This question isn’t untypical of what people say following a mindfulness course. People often ask: “What happens next?” or “How can I keep up my practice?” Many people graduating an 8-week programme would like to continue the learning they have started and would welcome some guidance and support in this journey.

The Taking it Further course was developed to meet this need. It starts from the premise that all the themes within mindfulness-based courses can be explored for a lifetime, conveying new insights that can be applied throughout people’s lives. The first major randomised controlled trial has demonstrated the effectiveness of the Taking it Further course: the skills learned have the potential to support increased wellbeing and flourishing.

Especially created for those who have completed an 8-week Mindfulness for Life or MBCT course, this 12-theme course is structured to support a lifelong learning journey. Participants begin by reviewing what it means to wake up, and to intentionally give attention, energy and time to what brings them joy, meaning and purpose. Over time, they develop confidence to meet difficulty with kindness, savour joy with appreciation, align their choices with their deepest values, and act with courage and authenticity. These three keys of mindfulness (awareness, befriending and intention) extend to include a fourth – action. Together they are ways of being that can support people to live the life they aspire to.