Unlock your potential and embark on a transformative journey to become a qualified mindfulness teacher.
Here at MindfulnessUK, we understand that the journey to become a qualified mindfulness teacher can seem daunting. But is that really a reason not to chase your dreams?
In this blog, we’ll explore the common barriers to becoming a mindfulness teacher and discover how you can overcome them and embrace a fulfilling career that makes a positive impact on the lives of others.
“I don’t have time”
We understand the demands of a busy life. Many of our tutors are parents themselves, and many of us started out while juggling a full-time job, family or caring responsibilities and teacher training.
So we get that you might be feeling overwhelmed by your current responsibilities, with little time to devote to mindfulness teacher training. That’s why we offer online training programmes that provide flexibility to fit your schedule. Our options allow you to integrate training into your daily routine, ensuring that you can pursue your passion for mindfulness teaching without compromising your other commitments.
“There aren’t any courses near me”
Living in an area with limited training opportunities can be discouraging. You might feel isolated, lacking the support and resources needed to grow as a mindfulness teacher. With MindfulnessUK’s online training programs, geographical barriers are eliminated. Regardless of your location, you can join our global community of aspiring teachers. Benefit from our comprehensive curriculum and experienced instructors, accessing the training you deserve from anywhere in the world.
“I was a little apprehensive about how online learning would work but I found that it was thoroughly engaging and gave me the opportunity to learn alongside students from other disciplines from all over the UK and globally.” – Deborah (MBSRTT graduate)
And because you’ll be studying through our online Learning Management System, you’ll be able to access all the course videos and materials time and again, as well as having notes sent to you in hard copy.
“Will I be good enough?”
This is THE most common reason we see for people not taking that first step. Feelings of self-doubt and imposter syndrome are common when embarking on a new path – especially when it comes to teaching. But luckily, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
We believe that confidence is developed over time, and our courses are designed to help you build that confidence gradually. Since we only admit 12 students to each course, you’ll have personalised support from our expert tutors in a safe, friendly environment.
“This course has transformed my mental well-being and confidence. Thank you for a truly meaningful and transformational course.” – Dawn, IMCTT graduate
As your confidence builds, our training programmes provide opportunities for shadowing and co-teaching, allowing you to gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced instructors.
And by joining the MindfulnessUK Community, you’ll have ongoing access to peer support, sitting groups, and themed events. Plus you’ll have the opportunity to chat online with graduates and other teachers to support your development and grow your confidence.
“Do I need to be teaching already?”
People often think they need to be already facilitating mindfulness practices before they start, so they put off joining a teacher training course. But then they also don’t have the confidence to run sessions before they’re trained, so it’s a bit of a catch 22!
Our courses are designed to take you from never having taught mindfulness before to being a fully qualified teacher. We have no expectations that you can already teach – our courses give you the opportunity to learn how to do this in a safe, supportive environment. Through the course you’ll receive all the resources and materials you need to start teaching straight away.
“How will I finance it?”
We understand that financial considerations can impact your decision to pursue training. We offer competitive pricing and the option to pay in instalments to make our training as accessible as possible. MindfulnessUK is committed to providing value and support on your journey to becoming a qualified mindfulness teacher.
“This course has given me the foundation for my new career.” – Catherine, IMCTT graduate
So what now?
It’s time to stop putting off taking the first step towards your new career. With our support, you can unleash your potential and become a qualified mindfulness teacher equipped to guide others on their transformative journeys.
Click here to find out about the MBSR Teacher Training course
Click here to find out about the Integrating Mindfulness & Compassion Teacher Training course
Want to take the next step but not sure which pathway is right for you? Join Angie Ward, an experienced mindfulness and compassion tutor and MindfulnessUK CXO, on Friday at 1.15pm (via Zoom) to chat through which course could be a good fit for you.
Did you know that only 7% of British men are comfortable discussing their health issues openly? Men’s Health Week aims to change that by raising awareness of health concerns that affect men disproportionately.
This year, MindfulnessUK is proud to partner with Alex Cunningham and special guests Loti Nambombe, Mohammed A. Mamaniat and Chris Robilliard in a session dedicated to men’s health, that will look at the best tools and influences as learned through the panel’s lived experience, and discuss some of the many bumps along the way.
