My Story
I am a former BBC radio journalist; producing radio programmes such as Desert Island Discs and Woman’s Hour.
At the BBC I led teams of up to 30 people during periods of constant change; helping staff creatively respond to increasing workloads, evolving technology and decreasing budgets.
I have extensive experience of designing and delivering leadership training; supporting the top 100 managers in BBC radio build a creative community, improve communication across the corporation, and lead their teams through change.
My mission is to support people to uncover the confidence to live their lives fully. As an accredited workplace mediator I have noticed that conflicts often arise because a lack of self-confidence triggers the defence reactions of fight, flight or freeze. Reactions which then show up as aggression or avoidance behaviour.
We often associate ‘confidence’ with arrogance and bluff, however my experience shows that if we can tap into our innate qualities of mindfulness, openness and compassion, we can uncover the creativity and resilience that allows us to thrive in the modern world.
My Credentials:
I have been practicing and teaching mindfulness for more than 20 years.
I have a Certificate of Competence in Teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction from Bangor University.
I am 4 years into a 5 year part-time MSc in Mindfulness-Based Approaches at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, School of Psychology, Bangor University.
I adhere to the UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training Organisations good practice guidelines for teaching mindfulness-based courses and I am listed as one of the organisation’s accredited mindfulness teachers.
Testimonials:
Here are some comments from people who attended my 10 week mindfulness course:
“I came away from the first class feeling like I had gone through a very exciting experience – not just enjoyable but a little bit profound - that had made my life richer and fuller. From then on I looked forward to every one of the classes. Even when they brought up challenging feelings I still felt like I had been doing something deeply positive.”
“Learning exercises, such as the body scan and mindful breathing, mean I have the tools, (or some of the tools), to face the things that trouble me. Those things are still very scary – but less so.”
“I found the body scan difficult because I hated my body. However, on one occasion it felt like something was unblocking in my system. It came from my lower back, rose up through my body and, with a ‘pop’ sensation, it burst over my head like water. Since then I’ve felt like my heart centre has opened and my body image has improved.”
“One of the best things I’ve noticed is actually being able to feel my body. That sounds silly, but I can now feel my anxiety as it starts to rise – and that creates the space to do something about it.”
“Learning to recognise and work with tension in my body has freed me to rethink the way I do things during the day.”
“Being able to share my experiences in a safe, non-judgemental, space was a highlight. To understand that I was not alone.”
“In some ways I think the most meaningful part for me has been the opportunity to share not only what it’s like to try all these mindfulness approaches, but also what it’s like to live in a human brain.”
“Drawing attention to mindful communication was an eye opening experience for me - allowing a pause which enabled me to see that I had a choice as to how I respond.”
“The listening exercises were very interesting. I was struck by the power of being unconditionally present for someone.”
I am a former BBC radio journalist; producing radio programmes such as Desert Island Discs and Woman’s Hour.
At the BBC I led teams of up to 30 people during periods of constant change; helping staff creatively respond to increasing workloads, evolving technology and decreasing budgets.
I have extensive experience of designing and delivering leadership training; supporting the top 100 managers in BBC radio build a creative community, improve communication across the corporation, and lead their teams through change.
My mission is to support people to uncover the confidence to live their lives fully. As an accredited workplace mediator I have noticed that conflicts often arise because a lack of self-confidence triggers the defence reactions of fight, flight or freeze. Reactions which then show up as aggression or avoidance behaviour.
We often associate ‘confidence’ with arrogance and bluff, however my experience shows that if we can tap into our innate qualities of mindfulness, openness and compassion, we can uncover the creativity and resilience that allows us to thrive in the modern world.
My Credentials:
I have been practicing and teaching mindfulness for more than 20 years.
I have a Certificate of Competence in Teaching Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction from Bangor University.
I am 4 years into a 5 year part-time MSc in Mindfulness-Based Approaches at the Centre for Mindfulness Research and Practice, School of Psychology, Bangor University.
I adhere to the UK Network for Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training Organisations good practice guidelines for teaching mindfulness-based courses and I am listed as one of the organisation’s accredited mindfulness teachers.
Testimonials:
Here are some comments from people who attended my 10 week mindfulness course:
“I came away from the first class feeling like I had gone through a very exciting experience – not just enjoyable but a little bit profound - that had made my life richer and fuller. From then on I looked forward to every one of the classes. Even when they brought up challenging feelings I still felt like I had been doing something deeply positive.”
“Learning exercises, such as the body scan and mindful breathing, mean I have the tools, (or some of the tools), to face the things that trouble me. Those things are still very scary – but less so.”
“I found the body scan difficult because I hated my body. However, on one occasion it felt like something was unblocking in my system. It came from my lower back, rose up through my body and, with a ‘pop’ sensation, it burst over my head like water. Since then I’ve felt like my heart centre has opened and my body image has improved.”
“One of the best things I’ve noticed is actually being able to feel my body. That sounds silly, but I can now feel my anxiety as it starts to rise – and that creates the space to do something about it.”
“Learning to recognise and work with tension in my body has freed me to rethink the way I do things during the day.”
“Being able to share my experiences in a safe, non-judgemental, space was a highlight. To understand that I was not alone.”
“In some ways I think the most meaningful part for me has been the opportunity to share not only what it’s like to try all these mindfulness approaches, but also what it’s like to live in a human brain.”
“Drawing attention to mindful communication was an eye opening experience for me - allowing a pause which enabled me to see that I had a choice as to how I respond.”
“The listening exercises were very interesting. I was struck by the power of being unconditionally present for someone.”