-based stress and pain management
Courses in Mindfulness-based stress and pain management teach a range of mindfulness-based techniques, such as relaxation, breath awareness and meditation. They can also provide training in life strategies such as goal setting and pacing, bringing awareness to daily activities. As led by members of the FWBO, courses include meditations adapted from the Buddhist tradition, but take an entirely secular approach. This welcomes people of all races and creeds.
The Peace of Mind project, which originally ran pain management courses aimed at people with chronic pain or illness, expanded to become Breathworks, where the methods taught on courses are useful for anyone struggling with the stresses of modern life. Founder Vidyamala has had many years managing chronic back pain following a spinal injury.
Similarly, Blue Sky Mindfulness Meditation, Dublin, Ireland, teach meditation, body awareness and mindfulness for daily life, particularly for people struggling with chronic stress, pain or illness.
Mindfulness Works courses, led by Michael Chaskalson (Kulananda) in Cambridge, England, takes a slightly different approach by emphasising mindfulness as a stratgey for managing the stresses of daily life and work.