How UK Parliament Explores Mindfulness Practice ?
Joined by the comedian Ruby Wax, now ambassador for the benefits of mindfulness, UK politicians explored the potential for mindfulness.
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PDF- the guardian_2014-05-07_UK Parliament Practicing Mindfulness Meditation
Politicians joined by Ruby Wax as parliament pauses for meditation
MPs and peers sample mindfulness practice becoming popular across UK as means to overcome mental health problems
Robert Booth - theguardian.com - Wednesday 7 May 2014 20.14 BST
Comedian Ruby Wax is the poster girl for the benefits of mindfulness to combat
mental health issues. Photograph: Andy Hall
Sceptical MPs have joked it is becoming "a cult in parliament", but
mindfulness meditation stepped into the political mainstream on
Wednesday when MPs and peers gathered at Westminster, closed their
eyes and went silent for a minute.
Joined by the comedian Ruby Wax, now the poster girl for the benefits of
mindfulness to overcome mental health problems, politicians including
former ministers Lord Haworth and Jim Fitzpatrick straightened their
spines and focused on their breath at the launch of an all party group to
explore the potential for mindfulness in health, education, criminal justice.
"Connect with the breath, wherever it feels most strong," intoned the
meditation. "For the full duration of the in-breath and the full duration of the
out-breath."
It was just a taste of what 95 MPs, peers and parliament staff have already
experienced on mindfulness meditation courses inside parliament. The
practice – based on Buddhist meditation but updated for secular users – is
catching on across a stressed-out Britain.
Mental health problems are estimated to affect one in four and academic
studies claim mindfulness can affect a 20% reduction in symptoms of
anxiety and depression. If practiced regularly, proponents report it

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