The first time I was introduced to the concept of mindfulness was around 11 years ago now, during my first term at uni where our design tutor ran sessions on personal development as an integral part of our three year degree. He absolutely swore by a book called The Power Of Now by Eckhart Tolle, which is essentially a guide on how to live a healthier and happier life by living in the present moment. I never quite understood at the tender age of 18, studying a technical theatre degree, how this sort of mindset went hand in hand with my education and preparing me for the rest of my career, but I took it all on board at the time and ironically this was also the same tutor who also encouraged us to start a blog. Fast forward to today and I realise I have a lot to thank him for! 11 years later, I feel like mindfulness, wellbeing and self care is EVERYWHERE. Which is totally cool with me as I am a massive advocate of all of the above. A couple of months ago (at peak pregnancy stress) I was invited along to The Restoration Yard for a mindfulness day retreat. I've dabbled in various books and podcasts, and I was keen to see how an 'in person' approach to learning about mindfulness would pan out.
