Mindfulness at the Heart of My Practice
Mindfulness has become a cornerstone of both my personal life and my professional practice.
During my career in education, I completed specialist mindfulness training through the Youth Mindfulness Kids Programme and was awarded GTCS Professional Recognition in Mindfulness by the General Teaching Council for Scotland. This recognised my commitment to embedding mindfulness into education and supporting children’s emotional wellbeing.
Working with children, I witnessed the transformative impact mindfulness could have. Simple practices helped children become calmer, more self-aware and better able to manage their emotions. Many developed greater confidence, improved concentration and more positive ways of responding to challenges. Their reflections and testimonials remain some of the most meaningful evidence of the difference mindfulness can make.
Although I no longer work as a classroom teacher, mindfulness continues to underpin everything I do. It shapes the way I support others, communicate, build relationships and create safe, nurturing environments where people can thrive.
On a personal level, mindfulness has also been life-changing. It has helped me navigate the demands and transitions of life with greater calm, resilience and self-compassion. Rather than trying to eliminate stress, mindfulness has taught me to respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically, bringing greater balance, perspective and presence to both my work and everyday life.
I believe mindfulness is a lifelong skill that can empower people of all ages. Whether supporting children, families or adults, my aim is to share practical, evidence-informed approaches that help people feel more connected, confident and resilient in their daily lives.
What the Children Said
“Mindfulness helped me because when I get angry I think before I do something. I've become more aware of noticing good things around me. I worry about my future. Mindfulness has helped me to stop worrying because it has got me to thinking less. I breath to stop myself worrying. ”
“Mindfulness really helps me to focus and to stay calm when I have been really hyper. I think I will continue to use it as it's helped me a lot as sometimes I get really hyper and need to calm down. I think its helped me appreciate others as i spend more time with them. I tend to worry about sleep and my family. I think Mindfulness has helped me to take a step back and see if its a big deal or a little deal."
“I find mindfulness helpful because it relaxes me and makes me focus on the present more instead of worrying about the future or the past. I like how it makes everyone so calm and just how it relaxes everyone. I feel more grateful for things after mindfulness and notice more good things around me. I worry about getting a job and a house and mindfulness has helped me not to worry so much.”