An experiential afternoon of mindfulness, Buddhist psychology, embodied awareness and the wisdom of nature

Sunday 25 October 2026 | 11am–2pm

The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB

Life can easily pull us away from ourselves.

The demands of everyday life, relationships, work, uncertainty and change can leave us feeling overwhelmed, disconnected or caught in familiar patterns of thinking and reacting. Often, we don’t consciously choose these responses — they simply happen.

Mindfulness offers us the possibility of creating a little more space between what happens and how we respond.

This experiential afternoon is an invitation to slow down, reconnect with yourself and explore how greater awareness, compassion and understanding can change the way we meet the challenges of everyday life.

More than a mindfulness technique

Rather than approaching mindfulness simply as a technique for relaxation or stress reduction, this workshop explores mindfulness as a way of being — a way of relating to ourselves, other people and the world around us.

Drawing on psychological understanding, Buddhist psychology, embodied mindfulness and contemplative practice, we will explore what happens when we begin to notice our experience with greater curiosity and less judgement.

Through guided practices and reflective exploration, we will consider questions such as:

• What happens in us when life becomes difficult or uncertain?
• How do our habitual patterns influence the way we respond?
• Can we learn to pause before automatically reacting?
• What does it mean to meet ourselves with greater kindness and compassion?
• How can mindfulness become part of ordinary life rather than something we practise only when we have time to sit quietly?

There is no expectation of previous meditation or mindfulness experience. The workshop is designed to be accessible whether you are completely new to these practices or already have an established mindfulness practice.

An embodied approach

Mindfulness is not only something we do with the mind.

Our thoughts, emotions and bodily experiences are deeply interconnected. During the afternoon, we will explore simple embodied practices that invite awareness into the body and help us recognise what is happening within us in the present moment.

There will be opportunities for stillness, guided mindfulness, gentle movement, reflection and inquiry. The emphasis is not on doing anything perfectly, but on developing the capacity to notice, listen and respond with greater awareness.

The wisdom of nature

Nature can offer another way of slowing down and paying attention.

As a community herbalist, I will bring the sensory and contemplative qualities of plants into the workshop. You will be invited to explore herbs through sight, touch and aroma, allowing your senses to become part of the mindfulness practice.

You will then create your own personalised herbal tea blend, choosing plants intuitively and mindfully.

This becomes more than simply making a cup of tea. It is an opportunity to create a small, tangible ritual of attention — something you can take home and weave into your everyday life.

What you can expect

The afternoon will include:

• Guided mindfulness and contemplative practices
• Embodied awareness and gentle experiential exercises
• Exploration of Buddhist psychological perspectives
• Reflective inquiry into habitual patterns and responses
• Space for personal reflection and integration
• A mindful sensory exploration of herbs
• Creating your own personalised herbal tea blend

• • Time to pause, connect and simply be

The workshop is experiential rather than lecture-based. You will be invited to participate, explore and discover through your own experience, with opportunities to share and reflect along the way.

What you may take away

My intention is that you leave not simply having learned about mindfulness, but having experienced it in a way that feels relevant to your own life.

You will take away practical tools and practices that can be incorporated into ordinary moments — whether you are navigating stress, difficult emotions, relationships, uncertainty or simply the busyness of daily life.

You will also leave with a deeper understanding of some of your own patterns and responses, an experience of embodied awareness, and your own handcrafted herbal tea blend to continue the practice at home.

Most importantly, this afternoon offers a chance to pause.

To step out of the constant momentum of everyday life.

To listen more closely.

And to explore what becomes possible when we meet ourselves, and life itself, with a little more awareness, compassion and wisdom.

About the facilitator

Chanan Tej is a psychologist, Buddhist counsellor and community herbalist with nearly two decades of experience facilitating workshops, contemplative practices and spaces for personal exploration.

Her work brings together psychological understanding, Buddhist perspectives, mindfulness, embodied awareness and a deep relationship with the natural world.

Practical Information

Date: Sunday 25 October 2026

Time: 11am–2pm

Venue: The Salisbury Centre, 2 Salisbury Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5AB

Duration: 3 hours

Refreshments: Included

Investment: £55

Concession places are available for students and those on low incomes. If cost would prevent you from attending, please get in touch — I would rather hear from you than have cost be a barrier to participation.

To book:

chanan@bluemorphoedinburgh.com