In this powerful webinar, we will look at what role mindfulness and being more mindful in daily life have to play in this journey, how to make this valuable work approachable and accessible and share practical tips, and discuss the importance of creating a safe space for men to talk about their mental health. There will also be a Q&A session to address any questions you may have.
🔒 Please note that this is a men’s only event, open to anyone who identifies as male. We want to ensure a safe and supportive environment for all participants. However, we will share a recording of the session for those who are interested in learning more about Men’s Health (rest assured, we do not record personal questions or information).
Join us for this FREE webinar about men’s mental health
Alex Cunningham is a renowned wellbeing trainer, mindfulness and compassion teacher, and a facilitator of true story workshops and events. With a background in sales, he discovered his true passion lies in helping individuals embrace their uniqueness while recognizing their shared experiences with others.
Don’t miss this valuable opportunity to engage in an important conversation surrounding men’s health. Register now to secure your spot! 👇
Want to attend more events like Mindfulness for Men?Join the MindfulnessUK Community to get exclusive access to events, resources and sitting groups.
Tips and Strategies for Turning Your Mindfulness Side Hustle into the Main Event
Mindfulness teaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, helping others to manage stress, anxiety, and other challenges. Many mindfulness teachers start their teaching journey as a side hustle while working in other jobs, but with dedication and effort, it’s possible to turn this side hustle into a full-time career.
Here are some tips to help you turn your mindfulness teaching side hustle into a successful career:
1. Set Clear Goals
The first step in turning your mindfulness teaching side hustle into a career is to set clear goals. Think about where you want to be in two, five or ten years, and what steps you need to take to get there.
For example, you may need to invest in further training or certification, increase your teaching hours, or develop your marketing skills. Setting clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated as you work towards building a successful mindfulness teaching career.
2. Develop Your Skills
To establish yourself as a reputable mindfulness teacher, it’s important to invest in your skills and knowledge. Consider taking advanced mindfulness training programs, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship from experienced teachers.
Developing your skills will not only improve your teaching abilities but also help you stand out in a competitive marketplace and attract more clients.
3. Create a Business Plan
A successful mindfulness teaching career requires a solid business plan. This includes identifying your target audience, developing a marketing strategy, and creating a budget for your business.
Consider creating a website or social media profile to promote your services, as well as developing a pricing strategy and plan for growth. A solid business plan will help you stay organised and focused as you work towards building a successful mindfulness teaching career.
4. Invest in Your Business
As you build your mindfulness teaching career, it’s important to invest in your business to maximise your potential for success. This includes investing in marketing, networking, and continuing education.
One way to invest in your business is by taking a business development e-course, such as this one offered by MindfulnessUK. This course provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and grow your mindfulness teaching practice.
Turning your mindfulness teaching side hustle into a successful career requires dedication, effort, and a solid business plan. By investing in your skills, creating a business plan, and continuing to learn and grow, you can establish yourself as a reputable and successful mindfulness teacher.
To take your career to the next level, consider purchasing MindfulnessUK’s Business Development e-course. This course provides you with the necessary skills and knowledge to develop and grow your mindfulness teaching practice. Click here to learn more and purchase the e-course today.
Mindfulness has been gaining popularity in recent years as a tool for reducing stress and promoting well-being. But can mindfulness really help with reducing staff sickness rates?
The short answer is: yes.
Mindfulness has been shown to have significant benefits for both physical and mental health, making it a valuable tool for employers who want to promote a healthy and productive workforce.
Physical Health Benefits of Mindfulness
One of the main ways that mindfulness can help reduce staff sickness rates is by promoting physical health. Stress is a leading cause of many health problems, including cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and weakened immune systems. Mindfulness has been shown to be effective in reducing stress levels1, which can have a significant impact on physical health outcomes.
In addition to reducing stress, mindfulness can also promote better sleep2 and healthier eating habits3, both of which are important for maintaining good physical health. Studies have shown that people who practise mindfulness are more likely to eat a healthy diet and engage in regular exercise because they feel more connected to their bodies, things we know can help reduce the risk of a range of health problems.
