‘It’s a mistaken assumption that it’s the meditation practice, vacation or person that gives us peace of mind. We thus cling to the mountains, meditation apps and chase spiritual teachers as we feel that it is the only way we feel any peace. The stillness is already here, the practice, nature, the teachers just bring us home to this essence. So it’s not the practice, place or gurus that gives you the peace, the peace is You ♥. Darling stop looking around for this. Keep the affairs of the world aside for a minute. Close your eyes, now descend slowly, notice the stillness that’s already here. Rest here. Carry on with the day being connected to this. Whenever you forget, just remember to come back. Its right here.’
Michelle Faye Pereira
A Blessing
On the day when
the weight deadens
on your shoulders
and you stumble,
may the clay dance balance you.
And when your eyes freeze
behind the grey window
and the ghost of loss gets into you,
may a flock of colors,
indigo, red, green,
and azure blue
come to awaken in you
a meadow of delight.
When the canvas frays
in the currach of thought
and a stain of ocean
blackens beneath you,
may there come across the waters
a path of yellow moonlight
to bring you safely home.
May the nourishment of the earth be yours,
may the clarity of light be yours,
may the fluency of the ocean be yours,
may the protection of the ancestors be yours
And so, may a slow
wind work these words
of love around you,
an invisible cloak
to mind your life.
John O'Donohue, Anam Cara: A Book of Celtic Wisdom
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
In early 2017, I attended a 5-week mindfulness programme ably conducted by Michelle. This programme was my introduction to the magical world of mindfulness and I can safely say that it was probably the best thing that could have happened to me. And, I cannot possibly think of anyone else who could have led it as beautifully as Michelle did! She helped me to open and widen my understanding of the practice, and to strengthen the connection between mindfulness practice and my everyday life. Michelle’s teaching style was perfectly paced. She found the right balance between gently supporting individuals whilst also holding the group energy, she guided us through the course but also allowed us to come to our own conclusions about ways of using mindfulness to help us cope with the stressors in our day to day lives. It’s going to be close to two years that I attended the programme but I continue to benefit from programme teachings and the practice to this day. I will always be grateful to Michelle for her kind and compassionate ways, and for teaching me the importance of being in the here and now! I would strongly recommend anyone who is seeking to learn about the mindfulness practice, to attend at least one session/ programme with Michelle and trust her to leave you spellbound.
— Sonali Pai, Senior Consultant Mercer India