Mindful on Minjerribah
Reducing isolation. Enhancing Connection.
Sustaining wellbeing in our personal and professional lives is important for everyone. For those of us employed in health or social care, our work comes with unique challenges. It’s vital that we take care of ourselves – so we can provide optimal care to others.
Co-founders Leigh and Nicola, created Mindful on Minjerribah workshops to help you pause, take stock and recharge. You’ll get better at identifying and responding to stressors, and explore how to have a meaningful career where you can live your values. We believe the best way to do that is through connection with others who work in a similar field – that many minds are better than one. We also think that getting away from the day-to-day and immersing yourself in nature is intrinsically healing, so our workshops take place on beautiful Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island).
What wellbeing means to us
The terms ‘wellbeing’ and ‘mindfulness’ have surged into popular consciousness in the last decade with a corresponding influx of resources and advice, of varying degrees of usefulness. Which is why we want to be clear about what our workhops are (and what they’re not). Our program is informed by scientific evidence and Leigh’s years of experience as a social work practitioner and educator. You’ll be encouraged to slow down, learn practical ways to enhance wellbeing, and to think deeply about what’s important to you. Your time on Minjerribah will be relaxing, but you’ll need to put some work in too! We like this quote from psychologist Dennis Tirch:
“Self-compassion isn’t about taking baths or getting massages. It’s about consciously noticing long term patterns of avoidance and building the skills to change them.”
We’re keenly aware that much of the stress in the health care field stems from organisational, political and economic issues. In offering retreats, we’re in no way aiming to shift responsibility from the system to the individual. But we do recognise that structural change will take time. Making time to prioritise your own wellbeing, and encouraging your peers to do the same, is a small but important step in changing professional culture. And on a personal level, you’ll feel better equipped to tackle situations that cause discomfort or distress.
At Mindful on Minjerribah, our aim is to get you back to work feeling calmer and more self-aware, with a renewed sense of purpose.