At the beginning of a new year there is much talk of resolutions and grand plans for the 12 months ahead. This can be a way of beating ourselves up and setting challenges that we can never hope to achieve, or it can be a way of keeping sight of our vision and the things that most matter to us. It can be easy to simply look ahead and neglect to appreciate all that we have achieved. However, it is important to look back and consider where we have come. Of course, every moment can be a moment for reflection – so please forgive this blog not emerging on January 1st!

2014 has been a massive year for Mindfulness Based Therapies. June saw the end of our first year as a company, during which we taught mindfulness classes and courses to over 200 people. In September we began our mentor training scheme and have three trainees, Cheryl, Danielle and Fiona, shadowing and working with us, deepening their own practice. We have been proud to have launched the Mindful Communities Project in November, funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund. We have really grown over the last few months and I have really appreciated working with such an inspiring and supportive team.

Looking to the year ahead there are plenty of changes to come. Firstly, from January 2015, we will cease to trade as ‘Mindfulness Based Therapies’ be known by the shorter name of ‘Mindful Therapies.’ And, reflecting this, our new web address is www.mindfultherapies.org.uk

Secondly, starting today we will be using the site to keep a regular blog, featuring updates about Mindful Therapies, research developments in the field of mindfulness and reflections on our own personal practice and the things that inspire us. We hope that you find it informative and interesting.

On a personal note, I have been so happy with everything that we have achieved this year but it has been somewhat exhausting at times. It can be very easy to neglect personal meditation and mindfulness practice in the midst of the busyness of work – even when that work is teaching meditation! I hope that 2015 will give me a little more space to breathe and just be. In 2015 I plan to explore the things that really inspire me – through reading, attending as many retreats as I can, and through spending time with people who inspire me. I will keep you informed on my progress in this blog!

No doubt there will be occasions when I lose track of my inspiration. It can be tricky to find a balance at times. However, one thing I have learned in 2014 is to remain self-compassionate, especially during times of busyness and stress. Those are the moments to take time to stop – even for just one minute – take a breath and take stock of where I am.

We really hope that Mindful Therapies continues to grow in this year and beyond, enabling as many people as possible to benefit from mindfulness meditation and develop self-compassion.