Explore the Real Deal Behind Mindfulness with CBS Alumni and Dr Irem Gunay

Join us in exploring why mindfulness extends beyond being merely a buzzword and discover what lies beyond the cultural hype surrounding it. Below, you will find a brief description of why mindfulness could actually be just what you need. If what you read sparks your curiosity, then seize this opportunity to join our 4-week session: just 30 minutes every Tuesday at noon, from May 14 to June 4, right from the comfort of wherever you are (yes, we're going online!).
 
Please note that this series is limited to just 10 participants with priority given to members. Further details regarding myself (the facilitator) and some practical information can be found at the end of this email. Sign up now before spots run out—discovery awaits! 🌟🧘‍♂️💡
 
If you have come this far, I encourage you to read on to discover why mindfulness ain't a scam and could actually be exactly what you need.
  
“A wandering mind is an unhappy mind,” research shows, and our personal experience confirms. Why is it so difficult to silence the mind? Given that it is a function of our minds to produce thoughts, is it even possible for us to silence or control our thoughts? For instance, can I train my mind to have happy thoughts every day at, let's say, 12 PM, regardless of the circumstances that I find myself in?
 
As a psychologist, such mind wanderings are common in my experience. Through my research, private practice, and personal journey, it has become apparent to me that a mindful mind is indeed a happier one. Let me describe why this is the case.
 
When we lack mindfulness, it is as if we are a musician mechanically playing notes on an instrument without being able to hear or feel the beauty of the sounds and melodies we create. We may go through life's motions without fully experiencing or appreciating its richness. Mindfulness allows us to fully engage with our experiences, both internal and external, and opens us up to present moment. Rather than attempting to escape from ourselves (seriously, who does that?) or avoid our challenging experiences (what's up with that?), mindfulness encourages us to bravely observe everything that is already present. After all, why attempt an escape when we know it is ultimately futile and only ends up making things worse in the long run?
 
When we are mindful, we do not try to control our experience or force our thoughts to quiet down. We simply observe our thoughts, emotions, and sensations without comment, opinion, direction, or pressure; remaining attentive to the ongoing rhythm of life both externally and internally. When we seek to change "what already is" through mental games, we dissipate our energy. Did you know that our brain consumes about 20% of your body's energy, even though it makes up only 2% of its weight?
 
During the practice of non-judgmental observation, the mind focuses all its attention in one place (i.e., consciousness), and it feels as if our energy is consolidated rather than drained. When the mind is completely attentive, as opposed to concentrated which suggests effort, it becomes calm. Consider a moment when you are fully absorbed in a beautiful natural scene like a sunset, despite how rare those moments may be in our busy lives. That is an instance when the mind is entirely attentive without any exertion or effort, thus remaining calm and still.
 
In mindfulness, there is no doing. Doing implies effort, the presence of effort indicates a wish to modify our experience and therefore implies resistance to what currently is. The desire for change and resulting inner conflict contradict acceptance of things as they are— which lies at the heart of mindfulness and serves the foundation for responding wisely to situations. When all effort ceases, our energy is consolidated and the mind calms itself. This is an experience, yet you have to discover for yourself. 
 
If you are ready for some self-indulgence to explore what is waiting to be discovered in your own experience, I am excited for you to join us. 

Irem Gunay

Dr. Irem Gunay is a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol) accredited by the British Psychological Society. She graduated with honors from Columbia College, Columbia University, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Psychology. Additionally, she completed an Executive Program focused on Digital Marketing at Columbia Business School. Furthering her studies, Irem earned her first master's degree in Social and Developmental Psychology from the University of Cambridge in the UK before pursuing Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania for her second master's degree. Afterwards, she completed her PhD in Psychology at University of Cambridge. Drawing upon her academic background and expertise as a psychologist, Dr. Gunay engages in private practice sessions with individual clients and couples, while also providing consulting services to organizations and conducting research within academia
 
Irem chairs the Health and Wellbeing Committee of CBS Alumni Club of London.
For more detailed information about Dr. Irem Gunay please visit: https://thegoodlifekit.com/about-me 

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Where & When

Tuesday, 14 May, 21 May, 28 May, 4 June
12.00 - 12.30 PM (UK Time)
£60 (£15 per session)
Via Zoom

Kindly organised by Irem Gunay '10