Episode 44: Lucy Woods, how mindfulness helps us be active

Title: Exploring Mindfulness with Lucy Woods: A Journey to Present Living

Introduction: In this episode of Creating Active Lives, host Sarah Bolitho welcomes special guest Lucy Woods, an experienced mindfulness teacher with a wealth of knowledge. Lucy, who holds a master’s in teaching mindfulness from Bangor University Centre of Mindfulness Research and Practice, has been actively teaching for over five years. Alongside her teaching, Lucy hosts the podcast “It’s Not That Deep,” engaging in insightful conversations about the challenges of being human in today’s world.

Lucy’s Journey into Mindfulness: Before delving into the core of mindfulness, Lucy shares her personal journey, transitioning from a corporate background to discovering the transformative power of mindfulness in her own life.

Understanding Mindfulness: Lucy clarifies the misconceptions surrounding mindfulness, likening it to brain training—a method to cultivate awareness of the present moment. The conversation unfolds with an exploration of the societal pressures contributing to human discontent and the importance of being fully present in a world filled with distractions.

The “Itch” of Discontent: Lucy expands on the notion of the persistent “itch” people often feel in life, emphasizing the unsatisfactory nature of being human and the societal pressures that contribute to our discontent.

Experiencing Life Beyond Documentation: The dialogue shifts to the prevalent habit of documenting every moment through phones and social media. Lucy and Sarah discuss the significance of experiencing life without the constant need to document it, drawing parallels to forest bathing and immersing oneself fully in the present moment.

Mindfulness Beyond Judgment: Reflecting on Sarah’s personal experience of sketching as a form of mindfulness, Lucy highlights the need to let go of judgment when practising mindfulness. This involves observing the present moment without attempting to change it, fostering a sense of freedom and creativity.

Integration of Mindfulness and Active Living: Returning to the theme of active living, Sarah and Lucy explore the seamless integration of mindfulness and physical activity. They challenge the misconception that intense physical activity is the sole trigger for pleasurable emotions like dopamine, advocating for the dopamine-boosting potential of gentler, meditative activities such as watching a sunset.