The founder of a leading international Mindfulness movement led a masterclass to dozens of delegates at St Michael’s Hospice.

Vidyamala Burch, a world-renowned Mindfulness teacher and the co-founder of Breathworks, spent a day at the Bartestree Hospice to address more than 50 people who had travelled from around the country.

A Mindfulness approach is being recognised with helping people to improve their wellbeing, and in the way they cope with the likes of illness and stress, with Breathworks supporting the Mindfulness teachings at St Michael’s Hospice for the last three years.

The day was the only one of its kind in the UK, with similar conferences planned in New Zealand, the United States and Germany.

‘I’ve really enjoyed it,’ said Vidyamala.

‘It’s a beautiful location, and having a location where those attending can look out onto such a view can make a huge difference.

‘I started doing these in 2000 and it’s becoming very much a part of our society; very mainstream.

‘I think it has a lot to do with top researchers leading the evidence base for it. There’s now a Mindfulness movement in Westminster among MPs.

‘We’re really happy to work with St Michael’s Hospice and I’d like to thank Gail Calthrop, the Hospice’s Breathworks teacher, for helping organise such a successful day.’

Those attending were introduced to the main elements of Breathworks’ mindfulness-based approaches to managing pain, illness and stress.

This was Vidyamala’s first visit to the Hospice.

The day was open to anyone including health professionals, Mindfulness teachers and practitioners, as well as those wanting to attend for their own personal benefit.

It was held in the Hospice’s Education suite, a facility which can be hired out to groups of all sizes, from small meetings to full-day training courses and conferences.

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