A Journey with Welsh Teachers

Today I had the privilege of sharing mindfulness practices with a passionate group of Welsh teachers at the University of Málaga. The session, organised by Laurus Regenerative in collaboration with ACCIPE (Asociación para la Cooperación y Coordinación Internacional de Proyectos Educativos), was part of a wider effort to integrate wellbeing education into their teaching. It was heartening to see such engaged participants eager to explore ways to cope with stress and anxiety through mindfulness.

 

I crafted a session that would offer the group not only theoretical insight but also tangible mindfulness practices they could use. The Welsh educators from St Andrew’s Primary School, Greenfield Special School, Gendros Primary School, Townhill Community School, YGG Tan Y Lan, Newport, Swansea and Merthyr Tydfil, seemed deeply invested in finding practical resources to manage stress.

 

 

 

One of the highlights of the session was guiding the teachers through an Introduction to Anchors practice. ‘Anchors’ involve focusing on a sensory experience—such as the breath or bodily sensations—to ground the mind in the present moment. By using these anchors, we can break the cycle of anxious thoughts and connect with the here and now, especially during stressful times like exam season.

 

As we wrapped up the mindfulness practice, it was clear that the teachers were feeling the positive effects. They remarked that they felt centered and focused, and even one teacher confessed she relaxed to the point of nodding off—an unexpected yet heartening bit of feedback considering she struggles with sleep! It was encouraging to know that the mindfulness practice had such an immediate calming impact.

 

 

One of the most touching moments came when the coordinator surprised everyone by gifting each teacher a copy of Be Mindful and the teachers excitedly gathered around to ask for a signed copy before their coach arrived! It was a meaningful gesture that reminded me of the power of sharing knowledge and connecting with others in a truly personal way.

 

Reflecting on this experience, I am reminded of how essential it is for educators to take care of their own mental wellbeing. In a profession that demands so much from the heart and mind, mindfulness offers a way to navigate stress and remain present in every moment. It was rewarding to share this experience with a group open to learning and growth, and I feel truly grateful for this opportunity to convey my passion for Mindfulness in front of teachers that came all the way from Wales.

 

 

For those interested in diving deeper into mindfulness practices, I invite you to explore the exercises in Be Mindful. Mindfulness isn’t just for the classroom—it’s for everyone looking to cultivate more peace and presence in their daily lives.

Alternatively I would be delighted to teach a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction course for your School following the official MBSR curriculum (online or face-to-face).