Mental Health Benefits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness has also been shown to have significant benefits for mental health. It can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, and improve overall mood and well-being1. This is particularly important in the workplace, where stress and burnout are common.
By promoting well-being and creating a more supportive culture, mindfulness can help reduce staff sickness rates by preventing mental health problems from developing or worsening. This can lead to a more productive and engaged workforce, with lower rates of absenteeism and presenteeism.
How to Promote Mindfulness And Reduce Absenteeism
If you’re interested in promoting mindfulness in your workplace, consider joining MindfulnessUK’s JOY programme®, a train-the-trainer style programme that equips your team with the skills, knowledge and passion to create and maintain a culture of mindfulness in your organisation.
So yes, mindfulness canbe an extremely valuable tool for reducing staff sickness rates in the workplace. By promoting physical and mental health, mindfulness can help prevent health problems from developing or worsening, leading to a healthier and more productive workforce.
References:
Clinical Psychology Review, Volume 33, Issue 6, August 2013, Pages 763-771, Mindfulness-based therapy: a comprehensive meta-analysis, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23796855/
Did you know that employee well-being isn’t just about *avoiding* poor mental health (although we know that’s extremely important too)?
What companies tend to overlook is that employee well-being is about *creating* an environment where employees can thrive and experience genuine joy in their work and personal lives. It’s a holistic concept that encompasses both mental and emotional health and the creation of fulfilling, joyful experiences.
So while employee assistance programmes and mental health first aid training are powerful and important tools for any organisation, they alone cannot significantly improve well-being.
What we need to consider is how to create joy in the everyday.
So why should joy be at the heart of your company’s People Strategy in 2023?
1. Joyful employees are more engaged
When employees are happy and fulfilled, they’re more likely to be engaged in their work. They’ll be more productive, more creative, and more committed to the company’s goals. This means that investing in employee happiness can pay dividends in the form of increased productivity, better quality work, and improved customer satisfaction.
2. Joyful employees are more loyal
Happy employees are more likely to stay with a company for the long term, reducing the costs associated with turnover and recruitment. This can have a significant impact on the bottom line, as the cost of replacing an employee can be as high as two times their salary.
3. Joyful employees create a positive company culture
A positive company culture is essential for attracting and retaining top talent. When employees are happy, they’re more likely to share their positive experiences with others, which can help to build a strong employer brand. A positive culture can also help to improve teamwork, collaboration, and communication, leading to better outcomes for the company.
4. Joyful employees are healthier
Studies show that happy employees are healthier employees, with lower rates of absenteeism and higher levels of energy and motivation. A healthy workforce can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall productivity.
So how can companies create a more joyful workforce? Here are a few tips:
1. Prioritise work-life balance
Encourage staff to take time off when they need it and to prioritise their personal lives. This can help to reduce stress and burnout, leading to happier, more fulfilled employees.
2. Create a positive company culture
Encourage teamwork, collaboration, and open communication. Find ways to recognize and reward employees for their hard work and contributions, and celebrate successes together.
3. Offer opportunities for growth and development
Provide employees with opportunities to learn and grow, whether through training programs, mentorship, or promotions. This can help to keep employees engaged and motivated.
4. Invest in employee well-being
Offer wellness programs, such MindfulnessUK’s THE JOY PROGRAMME to support employee well-being. This can help to reduce stress, improve overall health and build happiness both in and outside of the workplace.
By now, we all know that employee well-being is important. But are you prioritising the creation of joy in 2023?
By focusing on employee happiness and well-being, companies can create a more engaged, loyal, and productive workforce, leading to better outcomes for the company and its employees.
Here at MindfulnessUK, we know that getting a good night’s sleep is essential for your mental and physical wellbeing. But it’s not always that easy.
From stress and anxiety to physical discomfort and restless thoughts, many people struggle to find the peace and relaxation needed to drift off into a deep slumber.
Fortunately, there are several mindfulness techniques that can be effective in promoting relaxation and helping you to sleep better. While techniques such as body scan and deep breathing are often discussed in relation to sleep, there are other, slightly less common techniques that can be just as helpful.
