Practice

Meditation for Cultural Workers

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Join Open School East Associates for a free mindfulness meditation afternoon led by artist Daniel Baker. Mindfulness meditation has a proven impact on stress and anxiety, whilst enabling and empowering us to take greater control over our lives. The afternoon will introduce a range of mindfulness and meditation techniques- from short mindfulness practices to longer meditations for relaxation, deepening awareness and gaining new perspectives on our lives and experiences. 

No previous experience required, all activities will be optional and guided in a supportive and welcoming atmosphere. Experienced meditators and total beginners welcome. 

About the teacher: 
Daniel is an artist, meditation teacher and former Education Director at Cubitt Gallery and Studios. He practices and teaches meditation as a form of radical accessible education that enables us to bring new awareness to our experience, with a particular focus on social consciousness, connection and finding meaning in our lives. 

The afternoon is offered as a free event, but places are limited. Book online to reserve your place.

Mindfulness for Cultural Workers, Freelancers, Artists & Precarious Labour

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Working life for freelancers, artists and those working in the cultural sector is becoming increasingly stressful and precarious: with increased competition due to funding cuts; short term contracts; rising rents; a lack of affordable workspace; and an increasing emphasis on entrepreneurialism and individualisation.

In these conditions many of us feel isolated and unconnected, competing with our peers, working extended hours with little support, and suffering from increased stress, anxiety and overwork.

Social Material, an interdisciplinary practice in East London, is offering a unique, affordable 8-week mindfulness MBSR course at Oxford House, Bethnal Green.

The course builds on the work of mindfulness pioneer John Kabat-Zinn and has been designed for freelancers, creative practitioners, cultural workers, and anyone who is experiencing stress, anxiety, precarious working conditions or feelings of powerlessness in contemporary society. The course will:

- Explore the power and simplicity of mindfulness practices and their huge potential in personal development and creativity
- Integrate mindfulness with a range of related practices and theories, from Zen Buddhism via the Beat Poets to the philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty
- Explore how mindfulness can support individual and collective empowerment to make change and galvanise social action