A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled

Product Information

The inspiration for Frazzled Cafe came from our founder and patron Ruby Wax’s experiences during her best-selling book and theatre tours. Ruby met thousands of people looking to connect and share their stories. Whenever she asked her audience members if they wanted a chance to talk about what was going on for them, they always did. To help ensure that our meetings run smoothly and in line with the values of Frazzled Cafe, we ask that all participants agree to follow these guidelines: you will feel encouraged to share your own. Whether you speak or not, please treat each other in a supportive and considerate way.

Widen your focus to your breath filling your whole body, from the top of your head right down to your toes. Inhale and exhale, feeling the breath empty out like a giant bellows. Try to repeat twice a day to give yourself a break from your chattering mind. I promise you’ll feel better for it.’ She begins with writing about herself and sections about her own story are interspersed between the ‘Bad News’ and the ‘Good News’ throughout the book. In each section she gives a brief history of the topic, along with the story of her own experiences and then looks at examples of how things are improving. Not all of it was new to me, but I did learn a lot, as the book is simply crammed with information. And Now For The Good News... :To the Future with Love by Ruby Wax looks at different things like education and food to see what the good thigns are that are coming, or are here already, just not in a big way, yet. Having loved "Sane New World" and "A mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled" I had high hopes for this new book by Ruby Wax. I admire the straight-talking, comedic, yet somehow serious way in which Ms Wax's message is delivered. In both previous books that message landed so well and I could relate.Well, as sceptical as I am (and, believe me, I am)from reading this book it seems to me that 'mindfulness' is just another way of saying 'be present in the moment, actually experience your life rather than sleepwalking through it on autopilot'. I can't actually see a downside to that. I saw this book at university. And it felt like I should finally get a handle on my far-away mind. This book was sitting on one of those temporarily constructed stands at the library. I probably ruined the spread, loaning it but I felt it could fulfil a deep need. With the right practice, I’m certain mindfulness will deliver.

We open in the same way with the host welcoming everyone, running through the meeting settings and guidelines, popping a short poll onto your screen and introducing Ruby who leads the mindfulness exercise, bringing everyone together. Instead of yet another bottle or bath bomb, why not give the gift of sanity?! At least it won’t end up in the bin. OK, so even I can’t wrap up sanity but I cangive something to brighten the weather conditions of someone’s mind. And in these dark winter days, that’s a welcome winner. My six-week course focuses on mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). I know it works and so do the scientists. I studied this at Oxford University to try to lasso my wild mind. I also wanted to take some action after a bout of depression.With depression alone, for those who've had three or more episodes, MBCT yields a 60% chance of preventing relapse. I really liked how Wax’s voice and sense of humor left their mark on the book. I have previously struggled with non-fiction books being a bit boring, but there are some very funny anecdotes and the facts are kept to the point, interesting and (especially when writing about complex tech developments) easy to understand. The Facilitator and Host’s role is to ensure everyone that would like to speak gets a chance to, that the topics of conversation are appropriate for the space and that attendees are both present and respectful of the space and one another. Questions to one another are avoided, and the Facilitator or Host will manage this

Ruby Wax arrived in Britain in 1977 to pursue an acting career. She says "I really could never find my niche. I was a terrible actress, I couldn't sing, I couldn't do characters, I couldn't do an English accent and I lived in England, so I was narrowing it down". Through humor and unbridled truth, Ruby Wax shares her journey to mindfulness, illuminating how it can improve our state of mind and change our brain for a healthier, happier life Ruby Wax is public about her struggles with mental health, and so has been writing books to help others, and started Frazzled Cafes , which during Covid-19 is hosting online support meetings, and pre Covid-19 hosted in person meetings. Maybe it will again. Ruby sensed the need for a place where people could come together and connect with others in a safe, supportive space. A place where people could talk about the overwhelming stresses of modern life, free from judgement. This is what motivated her to create Frazzled Cafe in 2017. I found the book sobering, joyous and hopeful. There is a lot of food for thought in there and a lot of useful info about inspiring initiatives and resources. These include Ruby’s own Frazzled Cafe to help people who are finding life hard to cope with, i.e. most of us at some point in our lives - and especially so over the last few years.

The Trust has partnered with MIND in Mid Herts and the local PCN (the Primary Care Network of our 3 GP surgeries) to create a Wellbeing Hub. Its aim is to support Harpenden residents who have concerns about their mental wellbeing at an early stage before they become unwell and need counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy. Let's be honest, very few good things have happened in 2020. This is my first book from Ruby Wax as I try my hand at more non-fiction titles. This book appealed to me because world events have been so depressing lately, and I’m constantly searching the web for some small positives among all the negatives. Ruby's here to show you that behind the clouds, the sun still shines. So, do you want the good news? Frazzled Cafe Facilitated meetings run for an hour and Hosted meetings run for 45 minutes. Both styles start with a run-through of our guidelines to ensure a confidential, respectful and safe environment for all of our attendees. It is important to us that these are adhered to.

Select a format:

This book is a positive look at some recent developments in community, business, education, technology, and food that promise to make the world a better place. To act with integrity. Please respect one another’s confidentiality and anonymity. Please do not name anyone or discuss anything you may hear in a meeting with others who have not attended. I adored interviewing Ruby: she has such a fizzing, uniquely vibrant and clever way of thinking about things. And I've wanted her on the podcast for ages because she does such important work' - Elizabeth Day I think my favorite chapter was on businesses making a difference because it was nice to see familiar brand names taking part in environmental schemes. It basically gives you the green light to treat yourself to more Ben and Jerry's ice cream. I learned some amazing facts and found out about some amazing groups who I didn’t even know existed covering a wide range of concerns from building inclusive and caring communities, using mindfulness to build compassion, manage anger and improve communication, regenerative agriculture and gardening, through to how do we stop climate change and extinction.

After a few people have shared, we then breakout into smaller groups, still in Zoom. Here you’ll have the opportunity to talk in a smaller group with up to 8 people.I now hold nightly meetings for 50-100 people. We also have trained hosts who hold smaller meetings for up to 15 attendees throughout the day – you can sign up for either at FrazzledCafe.org, and it’s free. Attendees have said things such as, “By coming here, it calms the chaos in my mind... you get that instant, raw connection that brings out the true essence of what it means to be human.” I’ve said throughout my life: “Talking is half the cure.” Wax provides step-by-step guides to mindfulness practise that you can do daily - including practise for those if us with busy and active lives (or those who are not 100% taken by the idea of mindfulness). She also provides guidance on how to introduce this practise to your children and teenagers. There is also a realisic guide for parents (and how to snatch those moments of mindfulness wihin the self chaotic family life). Ruby Wax wears her heart on her sleeve, from her ongoing dedicated work around mental health and mindfulness to how we can learn to live together and save the planet. To be kind to ourselves and each other. This is NOT group therapy and no-one should feel under pressure to say anything. We do hope that in hearing others’ experiences you will feel encouraged to share your own. Whether you speak or not, please treat each other in a supportive and considerate way. To be present. To benefit fully from the session and stay present in the room, please try to avoid distractions from phones or other devices.