As we begin enjoying the lovely Spring weather in Istanbul it is a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of being present and mindful. Our students are using meditation and other mindfulness techniques to recognise and become aware of the near continuous dialogue that occurs in our minds on a daily basis. These conditioned thoughts can have either positive or negative effects upon the relationship we have with ourselves and with others and so it seems essential to be able to become mindfully aware of this dialogue and learn to separate ourselves from it. We are not our thoughts and once we learn to recognise this fact, the mind will no longer be able to control our emotions or our relationship with ourself and others.

Tracey Brereton, Secondary School Counsellor