Simon studied at Bangor University in 2010 and gained a Masters Degree in Teaching Mindfulness-Based Approaches with merit. Assessment on the masters programme is based on the Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Teaching Assessment Criteria (MBI:TAC). This assessment is an internationally recognised process, and made by highly experienced teachers who’ve undergone lengthy and rigorous training.
Simon is also a mentor and coach, plus he trained with the Mindfulness in Schools Project to teach the .b Curriculum to teachers and 11-18 year olds.
More recently he undertook the Mindfulness in the Workplace programme with Oxford Mindfulness Centre. This course is for experienced mindfulness teachers to build the skills required to offer in-house mindfulness training.
“My approach as a mindfulness teacher is grounded in 35 years experience of spinal cord injury. Despite this life-changing event, I see the glass as half full and firmly believe we can all see life this way, no matter what the circumstances.
“This may sound flippant but it’s far from that. Dealing with my own challenges of living in a wheelchair has taught me that unwanted negative thought patterns often arrive without notice and often overwhelm us. I’ve also learnt that with a little practice we can refocus the mind to embrace life’s challenges with a spirit of acceptance.
“Life doesn’t always go the way we want but we all have the choice to move forward with positive intention, whether that’s about a health issue, work stress, relationships, or deciding to protest or not. We just have to reconnect with our authentic self and act accordingly.
“This mindset has been so helpful to me over the years, especially these days, and I want to share it with everyone. This is why I continue to learn how to be the best mindfulness teacher I can be.”
Simon is registered with the British Association for Mindfulness-Based Approaches (BAMBA), and abides by their Good Practice Guidelines.
Simon’s teaching career began in 2012. After six years experience he became a recognised supervisor for mindfulness teachers.
“Mindfulness is an amazing life-skill and it’s been an honour and a privilege to share it with so many people in groups, businesses and schools.”