Here are three techniques that might help you sleep better:
1. Gratitude Practice
Gratitude practice is an excellent way to cultivate feelings of positivity and contentment, which can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This exercise involves taking a few minutes before going to sleep to reflect on the things in your life that you are grateful for. You can do this exercise by making a mental list of three things that you are thankful for, or by keeping a gratitude journal next to your bed and writing down three things each night. Focusing on positive aspects of your life can help you feel more relaxed and content, which can make it easier to fall asleep.
2. Awareness of Distant Sounds Practice
Awareness of distant sounds practice is a mindfulness technique that involves intentionally focusing on the sounds around you, including those that are far away or barely audible. By paying attention to these sounds without judgment or distraction, you can cultivate a greater sense of mindfulness and awareness in your daily life. And when it comes to sleep, awareness of distant sounds can help create a more peaceful and calming environment by reducing the impact of unexpected or disruptive noises, allowing you to fall asleep more easily and enjoy a more restful night’s sleep.
3. Loving-Kindness Meditation
Loving-kindness meditation is a technique that involves cultivating feelings of love, compassion, and kindness towards yourself and others. This technique can be particularly helpful for those who struggle with anxious or restless thoughts that keep them awake at night. Start by sitting comfortably with your eyes closed, and bring to mind someone you love and care about deeply. Next, repeat a series of phrases silently to yourself, such as ‘may you be happy, may you be healthy, may you be safe, may you live with ease’. After a few minutes, switch to focusing on yourself and repeat the same phrases. This practice can help to reduce stress and promote feelings of warmth and wellbeing, which can make it easier to fall asleep.
If you’re struggling to sleep, it may be worth trying some of these less common mindfulness techniques to help you drift off into a deep slumber.
By incorporating practices such as gratitude, awareness of distant sounds, and loving-kindness meditation into your bedtime routine, you may find that you’re able to sleep more soundly and wake up feeling more refreshed and energised.
You can find some free guided versions of these practices on our Resources page.
If you or someone you know lives with endometriosis, you’re likely aware of how challenging and uncomfortable it can be.
This chronic condition affects the reproductive organs and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. But there are ways to help manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life. One great strategy is mindfulness – it can be a powerful tool in your toolkit for feeling better!
Mindfulness is a practice that involves bringing your attention to the present moment, without judgement. By developing a greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, you can learn to better manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Here are some potential benefits of mindfulness for people with endometriosis:
1. Pain management
Endometriosis pain can be intense and difficult to manage. Mindfulness can help you to focus on the present moment rather than becoming consumed by the pain. By developing a greater awareness of your body and the sensations you’re experiencing, you can identify triggers and develop strategies for managing pain. This can help you to feel more in control of your symptoms and reduce the impact that pain has on your life.
2. Stress reduction
Living with endometriosis can be stressful and anxiety-provoking. Mindfulness can help to reduce stress and anxiety by calming the mind and body. By learning to focus on the present moment, you can reduce worry about the future and regrets about the past, which can help to alleviate stress.
3. Improved sleep
Endometriosis pain can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Mindfulness can help to promote better sleep quality by reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Mindfulness meditation can also help to calm racing thoughts and promote feelings of tranquillity, which can help you to fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
4. Improved mood
Living with endometriosis can take a toll on your mental health. Mindfulness can help to improve your mood and boost feelings of positivity. By developing greater self-awareness and learning to focus on the present moment, you can reduce negative thoughts and emotions and cultivate a more positive outlook on life.
So which mindfulness techniques can help?
1. Body scan meditation
Endometriosis can cause physical discomfort and pain, so it’s important to be able to tune in to your body and manage these sensations mindfully. A body scan meditation involves lying down and systematically bringing awareness to each part of the body, noticing any sensations without judgement. This can help you become more familiar with the different sensations in your body and learn to respond to them in a calm, non-reactive way.
2. Deep breathing
Mindful breathing is a simple but powerful way to calm the mind and reduce stress, which can help manage symptoms of endometriosis. One technique is to breathe in deeply through your nose for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six. Repeat this for several breaths, focusing on the sensation of the breath moving in and out of the body.
