Living from the neck up? What we lose when we leave the body behind

A live online evening with Vidyamala Burch OBE & Dr Rick Hanson exploring body awareness, brain science, and how to befriend the body, even when it's uncomfortable

Key Details

🗓 When: Thursday 2nd July, 18:30–20:30 UK time*
💻 Format: Online via Zoom
🎟 Tickets: £65 (Standard Rate), reduced rate available, please see full details below
🎥 Recording: Sent to all ticket holders
✳️ CPD: Yes, plus we're a BAMBA-approved organisation

*Times are for the UK (BST). Please click here for your timezone.

Please note, bookings for this event will close on Thursday 2nd July at 17:00 BST.

Overview

Most of us spend a good deal of our lives living from the neck up – it's as if we exist entirely in our heads. When we're not processing information from screens and social media feeds, we're planning, problem-solving, ruminating, day-dreaming, imagining. Ask yourself this: when was the most recent time you were in direct connection with your body?

For many of us, the honest answer is: not recently. And when the body is a place of pain, fatigue, or discomfort, the last thing we want is to feel it more closely. Why would you turn towards something that hurts when you could, mentally, be elsewhere?

In this In Conversation event, we'll unpack that question and consider what body awareness practice offers for our general wellbeing and the depth of our meditation practice.

Psychologist and bestselling author Dr Rick Hanson and mindfulness teacher and pain management expert Vidyamala Burch OBE bring together brain science, their own lived experience, and insights from decades of teaching to explore what we lose when we leave the body behind, as well as the profound benefits that come with living in an integrated way. Find out what happens when our body, heart and mind call us home to wholeness.

Even if you've been meditating for years, this conversation may surprise you. Even a mindfulness practice can be disconnected from the body (as Rick and Vidyamala have experienced!)

This evening invites you to find out what a more embodied practice and life might offer.

What to Expect

This will be a relaxed and welcoming evening online. Cameras on or off, tea in hand — no participation required and no mindfulness experience needed.

Rick and Vidyamala will each bring their own perspective, and together they'll explore two themes:

• Making the case for body awareness: why so many of us have drifted away from the body, what the mind-body connection actually is, and what brain science tells us about what we gain when we return to it — including its effects on stress, presence, and our sense of connection with others.
  
  
• Working with the body when it's uncomfortable: how to navigate pain, fatigue, tension, and difficulty without either pushing through or checking out. They’ll also answer the common question: is it ever helpful to distract myself from discomfort? 

There'll also be two guided meditations: a body awareness practice led by Rick, and a compassionate acceptance practice led by Vidyamala.

As we draw to a close, both speakers will share their three top practical tips for staying connected to the body. There will also be a space for Q&A and to share your reflections, should you wish. 

We know that extended time on screen can be difficult, so at the start of the event we'll share some simple ways you can take care of yourself as you listen.

Is This Event For Me?

We welcome everyone to join this insightful conversation. This event is suitable for all levels of meditation experience, including those new to practicing mindfulness. 

Meet Your Speakers