I have thoroughly enjoyed this MBSR course and would go as far as to say it has changed my life!
I am an Irish primary school teacher and got my introduction to mindfulness through a local course for teachers. A book by Jon Kabat Zin was recommended during the sessions. I became very interested and wanted to find out more and then found this course when searching the web. It was easy to follow, comprehensive, informative and free!
Since becoming immersed in the programme I have become noticeably calmer, more level headed, grounded and best of all I have become a happier person. My relationships with family members and friends have improved hugely. I think this is due to "paying attention on purpose" to whoever I'm with and giving them my undivided attention when I'm with them but also by not allowing their thoughts and opinions to become mine.
The most valuable tools for me have been the RAIN and STOP process. I use them constantly and find them extremely helpful. They were particularly beneficial when my elderly mother was ill in hospital. Usually I would be stressed, upset and willing everything to be different. How liberating it was to just let things be as they were, without judging, to ask myself how I was and to be kind to myself while being aware of my emotions. My mother was the first to comment on how changed I was - in a good way! It enabled me to be better in dealing with and helping her.
I work in a learning support and resource capacity in my teaching. I take a group of 7 year old Children daily for social skills sessions. I introduced them to mindfulness and after a few teething problems like giggling and awkwardness they came to embrace it. I use the Irish CDs Mindfulness Matters for Children and we begin every session with a short mindful meditation. The pupils have come to love it and are reaping rewards that their parents, families, friends and teachers are benefiting from also. I met the author of the CDs at a teacher's conference and we had a very lively and positive discussion about the MBSR course. I was delighted to be able to participate fully in such a discussion.
When I look back on the first worksheet where I outlined the reasons Why I wanted to do the course I can see that not only did I achieve my aims I surpassed them - learning so much more and adapting so many more practices to my daily life.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
- Niamh K.
"Letter of Learning"
from Niamh K. in Ireland
