I have learned such valuable life skills I am not sure where to begin. I have learned many techniques over the years, many Coaching Modalities and many stress relief processes, but the tools learned in the MBSR course are by far the most practical, useful and applicable to everyday life, as well as stressful situations.

       I have learned that I don't need to react immediately to a stimulus or stressful situation. I have learned that I can take my time with myself and others, that I can be gentle and loving as well as firm and strong. I have learned to remain calm amidst the chaos - like the Mountain that remains still. I have learned to connect with my body in a deeper and more respectful and loving way, and how my relationship with myself is a reflection of the way I relate to the world and the people in it. I have also learned that I can be impatient, critical, obsessive and harsh, and that it is ok and I am doing the best I can with what I have, but that I can detach from the thoughts about these behaviours and this helps to dissolve the cycle of self-abuse and negativity. I have learned that on a physiological level, stress causes serious damage to the body and that I have a choice in whether I want to continue on this path or not. I have learned that if I practice the techniques taught in the MBSR course on a daily basis, both formal and informal, I can reduce my level of stress and disease, and I have learned that the choice is mine.

       I will incorporate the above into my life in so many ways, including the following: I will continue with a regular Yoga practice, to keep my body and mind strong, flexible and healthy. When faced with challenging situations, I will take a minute and STOP, and think about how I want to respond to the situation rather than reacting. If I do react, I will look at how I could have done things differently and what I can do better next time, with a loving, compassionate attitude. I will try and apply this same gentle, loving, compassionate attitude to my daughter when she has challenges and challenges me. I will spend some time in quiet meditation on a daily basis in order to calm the chaos within my own mind, so that I may go through my day just that little bit calmer, centered and happier. When I am in pain, emotionally or physically, I will explore that pain and see if there is anything it is trying to teach me, if not I will accept it and focus on something pleasant and positive. I will practice gratitude, for when I don't have challenging or painful situations. And above all, I will treasure this relationship I have developed with myself over the past 8-weeks through coming to know my own mind, it's strength, it's weaknesses, it's silliness and obsessions and know that it is mine, but I am not IT.

       Thank you for offering the course online and making it possible for those of us who cannot attend face-to-face sessions to still have the opportunity to experience this wonderful course. Thank you.

       Warmest regards, Robyn