Diversity and inclusion

Imagine a world where we accepted people simply for who they are; where one could enter any room without fear of judgement or rejection; kiss anyone without .... Sadly, discrimination is common place- because or race,  sexual orientation, class . Being rejected for who we are hurts deeply and can have major impact on our emotional, physical and social wellbeing. Mindfulness can help reduce the impact of discrimination distress by reducing rumination, worry and avoidance.

The course is structured for those with no experience of meditation as well as experienced meditators. It weaves the science and practice to enable you to develop the knowledge and skills for mindfulness and to be able to apply strategies in everyday situations to build resilience, improve your wellbeing and boost your confidence and self-esteem.

Running a holiday sale or weekly special? Definitely promote it here to get customers excited about getting a sweet deal.

Because micro aggressions are not really micro- they hurt, so dont bottle it in, get support, tell someone, give yourself compassion, affirm your specialness.

What to do when someone cuts you with the sword in their mouth:

1.  Tell someone- don't bottle it in. Most major organisations run ally schemes so that you can find someone who understands and does not judge you to listen.
2. Write it out. Journalling helps to put it on paper instead of holding it in.
3. Practice compassion mindfulness-
4. Do some exercise- whether it is dancing, yoga, walking or jogging- it all helps to mop up the stress hormones.
5.  Don't over think it. A common response when we are hurt is to go over and over in our mind- why did this happen? This can lead to the sad/angry feeling sticking more and affect your sleep, sense of peace over a much longer time.

Bear Witness- Listen- it is difficult to listen to your child's pain without trying to fix it. But creating the space, when you will not be distracted and giving them the time communicates your compassion and support.

Get your child to speak to a trusted figure, whether that is a favourite aunt, sports coach, teacher, church elder- removing the sense of isolation and aloneness.

We have evolved for survival and for humans, rejection is dangerous- tantamount to death penalty. Your child may not want to speak to you because of fear of distressing you, shame etc. But having a degree of separation- a trusted figure can have enormous impact.

If there's no one in your community, contact charities such as young minds, family action or ask at your GP surgery.

Knowledge is power- give them access to good, science based information on mental health and to wellbeing.

Be kind to them and to yourself, the journey of parenting is full of potholes as each child is unique and as is each experience . It is ok for the ride to be bumpy.

Look after your mental health- being emotionally grounded enables you to be more available and balanced. But don't worry if you don't feel emotionally well, children are resilient, there are plenty of support available- don't suffer alone.