Jo Lankester

I teach yoga at a leisure centre in Watford at the end of the working day for a major company and have begun a new, day-time private class.
In 2012, I completed the 8 week MBSR.

My studies in mindfulness have awoken me to the enormous influence our mind has in what we do; these influences can be beneficial or not. The Level 1 training has given me the opportunity to further reflect on the potency of mindfulness practices. Mindfulness and yoga combine well and I have enjoyed weaving these two elements together in the classes that I have.

Mindfulness practice reminds us to pay attention not only to our thoughts, mental events but also our other senses, physical events. Our bodies send messages in so many ways and mindfulness practices help me to be more aware of these. Through practicing mindfulness, I am learning to approach situations as they are rather than trying to fix, change or perhaps even ignore them. I haven’t found it easy to do. Still a novice, I am enjoying the journey.

I believe that it is very important to have a professional body to establish guidelines for mindfulness. Mindfulness is something that is becoming more popular though not always is there a clear understanding of precisely what it is. Good practice guidelines provide a framework of the qualities to be sought.