Be Aware – lectures and practices for well-being

At Wise Habit, we support mindful and respectful treatment of mind and body by providing solutions that build wise habits. In our fast-paced world, we often lack the time to stop and enjoy the present moment. That's why we organize events that help restore balance and cultivate mindfulness – so we can reconnect with ourselves and the world to discover it every day, anew.

We co-created the latest edition of our Be Aware series with Kamila Wykrota, who, for nearly 10 years, has been supporting individuals and teams in navigating the challenges of today's world, helping develop skills to manage stress, pressure and change – based on science-backed methods. Today, we talk to her about the vision behind this program and the values that conscious awareness brings to our lives.

Wise Habit: How did you design the thematic path for Be Aware?

Kamila Wykrota: I created this path based on my 10 years of experience supporting people in adapting to an ever-changing reality, inspired by the values and mission of Wise Habit. Through guided practice, we will gradually develop habits that help manage stress more effectively, build psychological resilience and enhance overall well-being.

Each session focuses on a different aspect of human experience – from breath to body, thoughts, presence and relationships. We begin with breathwork because it is the simplest and most accessible tool for stress regulation and grounding in the present moment. Next, we shift our focus to the body, which – unlike the mind – is always in the here and now. Our thoughts tend to drift between the past, ruminating on what has already happened, and the future, creating worst-case scenarios and worries. When the body is relaxed, it becomes easier to recognize our mental patterns and cognitive traps – something we explore in the next session.

Once we've built a foundation with breath, body and thoughts, we move on to cultivating mindfulness in daily life. Awareness isn't just an individual practice; it also involves developing conscious communication and empathetic listening. That's why the final two sessions focus on relationships, compassion and kindness – the foundations of well-being.

Throughout the series, participants not only gain knowledge but also learn practical methods they can integrate into their daily routines.

WH: How can your lectures and practices support us – both in everyday life and in work, particularly in creative fields?

KW: The skills and habits we develop in this series form the foundation for healthy functioning in daily life. They help calm the mind, increase a sense of inner peace, restore emotional balance and respond more effectively to overwhelm – both in life and at work.

Research shows that an overstimulated nervous system – especially when stuck in survival mode - reduces activity in brain areas responsible for creativity. Mindfulness, breathwork and self-awareness practices support creativity not only in terms of generating new ideas but also by enhancing cognitive flexibility, problem-solving abilities and the capacity to connect seemingly unrelated concepts.

WH: What scientific research and methodologies do you base your work on?

KW: Every method and approach used in this program is grounded in well-established scientific research from psychology and neuroscience. Studies on mindfulness began in the 1960s and, according to PubMed, nearly 30,000 scientific papers on the subject had been published by the end of 2023.

The program incorporates not only Jon Kabat-Zinn's foundational approach to mindfulness but also methodologies from other leading experts, including: dr. Rick Hanson on resilience, Kristin Neff on self-compassion, dr. Paul Gilbert on compassion and Martin Seligman on positive psychology. Additionally, I have included research analyses and reviews by Dr. Andrew Huberman, a Stanford University neuroscientist and founder of Huberman Lab.

WH: Awareness is the central theme of this series – whether in relation to breath, emotions, the body or relationships. What are the benefits of greater self-awareness?

KW: Above all, greater self-awareness helps us not miss out on life. Research shows that we spend nearly 50% of our time lost in thought – dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This means we are only half-present in our own lives, disconnected from reality.

We live in a world of constant information overload, apps and technologies, with increasing unpredictability and rapid change. This often leads to a superficial experience of life and takes a toll on our mental and physical well-being.

Developing self-awareness allows us to break free from autopilot – the automatic, mechanical mode of functioning that, over time, can lead to burnout. Greater mindfulness and self-awareness lay the foundation for a deeper understanding of ourselves, our reactions and our needs. In the long run, this contributes to a more fulfilling, peaceful and happier life.

Wise support

Our Be Aware series begins on March 3rd at 6:30 PM. Each session combines an inspiring talk with practical exercises designed to help you manage stress, break unconscious patterns and build healthier relationships. From breathing techniques and mindfulness to working with thought patterns and developing empathy – we will share tools that foster both inner harmony and meaningful connections with others.

The first session is dedicated to the power of breath and its calming role in restoring balance. The event is free and open to all, but spaces are limited. Sign up now!

If you feel the need for more balance between work and personal life, we also invite you to MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) training – a weekly small-group program led by Kamila Wykrota in our showroom. This training provides evidence-based tools to manage stress more effectively, prevent burnout and strengthen inner resources. If you'd like to learn more, feel free to reach out to the host directly: kamila.wykrota@mindyourmind.pl

Choose the path that resonates with you and join us on the journey toward deeper self-awareness.