R K

 

Before I did the “Take Back Your Life” course, I did 5 sessions with a counsellor but I didn’t see the benefits.  After my first “Take Back Your Life” course [in February], I was 5 months without a migraine.

 

Then life took over and I stopped putting myself first.  It was the summer holidays and the children were home. The pain came back so I had a spinal injection  Then I couldn’t do any housework or anything for 3 weeks because it would bring the pain on. The housework built up and my children and husband tried to help.  But when I felt better I tried to fix everything and do a deep clean in one go. I came out of the habit of looking after myself, meditating, taking a break didn’t I?  Also I started doing things in autopilot. I went back into the boom and bust again.

 

When I came [back on this course as a supporter/interpreter], I was reminded to look after myself.  When I’m on the course, I’m more aware of my senses and it helps me because I’m more calm and in the moment and not thinking about what I have to do next.  My muscles are relaxed. The course has helped [me again] with my migraines. I’ve noticed a decline in the number of attacks I’m having and I’m taking less medication again.

 

It was great being a supporter.  I enjoyed that. The women were very happy because they could understand everything and fully express themselves.  Having done the course, I could explain the benefits of meditating, taking a break and the benefits of putting yourself first.

 

At the end I realised that the women were enjoying the benefits of meditating.  

It was nice to see from where they started, with the level of pain and discomfort, and where they are now.  Now they don’t have pain. They are meditating and managing their pain. They are putting themselves first.

 

I think the course is fantastic.  The mindful movement was fantastic.  I’d like it if we could incorporate the knees… how to protect them when were picking things up.

 

It would be great to be trained with simple things like protecting our knees.

 

I am interested in supporting again if it’s needed. I am most likely available June/July.

 

I  would be interested in being a mindfulness champion and would possibly be interested in training to be a “Take Back Your Life” teacher for my community.

 

I could run a workshop for friends and family and members of the local Bangladeshi community at Cranbrook and I’m happy to support a course at East London Mosque in future.