The Seasonal Way- Mindfulness and movement

1. We start with our 8 week zen meditation & mindfulness course. 

This course is similar in structure and evidence base to MBSR clinics, with topics such as pain, stress, anxiety and depression.

2. We then move onto 18 weeks of gentle Zen yoga sessions rooted in Chinese medicine and influenced by Qigong and Tai Chi. Movements can be adapted for all ages and abilities, including chair based options.

We will be working  with the energy of the seasons:

• Winter zen yoga and seasonal winter foods
  Focus on rest, nourishment and conserving energy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine this links with the Water element and the kidney and bladder system, which are connected with vitality, bone health and emotional balance.
  Slow, grounding postures, twists and breathwork support circulation, calm the nervous system and encourage a sense of inner warmth and safety.
   
• Spring zen yoga and seasonal foods
  Focus on the liver and gallbladder system and the theme of renewal. Gentle, flowing sequences and backbends help release stagnation, lift energy and support digestion and mood.
  Food guidance encourages fresh, seasonal produce prepared simply to support lightness, clarity and gentle detoxification.
   

3. After each session we share a simple, healthy seasonal lunch together. This:

• Offers low cost ideas for nourishing meals
   
• Builds social connection around the table
   
• Encourages people to try new foods that support energy and immune health
   

Where possible we use local seasonal produce to keep things fresh and affordable.

From our recent community projects, including Seasons of Transformation, we have seen: 

• People who felt “connected to others” rise from 33.3% to 90.5%
   
• People who felt “calm and at peace” rise from 16.7% to 81%
   
• People who felt they had “energy to take part in activities” rise from 25% to 100%
   
• “Connection to nature” increase from 62.5% to 81%
   

Participants report:

• Feeling less isolated and more hopeful
   
• Better sleep and more steady energy
   
• Having practical tools they can use at home when stress or anxiety rises
   
• Making new friendships and feeling part of a community
   

We use evaluation tools developed with an independent evaluator and the University of Oxford, as well as ONS4 and our own feedback forms, so we can show clear before and after changes in wellbeing.

This programme directly supports Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB aims by: 

• Improving health and wellbeing
  Reducing isolation, improving mental health and giving people tools to manage stress and anxiety.
   
• Building connections and community
  Small group sessions, shared lunches and peer support, plus optional WhatsApp contact between sessions.
   
• Encouraging active lifestyles
  Very accessible movement for people who are new to activity, helping them gain confidence to move more in everyday life.
   
• Supporting social prescribing
  The programme is a natural option for social prescribing link workers and complements primary care by addressing non clinical needs in a safe, supported community setting.