How Mindfulness Helps
I completed another six-week mindfulness course recently. The participants were clients of a support organisation for people living with or affected by serious illness. While discussing how the course has helped them, here is what some of the participants said:
“Now I can place distance between myself and my thoughts and emotions. Before this course, I was consumed with worry. I was anxious about the future, and my fear used to run away with me. Now, I know how to create space so the difficult thoughts and emotions don’t take over. I feel calm and peaceful. Mindfulness should be taught everywhere, to everyone.”
“I feel so calm. Before this course, I always reacted to what people said. Then, I became upset because of what they said and how I reacted. Now, I know how to manage myself and my emotions. I’m able to take a step back and choose my response, allowing whatever is here to be here. This has been a great gift for which I am deeply grateful.”
“I am sleeping so much better. I used to lie awake for hours, night after night, worrying about the past and what might happen in the future. The previous day’s events played over and over in my mind. Now, I turn to mindfulness meditation, which helps me focus my mind in helpful ways. Each time. I drift off to sleep. I feel the benefits in my mood and energy levels the following day. Everyone should practice mindfulness.”
“I have discovered a new way of being with life and feel a deep sense of peace. When we started the course, you {Hilary} told us we don’t practice mindfulness to relax. Instead, mindfulness is about being aware of our emerging experience as it’s happening. Mindfulness is helping me to let go and allow what is present to be here. I notice my triggers now, respond and let go. I can feel the peacefulness in my body, and it’s like I knew how to do this deep inside, but mindfulness has shown me how.”
I love this feedback, and facilitating this group was a profound joy and privilege. What’s even more gratifying is the felt understanding of why we practice mindfulness and its benefits. People have long linked mindfulness with relaxation, but mindfulness isn’t about relaxation. Instead, it’s a way of engaging with life that awakens a heart—centred intelligence within us that cultivates peace, calm, and wise action. While relaxation may naturally follow, it arises because the mind recognises a more skillful way of navigating life’s challenges. Therefore, true relaxation stems from an inner trust and confidence in our ability to meet each moment in ways that nurture our well-being, resilience, and growth.
Get in touch
If you would like to experience the benefits of mindfulness training for your organisation why not get in touch to discuss. All programmes are tailored specific to your people’s needs to derive the most benefit from our time spent together.
Upcoming Courses
My next public course, Mindful Leadership, commences on 4th April. This transformational course is open to people in leadership roles who would like to learn how mindfulness can help you cultivate presence, calm, and clarity.
