Mindful Meditation to combat stress whilst teacher training !

‘When I started my Drama placement at Rednock School, I found out Mandy was a trained Mindful Meditation Teacher and was offering it to year 10 as part of PSHE – Life skills. I politely said ‘Oh isn’t that cool, what an exciting opportunity!’ but in my head I was thinking ‘Oh God, she’s a weird hippy who sits on a rock saying ommm’.

At first I was really skeptical as I didn’t think mindful meditation was really my thing (like some of the year 10’s to be honest) and when she offered me the chance to sit in on one of the sessions, I only said yes to be supportive!

But when it started, Mandy was so good at making you feel completely relaxed and comfortable – and when you realise it’s just breathing, it really is so simple. Having that opportunity once a week to just stop and sit, really helped me to focus my attention on me and not worry about submitting my lesson plans or worrying about my assignments.

I can honestly say that being part of Mandy’s meditation during the 6 months I was at Rednock School on my GITEP placement is probably the biggest reason I wasn’t a crying mess all the time. I did have my moments, but the one thing that really sticks out to me was that when I arrived at my first interview I had worked myself up into a bit of a state in the car. I turned my car off, and did some squared breathing and I couldn’t believe how much better I felt. I walked into that interview with confidence and enjoyed the day so much! And to top it off I got offered the job which was amazing.

Since finishing my PGCE and starting as an NQT, I’ve been to some of Mandy’s sessions in Stonehouse and have even got my mum and sister involved and I can’t wait for Mandy to release a CD. During this year, I have no doubt you will feel stressed, questioning why you are doing this and wondering why people are still in this profession. If I could be like anyone, I would be like Mandy – she has made me realise it is important to take time out for yourself and it is ok not to be all right 100% of the time. Learning to meditate is about learning to breathe. Give it a go, open your mind to it and I really hope you enjoy it as much as I did.’

Tiff Winters - Teacher of Drama