Mindfulness Courses

Created through the lived experience of pain, illness and stress of the founder Vidyamala Burch, the format is a development of the MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) programmes, designed to specifically support the needs of those living with chronic illness, pain and/or stress. The programmes are evidence and practice-based, and embedded in strong values of kindness and compassion. 

The approach uses concepts and practices of mindfulness that help us to build awareness, compassion and to feel more able to respond rather than react to our experiences. It isn't about changing our health or our circumstances (both of which are usually out of our control) but instead about supporting us to find choice. As Jon Kabat-Zinn says: "You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf."

I first encountered Breathworks in 2018, at a time when I was experiencing high levels of anxiety. I undertook the Mindfulness for Stress course, as my colleague was training with Breathworks and happened to invite myself and other staff to join. I loved the approach and practices and found it very helpful personally, as well as then becoming interested in a professional capacity and applying the concepts in my work in communities. 

Four years later, I returned to Breathworks to do the Mindfulness for Health course, as I had developed multiple chronic illnesses and health issues due to Long Covid. Again I found the course immensely supportive. It had a huge impact on my quality of life. At this point I decided to train as a teacher with Breathworks and I am so pleased to have qualified to teach both courses. 

I teach these courses and from this approach because I believe in them wholeheartedly, and I feel really honoured to now be able to share the courses, practices and wisdom of mindfulness with others.

Both courses are run online and follow the same format, but with slightly different focuses. Although both courses are applicable for those living with chronic pain / illness, and/or stress.

The courses include:

• 8 Live Zoom Calls, 2-2.5 hours (first and last session are longer. This includes breaks)

• Home Practice Audio Downloads for use between each session

• Optional Group Forum for discussions 

• Ongoing Support during the course via email and on the forum

• Access to (donation-based) Drop-In session for all graduates of my 8 week courses

Each week builds on the last, so you can gradually build a solid foundational understanding of mindfulness concepts, as well as developing a personal practice that works within your life. 

Personal Practice / Engagement:

In terms of the time commitment as a participant, the minimum would be to attend all live sessions if at all possible (although of course I understand that life happens sometimes). 

You will be encouraged to engage in short daily practices. 

For each course there is an accompanying book, which is recommended to read - there will be a section of recommended reading for each week as the topics develop through the course. 

The books for the courses are:

Mindfulness for Health course - 'Mindfulness for Health' by Vidyamala Burch (there is also a great audiobook version of this)

Mindfulness for Stress course - 'The Little Mindfulness Workbook' by Gary Hennessey

Group Size and Engagement

Groups are kept reasonably small (6-10) so that there is plenty of space for discussion, sharing and enquiry. 

Equally there is no expectation to share, all aspects of the sessions are invitational and you can choose what feels right for you in terms of your energy and how much you want to share. 

Although there are key concepts and practices taught each week, a huge amount of the learning on these courses comes from the group - this is a really beautiful part of the learning process in my experience. 

Pre-course conversation

Before starting the course (or if you are undecided about whether you'd like to join) you can book in for a 121 chat with me where we can cover the scope of the course, the practicalities, any access needs and I can answer any questions or address any concerns that you might have. This can be a great way to get to know each other and check that you feel the course is a good fit for you right now. 

I will run the next course most likely in early 2025. You can stay up to date with this by joining my my mailing list.

Weekly format for courses

Week 1 - 2.5 hours 

Week 2 - 2 hours

Week 3 - 2 hours

Week 4 - 2 hours

Week 5 - 2 hours

Week 6 - 2 hours

Week 7 - 2 hours

Week 8 - 2.5 hours

I appreciate that these are potentially quite long sessions if you have chronic pain and/or energy limiting conditions. Please do get in touch if you have any concerns about access and I would be more than happy to discuss how I can best support you. Previous participants have joined from beds / sofas / in pyjamas, with camera off, engaged through chat or simply listened to the session. I am really keen to make these courses as accessible as possible so please don't hesitate to reach out.