Hi Everyone,
In this fast-paced world we live in it is easy to find oneself in a state of permanent business and stress. This combined with the fact that Autumn is a time renowned as being difficult for many, yet ever so beautiful in the mountains, lead to the Hotel Maistra 160, Pontresina introducing the concept of Mind Body Medicine Weeks from October through to the beginning of December 2024.
Having had an extremely busy Fashion Week time in September/ October I for one was beginning to feel somewhat out of control with everything when a call came through asking me if I would like to attend the first Autumn Mindfulness course at the Hotel Maistra 160 in Pontresina. Needless to say it took me a whole 2 seconds to consider and agree to attending the course.
At this stage you might be wondering what Mindfulness actually is so here we have it…
Mindfulness is:
Being present and fully engaged in the moment. It involves meditative practices, body awareness, and gentle movement exercises to help you respond to stress and pain with greater awareness and acceptance. It’s not about changing your thoughts but observing them without judgment.
Mindfulness has been shown to be a powerful tool for improving overall well-being and quality of life.
Keep on reading to find out more about “Mindfulness & Mountains – A Match Made in Heaven at Hotel Maistra 160, Pontresina” and my personal experience.
Mindfulness & Mountains – A Match Made in Heaven at Hotel Maistra 160, Pontresina
The journey
Autumn is traditionally a time when mountain resorts are closed for the season, yet one of the prettiest.
Pontresina, where the Mindfulness course is being held, is just over 3 hours by train from Zurich, the trip in itself is well worth it as it passes several UNESCO World Heritage sights. Looking out the window the trees were a sea of pretty Autumn colours. Yet another painting or picture comes to mind no matter which direction I look. A photographer’s true delight.
There is no snow on the ground and my feet are itching to go outside and explore.
Hotel Maistra 160
Hotel Maistra 160 is one of the newest hotels in Pontresina. Designed by the Swiss star architect Gion Caminada known for his minimalist and sustainable designs. He himself is considered as being a philosopher in the way he reflects on the relationship between nature and culture. Every inch of the hotel has its own story to tell. From the palazzo style flooring on the ground floor which took 3 months to build, to the unique flower paintings on the ceiling of each room.
The futuristic spa is currently the talk of Switzerland with its clean lines and open circular ceiling. It has even caught the attention of the 4 year old godson of a dear friend of mine who decided the architect forgot to complete the ceiling – smile!
Located down the main road of the village Hotel Maistra 160 offers 36 rooms and 11 apartments. Each room has a special alcove which you can close and simply enjoy reading whilst soaking up beautiful mountain views.
Mind Body Medicine Weeks
Right through to the 6th December 2024 there are 8 different Mind Body Medicine Week courses to choose from at Hotel Maistra 160. Some are not full weeks and simply take place across an extended weekend.
As with anything I recommend that you carefully choose the course that best addresses your needs and current situation. There is a list and short description of the courses to come further down.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course
I was invited to the first course of the season – the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course. A compact course of the well known original 8 week course designed by Prof. Jon Kabat-Zinn from the University of Massachusetts. The course was taught by Regula Saner from the centre of Mindfulness in Basel www.zentrum-für-achtsamkeit.ch.
Course program:
Each morning there was a pre breakfast session in the hotel yoga room where we practised various wake up rituals such as meditation. After breakfast a morning session took place where the various theories of Mindfulness were explained together with interactive exercises and meditation.
There was a generous lunch break where we had time to explore the region and then an afternoon session. Some afternoon and morning sessions were held outside in the nature and coupled with various mindfulness exercises including really soaking in the beautiful nature around us. All sessions are held in such a way to include every participant exclusively and as a group. We are often asked how we find a particular exercise. Listening and learning from the different answers forms an integral part of this Mindfulness course.
There was ample time between the afternoon session and dinner to enjoy the spa or do a spot of shopping – smile!
As Pontresina is truly one of the most beautiful spots in Switzerland – especially in Autumn I did skip one pre breakfast session to bike up to the Lake Staz. Leaving the hotel at 7:15 am to experience the sunrise and “attempt” an Autumn swim. Anyone following my instagram account will already have had a great laugh at my attempt at cold water swimming.
Pictures from an outdoor course exercise:
As opinions regarding such a course are very individual I decided to ask 2 participants to share with me their experiences of our Mindfulness course.
Participant 1:
I am in love with the nature of Pontresina. In my opinion Hotel Maistra 160 is the perfect place for a Mindfulness course. This course was a present to myself to develop a healthier mindset to life. Even after 2 days I feel energised from the course and that it has given me some great ideas.
Participant 2:
I really enjoyed being together in the group. It was so nice to simply be able to be myself, having people listen to what I say without valuing. The exercise in the forest gave me the present of lightness and ease.
My personal conclusion:
Exploring the outdoors was of course my highlight. I am thankful to have had this opportunity to find out more about the concept of Mindfulness. Taking time out to just be there and enjoy the moment was also a very “creativity enhancing” experience for me.
I really enjoyed meeting a lovely new group of people and have been ever so pleasantly surprised by beautiful messages I have received from several even after the course. Thank you so much!
My conclusion is that attending a Mind Body Medicine Course that is tailored towards your current needs not only gives you valuable tools to take home and integrate into your everyday life. It also gives you a wonderful opportunity to make new friendships and exchange ideas.
List of courses still to take place in 2024:
- Mindful Leadership (27 – 30 Oct) – effective leadership requires confident leaders. The more you know about yourself, the more strength, wisdom and empathy you have and the inspiring you will be for the people you lead. (Taught by Lutz Hempel, also from the centre of Mindfulness in Basel www.zentrum-für-achtsamkeit.ch and co-founder of The Flourishing Circle)
- Sustainable Leadership (30 Oct – 2 Nov) – Something in our consciousness needs to change so we know how to act in order to conquer the challenges of our time. (Taught by Lutz Hempel)
- An Introduction to Mindfulness, Acceptance and Compassion Based Psychotherapy (3 – 6 Nov) – (Taught by Regula Saner)
- MSC- Mindful Self-Compassion (10 – 15 Nov) – also a compact course of the well known original 8 week course designed by Prof. Jon Kabat-Zinn from the University of Massachusetts. (Taught by Regula Saner)
- Mind Body Medicine Basis Weeks 1 & 2 (17 – 22 Nov & 24 – 29 Nov) – a program for healthy participants with a wish for a more balanced and healthy lifestyle. An offering from which each attendee will benefit from far beyond the duration of the course itself. (Taught by Dr. phil. Daniel Hausmann-Thürig who is both a researcher and lecturer at Zurich University, Anne-Marie Flammersfeld from all mountain fitness & Christiane Pithan a certified Mind-Body Medicine therapist and art and dance therapist. )
- More Calmness – Coping with Christmas Stress (1 – 6 Dec) – an inspiring adventure for an exhilarated start into the Advent. Enjoy the first snow and mindfully prepare yourself for Christmas. (Taught by Regula Saner)
See here for course registration and more details.
Wishing you a Mindful week ahead.
See here for more Swiss travel tips.
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Wow! What a beautiful place to visit this time of year. That hotel looks stunning. I could definitely use a little mindfulness practice. Sounds like a great program!
You would love it here Janea xxx