My Qualifications
I first trained to teach with the Mindfulness in Schools Project in 2014 before going on to train with Bangor University (Teacher Training Retreat Level 1: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and some aspects of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)). I also have full accreditation with the UK College of Mindfulness to teach Mindfulness Now, which is approved by the British Psychological Society. Mindfulness Now is a really flexible programme that fuses elements of MBSR and MBCT and can be readily adapted to the needs of individuals.
As a member of a community of accredited teachers of mindfulness who have recognised training and qualifications, I am committed to upholding the highest possible standards of professional ethics and codes of practice in the interests of client care and confidentiality. I have full public liability insurance and undergo regular supervision and CPD.
So how did I get into mindfulness?
Well, I’ve been fascinated by yoga and meditation since my early teens so I decided to study Philosophy and English at university as a way of exploring some of the questions about human existence that kept me awake at night! After gaining my degree and a postgraduate qualification, teaching English up to university level in a fantastic school gave me the privilege of working with hundreds of young people and discussing all sorts of different ideas with them. I loved it, especially the A Level lessons. But I knew I wanted to do more than help them make sense of the problem of evil in “Lord of the Flies” or “Macbeth” so I went into Careers Guidance and Education. Still spinning the plate of English teaching, I ran a busy department from 2006, going on to take charge of all university applications as well. One of the very best aspects of the job was meeting with students 1-2-1 and helping them to make decisions for themselves about their future direction. Of course, in that role I noticed how stress levels in young people were steadily rising, year on year.
Mindfulness in Schools
Meanwhile, I had been benefiting from all my own mindfulness training and convinced that some of the students I was dealing with would find it a real support as well. Following thorough training with the Mindfulness in Schools Project, I delivered the dot.B course to sixth formers after school with excellent results. Students used the short meditations and informal practices they learnt to help with exam nerves, fatigue, stress and sleeplessness. One student turned her 3 B grades in Year 12 into 3 As at A Level, claiming the practice known as the Body Scan allowed her to relax and rest so she could study for longer!
Working with Adults
Since leaving school teaching in 2018 I have taught mindfulness to adults. My work is with small groups and individuals. I host a regular evening meditation session and half-day mini "retreats" to support and encourage clients in their own practice. All of my teaching is grounded in my own regular practice of meditation and yoga as well as being informed by wide reading and my own life experience.
A Gift to Share
I feel very strongly that mindfulness is too much of a gift to keep to myself and I want to share its power to bring about deeper levels of satisfaction and happiness with as many people as possible.
Beth Lowe
