caroline wilson
Mission accomplished - Head shave by Graham - 8 May at 12 noon
Fundraising for MiSP
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
I truly believe in the difference mindfulness skills can make to every part of life - it's never too late to start to develop mindfulness skills but to learn them early in life means the skills can be put to use sooner. There is then the potential to make a difference over a whole life time -whatever happens in life, the skills are a continual resource to draw on.
I say this because I appreciate the difference having mindfulness skills has made for me. In common with many other adults who practice mindfulness, and who also openly share the positive differences it has made for them, I sometimes wish I had learned and understood mindfulness when I was younger. Things that used to confuse me - the naturally occurring mix of thoughts, feelings, emotions - I now understand to be part of being human!
With my personal experiences, and as a trained mindfulness teacher, I have been completely inspired by the approach and calibre of the work of the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP). MiSP is amazing in all that it does to bring mindfulness skills to children and young people and those who care for them, helping them to flourish and to hopefully avoid crisis.
I could say lots more about MiSP here. But the most important testimonies are from some of the many children and young people who have learned mindfulness skills through MiSP. If you can, please take a moment to have a look at the MiSP website and hear the children and young people, tell us in their own words about the difference mindfulness has made for them. These can be found at the bottom of the MiSP homepage:
https://mindfulnessinschools.org
MiSP also has Youth Ambassadors - more about their stories can be found on the website at:
https://mindfulnessinschools.org/our-youth-ambassadors/
Why have my hair cut off? Well, to be honest, there were other ideas, such as doing a sponsored run or walk - I have done some over the years and it's been tough but so worthwhile, and I am in awe of the dedication shown by so many people each year to raise money in this way.
But I have kept coming back to my hair, which has been, and remains, very important to me for a whole range of reasons. I have already been on a bit of a mental marathon in building up to a decision to do this, also knowing that the journey will continue well after the day of the 'cut' itself! It's the prospect of fundraising for MiSP that gives me the impetus needed, making me feel brave enough to want to do it.
We have been chatting about this idea as a family, with friends and family for some time - even before the virus arrived. That's all been part of the marathon so far. Graham openly admits he isn't keen on the idea of me having my head shaved. But in spite of this, he has now kindly volunteered to embrace his doubts and shave my hair off for me. That's incredible in itself. So pushing on and taking up Graham on his offer of being let loose with the clippers for the very first time (and before he changes his mind (or I do!)) is even more of a risk worth taking for MiSP!
Times are difficult for everyone in different ways at the moment. There are many challenges, uncertainties and worries around, including financial. It's also very tough for charities like MiSP. So if you possibly can, please sponsor Graham and I to do this in aid of MiSP - every single penny can help MiSP to continue its fantastic work. We would love to raise as much as we can for the MiSP Million Minds Matter appeal - £775 would fund one teacher (with no previous mindfulness experience) to be trained to deliver the MiSP curriculum to children and young people now and into the future. This could make a difference to many lives, for the whole of life.
And if you're interested in mindfulness, whether a complete beginner or more experienced, please do feel free to join the MiSP 'Sit Together ' on any, or every, weekday at 11am. More details, and the button to click to join in, can be found at:
https://mindfulnessinschools.org
Wishing you safe and well and sending you very many thanks,
Caroline X
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