I discovered how negative thoughts snowball and how by accepting them I can let them go , freeing myself of their mental and physical impact. I liked learning to use regular sitting practices or meditation.

Three benefits I got from doing this mindfulness course included:
1. Learning to be self compassionate and making time for myself
2. Breathing Spaces practice as a regular way of ‘checking in’ and managing
3. Being able to see my thoughts more skillfully

I would recommend this mindfulness course because it has taught me skills that can be used by everyone though out life that can be used everyday adding peace and joy. How wonderful is that?

The course was well structured, taking me through each step in a gradual and natural process that evolved with each week. It was also very well lead in a sensitive and encouraging manner.

'I learnt a great deal about what mindfulness is. It is very multi-faceted and draws in different elements, including physical sensations, breathing exercises, reflection, positive thinking, visualization, gratitude activities, metacognition, and so on. It is a lot more than simply ‘switching off’ or relaxation. I learnt a wide range of practical exercises through which mindfulness can be accommodated into everyday routines'.

'The atmosphere Roly created was extremely relaxed, supportive, and non-judgmental. Discussion, queries, and even doubts, were happily broached'.

Benefits I got from doing this mindfulness course included 'a much greater awareness of the power of focusing on physical sensations and breathing to help stay grounded. An understanding that many anxieties and challenges that led me to mindfulness are experienced by other people, and we are engaged in similar journeys towards trying to be calmer, more centred individuals. Who knows what wider benefits that could accrue for ourselves and those around us! A great glimpse into the scholarship supporting mindfulness. This includes both emergent scientific research but also the poems and readings we enjoyed that help articulate some of the core concepts at the heart of mindfulness'.

'I would very much recommend this course. I think it is suitable for people who already have some knowledge and interest in mindfulness, but also those who are unsure, questioning, or curious. From the wide array of exercises that we covered, I would be confident that at least a few would resonate with each individual, and could form the core of ongoing personal mindfulness practice'.

'The course was extremely good value and the setting was wonderful. So, if the venue can be retained, that would be good, especially for some of the exercises (e.g. the retreat day, when we spent a lot of time outside). I think Roly is a great group leader, who informs and inspires but without ever losing a sense of democracy in the room'.

'I have learnt so much, but one of the most important to me is a set of tools that I can use to help to maintain my well-being'.

'This has been incredibly important because I have never been good at this'.

'My relationship with myself and others in my life has greatly improved'.

'I have taken two Mindfulness courses with Roly now and I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to learn about Mindfulness and how to incorporate the practice into everyday life'.

'I have learnt a lot from Roly and by taking these courses have noticed a massive improvement in my mental health'.

'Roly is not only a great teacher he also has a calm demeanour which is perfect for the meditation sessions'.

'If you are wanting to learn more about mindfulness and are thinking about signing up to to a course definitely do it'.

‘Time and worry about the commitment’ would have prevented me from signing up to the mindfulness course.

What did you discover as a result of doing this mindfulness course? ‘What a lot I didn’t know about mindfulness! Despite using it in my clinical practice I realised I had only scratched the surface and my understanding was superficial’.

What specific feature did you like most about this mindfulness course? ‘Being able to learn with other people. Roly is a very safe and containing teacher’.

What would be three other benefits you got from doing this mindfulness course? ‘Realising that I can ground myself using mindfulness practice. Learning how I can use mindfulness more effectively (and mindfully) in my clinical work. Finding out about good resources’.

Would you recommend this mindfulness course to anyone else? ‘Definitely, mindfulness feels like it is a basic skill for managing life. It’s helped me slow down (what is not something I find easy) and appreciate more of the moment to moment pleasures in life. It’s made me realise that being mindful is different from doing relaxation exercises but interestingly, mindfulness practice is often relaxing’.

‘Thank you for helping me find other ways of dealing with my whirling thoughts’.