The feedback from people who attended Practical Mindfulness in the first year has been overwhelmingly positive. One thing is clear: this is not just mindfulness schmindfulness. Almost every person has shared how they’ve been able to apply it, along with the coaching and CBT tools, to make a real difference to their personal effectiveness and their experience of life.
THE PRACTICAL MINDFULNESS program was born out of a shared passion and understanding. We both agree that mindfulness is about so much more than just being chilled over lunch while eating raisins. Applied properly, it can really make a difference to your whole experience of life, no matter what your starting point.
We wanted to share that with the world. We also knew that people are pressed for time. It’s a struggle to make whole days available to attend courses—especially for those with families. Plus, you need time to practice—and thereby integrate—what you learn. Hence practical mindfulness.
With all that in mind, the idea of fortnightly two-hour modules came up and we decided to try it out. We also decided to take an iterative approach to both the format and the content. That means to develop and advance step by step according to the feedback we get.
“The average score rating for the group of questions related to the impact that the course had on people’s lives and performance was 87%.”
It’s exactly only one year later and nearly 200 people have attended Module 1: Introduction to Practical Mindfulness. More than 60 of those have completed the full program of all six modules.
At the end of our last series, we asked for feedback and so far we’ve received 24 completed questionnaires. We asked 28 questions in the questionnaire, so we appreciate the investment of people’s time and effort. In addition, we’re delighted with the outcome!
Feedback on Practical Mindfulness Course Impact
One result that we’re particularly proud of is the response to the question, “What degree of improvement (if any) have you made in the area [of] general mood and attitude towards life?” A full 100% of responses gave us a smiley face for that one. And we didn’t just get smiley faces for everything; people were generally honest, so that means something.
In fact, the average score rating for the group of impact questions was 87%. This included a 94% rating for the course having a positive impact on, “My general level of motivation and enthusiasm and experience that life is not all struggle.” This one is particularly important because it’s one of the questions that points most directly to our stated mission, which is that people can “learn to manage themselves towards a different, better experience of life”. In addition, people gave a 90% rating for, “[Less] time spent thinking about past, worrying about future.”
“There was a 94% rating for the course having a positive impact on, ‘My general level of motivation and enthusiasm and experience that life is not all struggle.’ “
In response to the question, “Did the program make a material difference to your personal effectiveness?” there was an 88% average rating. This is exciting because it shows that mindfulness is not about being all shoo-wow, it’s about improving your ability to function effectively in the high-paced modern world. A similar 88% rating was given for, “Managing stressful situations and stress in my daily life.” It seems we really managed to put the practical into Practical Mindfulness.
Feedback on Practical Mindfulness Structure and Content
The average rating for the module content was 89% and we saw that the later modules delivered even more value than the earlier ones. Either way, all six modules were rated between 87% and 92%, so it was about as close as a Soccer World Cup knock-out game!
We were also delighted with the response we received to the Practical Mindfulness course structure. Everybody bar one loved the short, spaced modules and the mix between lecture, discussion and practice, as well as the use of slides to anchor your attention. (We got an average rating of 99% on that last one!) This was good to know because that’s one area where we differ from the norm. Unlike what’s expected from a mindfulness program, we don’t sit around in a garden and have huggy group chats. It’s much more business-like and suited to professionals.
“People gave a 90% rating for, ‘[Less] time spent thinking about past, worrying about future.’ “
The feedback shows that the format favoured introverts—like us!—who don’t want to have to share their process with the whole world all the time. Some people wanted more discussion, but most were happy that it was kept within limits.
We heeded the feedback that the modules could probably be stretched to an extra half-hour with a short halfway break. We also took on board the request to not leave any gaps longer than a fortnight between modules. (We’ll have to find a way to deal with the pesky issue of April and its holidays in South Africa.)
More on Practical Mindfulness Structure and Content
There was appreciation for the notes that we provided, as well as the fact that people could download live recordings for playback after each module. Quite a few people asked for more homework and more accountability on the practices in between modules. These are all features that we’ll add to the Practical Mindfulness program in future.
The feedback on the progressive increase in the length of meditation time was very good—that gained an overall rating of 94%. Most people felt comfortable not being thrown in the deep end and yet being supported to progress to longer “sits”. Other positive feedback about our meditation teaching was that you don’t have to still the mind, simply observe it. That took a lot of pressure out of the meditation practice for a lot of people and they reported that it enhanced their results.
“There was appreciation for the notes that were provided, as well as the fact that people could download live recordings for playback after each module.”
The feedback to some general impact questions were also encouraging. An average rating of 88% was received in response to the question, “To what extent were your hopes and expectations met by this program?” For the question, “Did you feel supported and inspired by your trainers? Did they walk their talk?” we’re happy to report that 96% of people gave us full marks on this one and the average score was 99%. Finally, when we asked, “How much value would you place on this service for future users?” a grand 62% of people gave the program full marks and the average score was 93%.
Comments & Testimonials
Below are some comments that people shared.
“I loved every part of this course. My favourite was the module on emotions. Really helped me! Loved the slides, easy to read and understand. The “psychology of behaviour” was very interesting—could have had more of that. I could have been more disciplined in practising what I learned. In my view the program has everything it needs to make a difference. I’ll definitely recommend it.” — Andrea S, Business Analyst
“I got a clear understanding of what mindfulness is about but most importantly, how to use it in daily life. The breaks between modules were great and gave me time to practice and think in between. The course opened up an understanding of what authenticity is and how to get there in a simplified way. It also brought a constant awareness that I should organise my life more according to my priorities! Neil & Colinda showed great presentation skills and were very authentic! Please consider presenting it as a CPD course for psychologists.” — Ursula M, Psychologist
“I really enjoyed Module 4 and enjoyed how the sessions led onto each other. The course definitely brought up a sense of awareness of being. I’m more aware of my thoughts, and more aware of them changing. This has helped me to be less reactive and with better decision-making.” — Danielle T, Counsellor
“I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the program exceeded my initial thoughts or beliefs about mindfulness and meditation. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it to corporate and lay people—anyone who struggles with our hectic lives and how to re-focus and re-adjust when needed.” — Jessie P, Entrepreneur
“You both really did exactly what you needed. I really liked the way you left us free to adapt the learnings in the way we wanted.” — Bruce L, Attorney
“I valued the practical ways to embed the learning into daily life. Excellent collaborating between Neil and Colinda and 100% authenticity by both. I’m grateful for all the learning and aha’s.” — Devora M, Consultant
“I loved the way you connected the practice and theory in such a safe, contained and effective way. I believe anyone can benefit from your Practical Mindfulness and it does change ‘everything’. My expectations have been met since the new information and practice has enriched my personal, family, social & professional life.” — Jackie L, Psychologist