by Lynsey Wickens | Aug 12, 2024 | Uncategorized
By Helen Potts
We are so often striving to achieve, searching for our best lives, hoping to be successful… and yet we can so easily lose ourselves in this ambition as we compare ourselves to others or hold ourselves to an unrealistic standard. Or worse we give up that which we love because we feel our contribution will be seen as too small or insignificant.
Here we go… we walk away from our ordinariness, forgetting that most endeavours start messy, arise out of our failures and flourish from our self acceptance. Whilst it may not look quite as expected maybe our offering has its own small beauty and resonance in the world.
We all have to acknowledge our different potential, resources and opportunities. We are not born into the same bodies, we have different privileges, different experiences.
If we are to live with any equilibrium we need to be aligned to our own inner barometer of accomplishment. Mine is not yours and yours will be an uncomfortable fit for me.
I lived for many years in close proximity to pain and illness and have had to rewrite the rules over and over to find creative ways to achieve my balance and it’s undoubtedly hard. No-one enjoys swimming against this tide. But this is a life many people live, an ordinary life and it’s remarkable in its ordinary way.
Life’s challenges and the advancing years continually alter our bodies, our experiences and our confidence. We have to keep finding and re-finding the truth of our lives.
Most of us are average, ordinarily, wonderfully average. And yes we will shed tears at the smallness and brevity of our lives and the near impossible task of saving any part of this world. But our ordinariness will save our day and it will be one of the most valuable offerings to our friends, family and community. We are not served well by a separation from or rejection of our prosaic reality. In truth this ordinariness is our common humanity and our collective strength.
A small headline held my attention “other people’s outsides cannot be compared to your insides.” Reminding us that the carefully curated image of someone else’s life, someone else’s success is not their complete story and comparing yourself to this will be to the detriment of your self worth.
What matters most as I travel into a new decade?
- That I am kind in my intention
- That I find fulfilling endeavours
- That I connect authentically and at no-one else’s expense
- That I tread softly on this earth
- That I find joy and purpose in the everyday
- I want to say that I am enough, that I am valued and that I value my contribution. I want to continue to be vulnerable, to be open and to be honest. I fail in all of this as much as I succeed but it makes it no less true or desirable.
Mindfulness offers a framework in which to work with our challenges. It has given me an abundance of meaningful connections, a few treasured friends and the understanding and compassion to meet people in their ordinary lives; learning on the way how we all navigate the difficulty and distress of being human.
To be comfortable in our own skin: perhaps this will carry us the furthest and offer the deepest rewards; to integrate this self acceptance, a gentle, personal calibration.
Maybe we can celebrate this invisible, interlinking chain of ordinary humanness as a value beyond the pull or temptation to be noticed. Maybe this will have some resonance for you as it has for me.
Return to yourself in all your failing and fragility, your ordinary remarkableness is all the world needs.
Don’t give up on the smallness of your gift, you were made for this.
About Helen Potts
Helen is a Mindfulness UK IMC graduate. She leads mindfulness and poetry for wellbeing sessions and is passionate about making mindfulness and compassion relatable and inclusive, sharing with others the healing potential this offers. Helen has run a number of community groups, supporting people who are experiencing illness and life challenging circumstances.
“It is wonderful seeing people connect and give space to the fullness of their lives: the pain, the joy and the messiness! We are all the same really, we want to live well, find some ease and fulfilment; whatever our resources I believe this is possible.”
Helen Coordinates MUK Wednesday sitting group
by Lynsey Wickens | Aug 9, 2024 | Uncategorized, Wellbeing
By Helen Potts
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? ― Mary Oliver
Mindfulness and poetry have a special place in my heart and in my practice and I feel supported and saved by them on a daily basis. This alchemy of insight and wisdom is truly soul work.
Mindfulness and poetry individually, yes …but there’s this invitation to consider the potency of them together as a gentle holistic medicine, encouraging us to engage with our energy and equilibrium, our anxieties and desires. This is a practice as a prayer, offered to ourselves and others; this is a practice gentle, therapeutic and revealing without the pressure of an outcome or goal.
We often become absorbed in the desire to know what a poem means and whilst this may be rewarding, through mindfulness we learn how to appreciate poetry in a different way, perhaps without the urgency of needing to know; allowing ourselves to soften the intellect, engaging more fully with the mystery.
Mindfulness allows us to slow down and create a calm awareness to receive the words of a poem. It encourages the thinking mind to quieten and allows the poetry to be received not only through the ears but also in the body and the heart. We can be intimately in touch with the experience of the poem, connecting with our senses, connecting with our willingness to be open.
Poetry naturally creates a sense of our common humanity. We meet our own feelings and emotions in the words of another. We have conversations with people from past centuries with the revelation that our emotional pain, joy and complexity are indeed ancient not new. Mindfulness is a door through which a journey into poetry can begin and poetry always offers a welcoming hearth and home for mindfulness.
Research demonstrates that individually they are considered to address pain and illness, stress and isolation: our lives, our loves and our losses. I believe that together they are most definitely more than the sum of their parts.
Over the last year leading sessions on mindfulness and poetry has genuinely moved me: the heartfelt sharing, the realisation of our commonality and connection and also our ability to consider worlds and experiences that are not the same as ours. It engages our compassion, it cultivates relationships and we all become accustomed to holding the space as we read, listen and practice. And yes there are tears as we engage with the heart but there’s also laughter and deep wonder at the world in which we share.
