I feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to attend an 8 week Mindfulness course with Dave Austin. It came at a time in my life that I needed some extra guidance however I needed something that enhance my way of life around Protective Behaviours.
I can honestly say that Mindfulness has helped me to slow down and enjoy life without feeling guilty or feel the need to stress about things that I have no control over. I was a deep thinker and I would find it hard to switch off now I use mindfulness to focus my mind on the world around me, noticing things that I once would have taken for granted and that includes those around me that I love dearly as well as letting go without feel any shame, guilt or blame at myself.
I practice Mindfulness everyday from the moment I awake. It has given me a peaceful way to looking after myself and value the moments I have with my own Breathing which helps me to tune into my feelings better. It’s as if I am allowing my inner child to help the adult in me to be more aware of smells, sounds, silent, taste and more important the speed in which I do things (learning to be in the moment) taking my time.
I enjoy my work however I was finding it hard to switch off and relax as well as having family members who would put upon me to sort out their own problems, at times it felt as if I was on a roller coaster with no way of getting off until I started Mindfulness and a whole new world opened up to me. I am more open to my own feelings, I can change the way I think (thoughts are not facts) which encourages my behaviour to balance out my work life and home life more equal.
Mindfulness has made me more aware of myself, and learning to use my breathing to ground myself from time to time throughout my day, it enables me to STOP – FEEL – THINK and then DO, by taking a few minutes to check in with myself allows me to focus better on the task in hand and appreciate the world around me without me putting too much expectations on myself.
Mindfulness has helped me to value ME, in a way that doesn’t come across selfish. I have also learnt a lot about myself while practicing Mindfulness and what I value in life, learning to live in the moment and enjoy those times either alone or with family.
I would recommend any one to do mindfulness, I even brought the book which comes with a DVD to help with all the meditations, and it has now come part of my life.
Sue Chappell