3. Mindful movement
Gentle movement can be a great way to relieve tension and reduce pain associated with endometriosis. Mindful movement practices such as yoga, tai chi or qigong can help you connect with your body and breath, while also building strength and flexibility. These practices can help improve circulation and reduce stress, which can help manage symptoms of endometriosis. It’s important to choose movements that feel good for your body and to move mindfully, paying attention to how your body feels as you move.
While mindfulness is not a cure for endometriosis, it can be a valuable tool for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
If you’re interested in trying mindfulness, we highly recommend you check out our 4-week introductory Compassionate Mindful Resilience course. Make sure to talk to your healthcare provider about whether mindfulness might be a helpful addition to your endometriosis management plan.
At the end of 2022, I was invited by Angie Ward, teacher at Mindfulness UK, to co-teach a silent retreat online focussing on kindness and filling your cup with compassion.
I had never led a silent retreat, nor had I had the chance to co-teach any sessions with colleagues.
After some consideration (which included overcoming a touch of fear) I decided it would be a great thing to do and said yes.
Angie also invited Natalie Muallem to join as co-host. We had a few meetings in advance to discuss the topic and how we could bring that to life through various mindfulness practices and other exercises. As it was set for 30th of December, we ensured that there was plenty of time and space to reflect on the year that had just passed and also to look gently into the future.
With a plan in place, some readings agreed and heartfelt practices ready, the big day came.
I enjoyed many things about this unique opportunity.
Firstly, it was a chance to learn from colleagues, as everyone has such a different style and approach, and it was great to experience this during a live event.
I am always learning, and this was the best form of education. It also opened my mind to many new possibilities.
I really absorbed myself in the process. When I wasn’t presenting a session, I stepped back and took time to enjoy the silence. Something I rarely do outside of my daily mindfulness practice.
Reflecting on 2022 was timely as it had been a big year. It was my first-year leading classes for paying clients. It was heart-warming to take that time and see how far I had come. I also looked forward, considering what to take forward into the new year.
Compassion and kindness are so important to the way I deliver my classes. To have a day dedicated to these topics in a retreat is very special.
The calm and gentle reflection at the end of the session was enlightening. It was interesting to hear what the retreaters connected with and how they felt it had helped them in so many ways.
I am so glad I overcame the initial fear of co-presenting a retreat. It’s something I would embrace again in a heartbeat and highly recommend it to everyone.
If you are interested in co-teaching one of our retreats then please get in touch.
Put yourself in the shoes of an adopted child for one moment. Imagine how confusing it must be when friends talk about their families (Mum, Dad, siblings). Then an adoptive child talks about theirs.
Theirs can involve a birth mother, some foster parents, a forever mum and maybe even some siblings that they don’t live with.
That is hard to process, with an adult brain, but a small child must be wondering who fulfils which role and they might also be thinking – who else is coming next and possibly what did I do wrong to have had this happen to me!
This is the truth of an adopted child’s identity.
All the hard times, loss and complicated life experiences don’t disappear as they settle into their forever home. They are always there and their life story will always be a big part of who they are.
Some people may wonder why they should speak about the trauma that the little one has experienced? Why talk about a family that is no longer there?
Research says that if we ignore it then it can cause more problems, from shame to anger to fantasising about what could have been. Experienced psychiatrist, Bessel Van Der Kolk, who wrote The Body Keeps the Score, explains that the trauma is already there and needs to be processed.
Growing up is hard enough, our children go through developmental stages where they learn about who they are, their place in the world and how important they are.
Adopted children have the extra layer of wondering, for example: why was I rejected? Why am I not with my birth family? Why do I have these big feelings that I don’t understand? Why is it hard for me to trust new people?
These are big questions for small brains and needs to be supported and this is why an adopted child’s support network is so important.
As they start to understand that they are safe, loved and important they need trusted and consistent adults to always be there for them and to love them as they are, no matter what.
Let’s be honest, sometimes they don’t always feel lovable as they push you away, try to be in control, are defiant or aggressive. My daughter and I have a phrase we use in our trickier moments, where I say “I am sticking with you” and she replies “like glue”.
