"Letter of Learning"
from Caroline B. in Canary Islands

First of all, I would like to say that the course is absolutely fantastic with superb videos and reading material and the worksheets kept me focused on my daily practice. I have been teaching yoga and practicing meditating for many years and had some doubts about what I could learn from this Mindfulness course. The one big thing that I have learnt is “compassion for myself” and this has been truly healing and inspiring as I realize that I have been tough on myself since eons ago and not only can I look back and have compassion for the young Caroline struggling with her challenges in life, but, also, I look at the mature me with much more kindness and a considerable amount of emotional healing has taken place. I love what Shauna Shapiro has to say and have been very touched with her words and presence. “Intention + Attention + Attitude”.

I find the techniques and practices very useful to deal with different difficult situations, in particular the Stop and Rain. They have helped me to not get caught up in automatic responses to daily nonsense that can otherwise cause upset and stress. I was feeling low and lacking motivation when I started the course due to changes in my life and I feel that I have found new inspiration about how to live my life more mindfully, more accepting of whatever is happening in my life, even if it is not what I want it to be.

I am more mindful when talking, eating, working, in my relationships and daily interactions with people and events with intention and curiosity and open-hearted presence. Just like observing my breath going in and out, I can observe my mind getting irritated and the impulse for action, there is a space created and then I know I have a choice to act on it, make use of it or let it go.

I would like to share what I have learned from MBSR in my work as a Yoga and Meditation and English teacher. Also with the time I would like to become a MBSR instructor and will look at what possibilities there are. I work with students and teachers in different schools and we could all greatly benefit to learn about mindfulness to manage to reduce stress and improve wellbeing and work/study performance.

Thank you so much for the unanticipated, inspirational course and the chance to learn with you and make positive changes in me and my life and those around me.

With my very best wishes from an open-heart.

- Caroline B.