For the last three years, I have been involved in an exciting project introducing mindfulness-based practices into schools in Cumbria. This is one of a series of interventions introduced to improve the mental health and emotional resilience of our young people. I have chaired the Steering Group guiding the project, learning from our experience and looking especially at the implementation of MBIs in the school setting.
In addition, I have been teaching MBSR in the workplace for organisations such as the National Trust and the National Park Authority.
I have worked as a GP in Ambleside in the Lake District for over 20 years and continue to practice part-time. It is fascinating to bridge the gap between health and education.
Qualifications
- Teacher training for .b and paws b, Mindfulness in Schools Project
- MBSR teacher training with CMRP, Bangor University
- MRCGP (Member Royal College of General Practitioners)
- DRCOG (Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
- MBBS (Batchelor of Medicine and Surgery), The Royal London Hospital
Teaching Specialisms
- MBIs in schools
- MBSR in work place settings
Retreat Lead Experience
I am new to leading retreats so am drawn to developing my skills in this direction. I am particularly keen to bring this together with Bardsey Island, which has a particular resonance for me. I have stayed on the island every year for 20 years for several weeks. Each visit has felt like an informal retreat, with each day held between morning and evening practices, and I have guided daily mindful movement for whoever is on the island at the time.
Personal Practice
My original journey into a mindfulness practice and teaching started on Bardsey Island with conversations with a friend where I realised how important it was for me personally and as a clinician working in Primary care in the NHS.
I have had a meditation practice for over 20 years influenced by numerous trips to India, including to the ancient town of Vrindaban and the source of the Ganges. I have been inspired by and have attended a retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh.
I have practiced yoga for 14 years. My practice has deepened recently through my engagement with yoga teacher training. This will be completed by the end of September 2018. The training has its foundation in Yin Yoga, which has become integral to my mindfulness practice. It is based on starting where you are, holding gentle postures for extended periods with patience and allowing the posture to unfold with great awareness of the body and breath. From this place there is a natural flow into more dynamic movement.
Research Activities and Interests
For the last two years, I have been working closely with a PhD student from Leeds University who has been researching the implementation of MBIs in five secondary schools in Cumbria. We are looking at essential factors required for successful, sustained implementation of mindfulness in the schools. This is a work in progress.
Further info
For any queries please contact me at andrea.baqai@gmail.com.