Helping family and friends to understand the impact of trauma on an adopted child, helps them to help the child. Building a strong relationship with school ensures strategies are put in place to help the child feel safe and to be able to learn. Helping other children to understand is really important and also helps teach empathy.
As an adoptive parent, you also need to embrace your child’s identity and their background. The birth family is their first family and will always have a place in their lives.
It’s about digging deep and accepting that the children will have a curiosity about them and want to talk about them.
It’s about keeping in touch with foster families, to show the little ones that they are still there and they still care, and that good adults exist in the world.
It’s about keeping in touch with adoption agencies and seeking as much support as you need every step of the way, and being bold (and sometimes pushy) to get that support.
I believe support should be forthcoming for our children, but I have also learnt that you have to fight for it. You have to be the warrior they need to get the support required.
I have also learnt that parenting is HARD and it’s important to ask for help for me, whilst also investing heavily in self-care.
With this in mind I am so grateful for my mindfulness toolkit. I find the 8-attitudes help me in acknowledging and accepting what is, which isn’t always easy.
Both my daughter and I now have toolkits like breath, mantra, movement and touch to help us manage our big feelings whenever they rise to the surface!
She’s a Mindfulness Warrior, age 6!
If you want to know more about how mindfulness and compassion can support you then please get in touch.
Click here to learn more about adoption and support National Adoption Week. #YouCanAdopt.
We are now at the halfway point of the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher training course and I am really enjoying the course. I love our zoom group; they are a kind, friendly bunch and it is a safe non-judgmental space for sharing learning and leading practices and inquiry.
We have a WhatsApp group where we ask questions, seek clarification and offer each other support. There are also smaller ‘buddy’ groups where some of us meet regularly online to do practices with each other, give feedback and discuss relevant information. Peer support and feedback really helps with the process and is an important learning tool.
I felt quite moved in our last teaching session when we did a whole group ‘mindful movement’ practice where we all took it in turns to focus on an area of the body, then hand over to the next person. It flowed so smoothly and everyone’s contribution was amazing. It felt like one of those perfect, serendipitous moments, never to be repeated again. I never knew that leaning on zoom in this way would be so rewarding.
Some of us are planning to teach our first 8-week MBSR course, arranging supervision, seeking out venues or setting up online forums and engaging with prospective participants. Others are taking it slowly and at a pace that suits them. This is one of the benefits of this course as you’re not restricted to a final deadline to qualify so if you want to take more than a year, you can do so.
The support from our tutor Karen Atkinson at MindfulnessUK is fantastic and I’m just about to sign up to join the Community Membership, which gives access to networking and training events, peer sitting groups, retreats and resources to support your teaching.
If you’re considering doing an MBSR teacher training course but are a bit unsure, I can really recommend this course. I’m looking forward to getting to the teaching and supervision stage and will update with my reflections on that next time.
If you have any queries about this course then please contact the friendly MindfulnessUK team at info@mindfulnessuk.com or give us a call on 01823 697890.
The team at MindfulnessUK are extremely proud to have taught so many incredible teachers, over many years, in every sector. We really value hearing about their teaching and any feedback on the teaching materials provided during their course.
When you train to become a mindfulness teacher with MindfulnessUK you are invited to join our community. We’re with you at every stage, from practitioner to seasoned teacher, and will continue to support by sending up-to-date materials and resources.
It’s important to continuously share insights, for example, working with trauma-informed mindfulness. This is something that Karen Atkinson, co-Founder and Senior Partner at MinfulnessUK, has been doing for over 20 years. The team teach and train with these skills underpinning their work. Karen wanted to share these considerations in a more explicit and comprehensive way to ensure all students and graduates are well equipped to teach within their own areas of specialism.
“Since finishing the IMC, I completed the MBSR teaching component and slowly but surely chipping away at the extensive portfolio. I’m looking forward to the Process of Inquiry workshop in October. I work for the NHS as a pediatric OT and was keen to provide an offering within the Trust I work for. So now I am providing a ‘mindful moment’ every Monday, Wednesday and Friday lunchtime. Staff click on a Teams link to have guided meditation and mindful movement with me which is a privilege and a joy . Feedback has certainly been very encouraging which is heartening.” Cath Gibney
“I did a workplace session this week as part of well-being week and had my first mindfulness client. I also led a session on a yoga retreat and I have my website up and running, and my marketing materials printed. Over the next 6 months I hope to promote my new Facebook page and have some calls for schools going to run the CMR course.” Dionne
Continuous Support And Improvement Is Important To Us.
