Mindfulness

Characteristics of the Mindfulness symbol:

The mindfulness symbol looks like a water droplet that is mirrored on the top and bottom.  The goal of the practitioner is to look upon the central droplet, which will aid him/her in focusing on the present.

The idea is to concentrate on the now, rather than worrying about the future or contemplating on the past, both of which are illusions. Without mindfulness, the mind wanders and can cause problems. This symbol is a reminder to focus on what matters.

The mindfulness symbol is mostly used to instigate wakefulness and focus on the present.

In our fast-paced world, a symbol like this can help individuals pause, keep calm, and breathe.

The 8 Pillars of Mindfulness

• Non- Judging
• Patience
• Beginner's Mind
• Non-doing
• Acceptance
• Non-attachment
• Curiosity
• Present moment awareness

https://mrsmindfulness.com/8-essential-foundations-mindfulness/

We incorporate Mindfulness foundations within Prime 8's Ethos.  The way that we teach and guide our young people. 

Through .b practices timetabled at our Mindfulness site and within therapeutic practices such as Dog Training.

Mindfulness opportunities were crucial during Lockdown 3 when Mental Health was a National concern.

Prime 8 incorporated this within their blended learning provision.

Here is an example of a 3 day timetable:

AIM Awards Level 2 – Certificate in Counselling Skills – Amanda Shaw

I completed my Level 2 - Certificate in Counselling Skills - in July 2023 which is a step towards becoming a qualified counsellor for the children and young people of Prime8 Education. 

As part of my Level 2 studies, I have worked on many skills; active listening, paraphrasing, summarising, reflecting, and Socratic questioning which will help young people achieve a sense of personal autonomy and greater sense of self.  Also, I studied professional boundaries and BACP (The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy) ethical framework.  This sets out expected principles, values and good practise expected by all members.  When all training is completed, I will become a professional member and follow through with their expected good practise. 

I will be continuing my studies in September 2023, which will focus on the theories around counselling which are Humanistic, Psychodynamic and (CBT) Cognitive Behaviour Approach:

Humanistic - seeing the individual as a whole mind body and soul, and strongly focussing on self-awareness.

Psychodynamic - assessment of psychological mindedness, and ideas which go on in the human mind and is outside our immediate awareness yet still influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. 

CBT - helps each person identify and change their extreme thinking and unhelpful behaviours.

This aspect of my professional development is particularly close to my heart and will complement my training in Mindfulness. Prime8’s young people already receive support around SEMH but will also benefit from this training which will enable them to share more personal issues happening in their lives. With an increase in young people experiencing a variety of complicated issues, which affect their behaviours and social, emotional, mental health, my skills will allow them to discuss any issues that may arise and provide a strictly private and confidential space for them if they so wish.