Demystifying Mindfulness, straight from the source

Paul Bibby

It’s hard to think of a more overused-term in contemporary Western society than ‘mindfulness’. 

Tossed around by everyone from leadership coaches to interior designers, the term has become an amorphous mess that seems to cover everything from concentration to compassion. 

But what does the practice of ‘mindfulness’ actually involve, and how do we integrate it into our lives in a meaningful way?

One man more qualified than most to explore these questions is Patrick Kearney, a mindfulness teacher with nearly 40 years’ experience who has studied the original Buddhist texts that brought the concept of mindfulness into the world.

‘Mindfulness has become incredibly fashionable – it’s in the process of conquering the world,’ Mr Kearney said during a retreat in the Blue Mountains last year.

‘It’s been scientifically studied and is generally regarded as a ‘Good Thing’. And in the contemporary social scientific context it is, in my personal opinion, grossly misunderstood.’

In a two-day workshop at Temple Byron on April 27 and 28, Mr Kearney will introduce the basic concepts of mindfulness as described by the Buddha, and guide participants through a series of meditations and other exercises designed to help us apply mindfulness to everyday life. 

He says the teaching is not concerned with religion or any dogmatic beliefs, but represents the Buddha’s approach to living a fully flourishing human life. 

Co-founder of the Byron Meditation Collective, Greg Owens, describes the workshop as ‘a chance to wake up’.

‘When the time comes to stop sleepwalking and begin to pay attention, to discover your own path, Patrick’s teachings will introduce some crucial skills,’ Mr Owens says.

The workshop is suitable for experienced and beginning meditation practitioners.

Tickets include morning and afternoon tea and are available at the Facebook event ‘Two days of Mindfulness with Patrick Kearney’ or contact Greg Owens at [email protected] or on 0431 747 764.