Without it sounding like a cliché we do genuinely want to look after our students and graduates alike and offer them support both during and after their course. Currently we have an Alumni Community that students and graduates can join, offering monthly sitting groups, a closed Facebook group and a portal containing practices, notes and much more.
We listen to our students and have heard the wish and desire to feel more connected to each other so we will be launching our newly imagined community after the summer break….watch this space!!
It’s never easy to set up your own business but with so much fear-driven anxiety in the world right now, the need for people to feel less separate and more connected to themselves, others and their planet is essential to support mental and emotional health and well-being.
There has never been a better time to explore a career in mindfulness and compassion and support others in every sector of society. We’re experiencing a paradigm shift, would you like to contribute to it?
We have a number of mindfulness and compassion teacher training and continuous professional development courses starting in September and October this year to help you do just this, please visit our website to find out more or contact info@mindfulnessuk.com.
The MindfulnessUK Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course is a comprehensive 12-month training pathway designed to enable you to gain all the knowledge, skills and materials you need to deliver the 8-week MBSR course to your own clients or workplace colleagues.
It’s a very popular course and MindfulnessUK is a Member Organisation of the British Association of Mindfulness-Based Approaches, a charity that regulates teaching and training of mindfulness in the UK and internationally. The MBSR teacher training gives you a background to secular mindfulness, and all the notes, session plans, practices and tools, allowing you to develop an understanding of how to work with those that are experiencing physical, psychological and emotional difficulties.
At this time of fear and uncertainty in our society, supporting others to feel more connected to themselves and others by teaching mindful and kindness practices, offers ways to live more healthily in the present. These skills to manage stress and build resilience, have never been needed more.
We have recently started teaching our latest cohort and we asked one of our students, Lucy Edwards, whether she would be happy to document her experience. She said yes!
Her Experience So Far:
I was first introduced to mindfulness when I was a teenager and my sister talked me through how to do a body scan. I remember liking how my body and mind felt. Later when pregnant with my first child I started doing mindfulness practices but I never really kept it going in a consistent way until the start of the COVID 19 pandemic two years ago. I found that the practices helped me to cope better with the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic and lockdowns.
I then signed up to the 8-week MBSR course and found it life changing. About half way through the course something just clicked and I realised that this was something that I needed in my life. I was reaping so many benefits to my general well-being that I wanted to continue and explore further, so I decided to sign up for the MBSR teacher training course with MindfulnessUK.
This course teaches you how to teach the 8-week course, based on the original MBSR course developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 at the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Clinic at University of Massachusetts Medical School. I felt excited to get started on the pathway of strengthening my mindfulness practice and helping others feel the benefits of the MBSR.
After the initial excitement, some niggles of self doubt started to creep up in my mind.
Would I be able to lead mindfulness meditations?
How would I manage a group of people, with all their own personal agendas and reasons for being there, through this course?
What if my mindfulness practice experience wasn’t sufficient?
I then recalled the 8 attitudes of mindfulness and how self-compassion, non judgement, patience and trust were integral facets of cultivating mindfulness. I needed to be kinder to myself and definitely less judgmental.
After some pre-course reading, the day of the first lesson arrived and I connected on Zoom with the other course attendees and our wonderful teacher, Karen Atkinson. I was a bit nervous about what the course would entail and whether we would be thrown in at the deep end and asked to lead a practice straight away.
Karen allayed any of our first day jitters and that morning on Zoom, building a new heart-felt community with like-minded people, made me realise that I’d done the right thing by signing up.
I’m really excited and looking forward to the rest of the course and my journey in mindfulness.
Watch out for volume 2 of Lucy’s experience on the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Teacher Training course and if you are interested in finding out more about our next course, which starts on the 30th of September 2022, then click here.