I would encourage all teachers to consider the opportunity poetry offers to enhance their mindfulness sessions. It dissolves and reinvents teacher student relationships; it extends this wonderful gift of agency as someone is empowered to offer a poem that has accompanied their lives at moments of healing, through times of distress or remembering. Here we find all the themes of mindfulness effortlessly spilling from the page, here we learn to listen attentively, generously, tenderly.
About Helen Potts
Helen is a Mindfulness UK IMC graduate. She leads mindfulness and poetry for wellbeing sessions and is passionate about making mindfulness and compassion relatable and inclusive, sharing with others the healing potential this offers. Helen has run a number of community groups, supporting people who are experiencing illness and life challenging circumstances.
“It is wonderful seeing people connect and give space to the fullness of their lives: the pain, the joy and the messiness! We are all the same really, we want to live well, find some ease and fulfilment; whatever our resources I believe this is possible.”
Helen Coordinates MUK Wednesday sitting group
by Lynsey Wickens | Jul 19, 2024 | Uncategorized
In the journey of healing from trauma, mindfulness can be a transformative tool, offering individuals a path to reconnect with their bodies, minds, and emotions in a safe and nurturing way. Trauma-informed mindfulness recognizes the unique challenges faced by trauma survivors and adapts mindfulness practices to address these needs.
This blog post explores the symptoms of trauma, the benefits of trauma-informed mindfulness, how facilitators can introduce mindfulness to trauma clients, and how clients can maximize the benefits of these practices.
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma manifests in various ways, affecting both the mind and body. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for providing effective support.
- Hypersensitivity, Hypervigilance: Trauma survivors often feel constantly on edge, scanning their environment for potential threats.
- Overwhelm, Burnout: Chronic stress from trauma can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and exhausted
- Insomnia, Nightmares, Panic Attacks: Sleep disturbances are common, with nightmares and panic attacks disrupting rest.
- Dullness, Shutting Down: To cope with overwhelming emotions, individuals may become numb or detached.
- Feeling Disconnected: Trauma can lead to a sense of disconnection from oneself and others.
- Effects on Body: Chronic pain, eating disorders, and other physical symptoms can arise as the body attempts to cope.
- Dysregulation of Systems: Trauma can disrupt the body’s systems, making it difficult to achieve homeostasis.
Recognizing these symptoms is the first step in addressing trauma and implementing effective mindfulness practices.
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Mindfulness
Trauma-informed mindfulness offers a gentle, non-analytical approach to healing, focusing on present-moment awareness and self-compassion.
- Non-Analytical Approach: Mindfulness allows individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment or analysis.
- Grounded, Present, “I’m OK Right Now”: Mindfulness brings individuals into the present moment, reducing anxiety about the past or future.
- Soothing: Mindfulness practices can soothe the nervous system, promoting relaxation and calm.
- Changes Hard-Wiring: Regular mindfulness practice can alter neural pathways, supporting healing in the body, heart, and mind.
- Builds Emotional Intelligence and Resilience: Mindfulness enhances emotional awareness and resilience, enabling better coping mechanisms.
- Builds Confidence in Everyday Life: As individuals become more mindful, their confidence in navigating daily challenges increases.
The benefits of trauma-informed mindfulness extend beyond immediate relief, fostering long-term healing and growth.
Introducing Mindfulness to Trauma Clients
For facilitators, introducing mindfulness to trauma clients requires sensitivity, training, and an intuitive approach.
- Embodiment: Facilitators should embody mindfulness, demonstrating its principles through their presence.
- Authenticity: Genuine, authentic interactions help build trust and rapport with clients.
- Trained to Deliver These Practices: Proper training in trauma-informed mindfulness ensures facilitators can offer safe and effective guidance.
- Meet Clients Where They Are: Tailoring practices to the client’s current state and needs is crucial.
- Start with Mindfulness First: Begin with basic mindfulness practices before introducing more complex techniques.
- Emotional Intelligence: Facilitators should possess high emotional intelligence to navigate the complexities of trauma.
- Intuition: Trusting one’s intuition can guide facilitators in adapting practices to the client’s needs.
For Clients, to get the most out of mindfulness strategies, it’s important for practices to be accessible and performed in a safe and comforting environment.
- Feel Safe: Creating a safe and supportive environment is essential for effective practice.
- Accessible Practices: Practices should be simple and accessible, allowing clients to engage without feeling overwhelmed.
- Learn When and How to Bring Mindfulness and Compassion into Their Lives: Clients should be guided on integrating mindfulness into their daily routines.
- Have Support Beyond Sessions: Providing recordings or other resources can help clients continue their practice outside of sessions.
- Supported by Compassionate Mindful Inquiry: Facilitators should engage in compassionate inquiry, helping clients explore their experiences gently.
- Comfort: Ensuring physical and emotional comfort enhances the effectiveness of mindfulness practices.
Relationship between mindfulness and compassion
For trauma victims, the relationship between mindfulness and compassion is particularly profound. Mindfulness allows individuals to peel away their defense mechanisms and confront the reality of their experiences. These defense mechanisms, while often seen as destructive, have provided a form of support, making their removal leave a person feeling vulnerable and adrift. This is where the “action” of compassion becomes essential. By practicing self-soothing and self-kindness, trauma victims can slowly transform their internal dialogue and begin to nurture themselves in new, healthier ways. This shift not only helps them face their current reality but also creates a new, more nourishing reality.
Over time, this compassionate approach can have a truly transformative and sustainable effect, helping individuals move beyond merely surviving to thriving in their lives post-trauma.
By following these strategies, clients can harness the full potential of trauma-informed mindfulness, fostering a journey of healing and growth.
by Natasha Douglas | Jul 14, 2023 | All Blog Posts, Uncategorized
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.
Register for the event here.
