Moments of Mass Mindfulness (MOMM) is a meditation movement for everyone. We are raising awareness of, and co-creating in community, a model that fully embraces the true definition of health as both an Art and a Science. At the heart of it all, we’re focused on building community, connection, collaboration and to enhance personal wellbeing.

Imagine if mindfulness and meditation was a regular part of daily life in society. If every person was able to slow down, and connect with their calmer, essential self and find balance, it’s likely feelings of negative self-talk and aggression would disappear. Mindfulness is a strategy for directing yourself away from these self-incriminating thoughts and limiting beliefs. It’s a meditative practice of paying attention to your body, mind, and surroundings in a non-judgmental manner.

Mindfulness can be thought of as a form of self-care. Science has proven (1) that it’s a valuable antidote to the fast pace of our now technology-driven culture, and mind body techniques, when used effectively, can influence our brain activity and lead to a reduction in stress, mood and anxiety.

Mindfulness and meditation is recommended as a treatment for people with mental ill-health – (1) It is recommended by NICE as a preventative practice for people with experience of recurrent depression (2)), as well as those who want to improve their mental health and wellbeing (3). There are numerous studies showing compelling support for Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which helps people to cope with stress, and for Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), which is designed to help people with recurring depression. There has become little doubt that its use is an effective intervention and prevention technique.

The importance of mental health both to human wellbeing and the prosperity of the country has been well established in a number of recent reports (including the report of the Wellbeing Economics APPG published last year), and it has prompted the government’s initiative to set up the What Works Centre for Wellbeing in 2015, hosted by Public Health England (4).

Conversations and collaborations are springing up through a new paradigm of self care and lifestyle medicine, which combine objective knowledge and subjective experiential practices. These practices, towards balance and coherence, energise and rejuvenate both mind and body. Meditation, mindfulness, indeed all contemplative practices serve to calm the nervous system, activating the body’s own natural healing system, our ‘inner pharmacy’ aided by health-improving behaviours of better nutrition, exercise, stress reduction and a good night’s sleep. This combination of the health sciences from both modern day and traditional care, will help fulfil the potential future of vibrant health and well-being.

Let’s come together with open minds, open hearts and pure intention.