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Mindfulness and Lifestyle Medicine by Dr Neil Lekamge, Dr Prasadi Jayathilaka & Dr Rasarie Wamalana

We recently hosted an enriching “Mindfulness and Lifestyle Medicine” workshop, led by three distinguished professionals: Dr. Neil Lekamge, Dr. Prasadi Jayathilake, and Dr. Rasarie Wimalana. The event delved into various aspects of mindfulness and lifestyle medicine, offering participants practical insights into improving their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

Dr. Neil Lekamge kicked off the session with a focus on ‘Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)’. He explored how mindfulness can be a powerful tool for cognitive restructuring, helping individuals break free from automatic negative thinking patterns. His engaging presentation included practical exercises designed to help participants develop more conscious awareness of their thoughts and emotions, leading to better emotional regulation and mental clarity.

Following that, Dr. Prasadi Jayathilake delivered an insightful segment on ‘Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)’. She discussed the sheer number of thoughts we have daily and compared them to those of our ancestors, who were primarily focused on survival. Dr. Prasadi explained how modern stress is linked to our “fight or flight” response and walked the participants through the physiological processes behind stress. She also touched on the exhaustion funnel, illustrating how unmanaged stress can lead to burnout. Dr. Prasadi introduced mindfulness as a powerful tool to regain control and explained concepts such as the “automatic pilot mode” versus “transform mode.” She also covered neuroplasticity, highlighting how we can influence brain structure through mindfulness. Her session concluded with the mental and physiological benefits of mindfulness, sparking an engaging Q&A where participants asked many thought-provoking questions.

Lastly, Dr. Rasarie Wimalana provided a deep dive into ‘Lifestyle Medicine’, emphasizing how lifestyle choices directly impact both physical and mental health. She discussed how incorporating healthier habits—like balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and stress management—can prevent chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Dr. Rasarie’s presentation focused on empowering individuals to take charge of their health by integrating simple, sustainable lifestyle changes into their daily routines.

Throughout the workshop, participants were actively engaged, asking numerous questions, and sharing their experiences, making the event both interactive and insightful. The discussions were accompanied by real-life examples, helping attendees connect the concepts to their own lives. The atmosphere was vibrant, with a palpable sense of enthusiasm as everyone participated in mindfulness exercises and practical demonstrations.

This workshop was a great success, offering participants valuable tools to manage stress, improve focus, and adopt healthier habits that can lead to long-lasting well-being. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your understanding, this event provided key takeaways that can transform daily living.

Stay tuned for more workshops like this, and feel free to browse through the images of the event to capture the essence of the day.