I used to experience terrible panic attacks in tunnels. After doing MBSR I decided to drive my husband through Brisbane's new 5km under river tunnel. It was intense, and at times I just wanted to turn back. But by focusing on breathing and sensations in my body I was able to keep going. Being able to do this is such a wonderful feeling. I'm now using mindfulness to tackle my anxiety around air travel. Fear and anxiety can rob us of so many wonderful things that we often take for granted.                                                                                                                                                      

                                                                                                                                                                             Lila, MBSR participant, Brisbane, 2010

I am still engaged with the process and have ritually connected with my Yoga Nidra daily for 30mins or sometimes twice since your workshop. This has created a beautiful flow for starting my days as well as a much deeper sense of stillness and presence that carries over throughout most days at work, at home and with my family and friends. My intention last year was to find peace and i indeed feel that doing your workshop precipitated this change for me.                                                                                                                                                                          Robyn, MBSR participant, Brisbane, 2008

It was lovely to get back in touch with a way of being that was once so vital to me, and to realise that it's still there - the stillness, the quiet, the non-attachment - even though I haven't always paid attention.                                                                                 Lou, MBSR participant, Brisbane, 2010                        

I've done mindfulness training with AKEM in various ways - an 8-week MBSR course, some individual work and several full days of mindfulness-based activities. I've found this enjoyable, inspiring and helpful to deal with various challenges arising in my life. In particular I like the great diversity of mindfulness activities.Meditation is interspersed with mindful yoga, mindful eating, walking meditation and a variety of body-awareness exercises. This has deepened my understanding and experience of what it means to be mindful of body and mind, and also of one's environment and relationships.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Karla, MBSR participant, Brisbane, 2009

The main reason that I wanted to complete this programme was to develop my skills at managing my anxiety – a problem that I have struggled with for some years and I might add, a problem that can leave you somewhat vulnerable when you work in a bullying culture. I have tried several ‘things’ but these were always short-lived. Mindfulness on the other hand has really made the difference that I’ve been looking for. Recently I had a situation at work where through anxiety I totally misconstrued another person’s intentions...Later I realised that the interaction that I witnessed was not what I’d thought. I really put this awareness down to the MBSR training. I was able to recognise my physical symptoms, then consciously breathe, calm myself and look at the situation differently. I now see that I can change my thoughts and feelings. In fact it is I who have the control over these – no-one else. I also don’t ruminate to the extent that I did previously. I understand that frequent regular practice is central to maintaining this awareness and will honestly say that I am a work in progress in this regard, but at least I am aware of this. I would like to add that since completing the MBSR course I have lost 3-4 kilograms. Mindfulness meditation is really helpful in maintaining my peaceful mind and allowing me to focus on returning my weight to where it needs to be. The reduction in stress hormones is also going to be an advantage in preventing weight gain.

MBSR has also given me more awareness of my surroundings especially when I’m out walking. I recently spent a holiday at a northern New South Wales beach. I found that just taking in the sounds of the ocean, the wave formations and various sights and smells was a really beneficial mindfulness activity. Reflecting back I thought the MBSR sessions were done with great sensitivity and concern for participants and the physical environment was most welcoming.

                                                                                                                                                                     Yvonne, MBSR participant, Brisbane, 2009

Last Saturday afternoon I did the body scan and had such an amazing experience!  Lately I have been relaxing so much quicker than earlier on and it feels like I get into a meditative state within a few minutes instead of 20 minutes.  Anyway...I was completely focused on the scan and I started noticing physical symptoms of anxiety and fear and what could only be described as the darkness of my soul but instead of reacting to it and "running away" from it, I simply observed it and what would normally have been overwhelming simply faded and slowly disappeared. That night and up to today has been brilliant!  I feel liberated like something inside me has changed forever and I can't say how grateful I am to you and to John Kabat-Zinn for sharing this beautiful way of living with me.  I still find living in constant mindfulness an incredibly big challenge and I know I will inevitably face trials and tribulations in the future but I now feel like I have the tools to deal with it.Thank you! Cam.                                                             

                                                                                                                                                                  Cameron, MBSR participant, Brisbane, 2008                                                                                                                                                                                  

DV Connect provides the Queensland-wide domestic violence crisis counselling service where counsellors work at an informed psychological level, and practically to assist women seeking to transition out of domestic and family violence. It is intense work requiring a deep sense of presence. The training, 'Mindfulness as a Self-Care and Support Strategy for Crisis Counsellors' reminded workers of the importance of replenishing mentally, physically and even spiritually in order to be fully present to clients' unique and difficult circumstances. In the training, counsellors were invited to explore 'mindfulness' and the concepts of 'awareness', 'balance' and 'connection' as a way of self-monitoring the ability to respond resonantly to clients, and to enjoy a satisfying life away from work. Alison Keane is an organised and efficient trainer, and has excellent skills in creating a safe place for people to explore issues related to their own sense of mindfulness in their work.

                                                                                                                                                                                                             DV Connect, Qld

I joined the MBSR group course to further my professional development as a Masters in Counselling student.  My academic interests are in the Mindfulness approach to psychotherapy and I took this opportunity to further my understanding through engaging in the many practical techniques associated with Mindfulness.  Alison delivered the 8 week program in a very professional and well organized manner.  She is an advanced practitioner of the techniques and  we should be very privileged to have someone like Alison Keane in Brisbane to continue the tradition started by Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn which promotes both psychological and physical health and well being in contemporary western society.  I recommend this course to other counsellors as well as anyone interested in learning how to live a stress free life.” 

                                                                                                                                                                             Paul, MBSR participant, Brisbane 2009

The Adolescent Mental Health Unit at the Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital is a 12-bed inpatient facility for young people aged between 14 and 18 years. Our unit provides mental health assessment and interventions for young people not only from Brisbane but from across Queensland. As part of the Unit's diverse activities programme, Alison Keane has been conducting yoga sessions twice a week for several years. Having yoga sessions provides an opportunity for patients to learn to release stress in a productive and positive way. In the turbulent world of adolescence this is an important skill to have! Alison has a calm and patient teaching style which is a great benefit.