Grace Yeo
It has been nearly a year and a half since I began my mindfulness journey, and I am sincerely grateful for the way it has helped me overcome many years of misery. The year 2021 was an especially painful one for me, as I finally gathered the courage to walk away from an almost 30-year marriage. I felt lost and down for a long time. Then, one day, I came across a Brahm Centre Mindfulness poster displayed next to an MRT station. I decided to walk into the nearest Brahm Centre branch to learn more about mindfulness.
I started with the Mindfulness Foundation course online via Zoom in December 2021 and subsequently attended more onsite courses at the Brahm Centre Newton branch in 2022. These included Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), the Mindfulness Compassion Course (MCC), and the Mindfulness Advanced Course (MAC). I also participated in five retreats from March 2022 to March 2023.
This short but transformative journey has been a paradigm shift for me, as I have learned many valuable lessons from the various courses conducted by the Founder of Brahm Centre, Ms. Angie Chew. Through these courses and retreats, I finally experienced inner peace—something I had been searching for over the past 20+ years, without success.
Upon reflection, here are my most important learnings:
- I learned to forgive myself, understanding that I did not act intentionally to cause hurt to those I love dearly. I love my family deeply and would never want to harm them. If only I had learned mindfulness 20+ years ago, the outcomes might have been different.
- I learned to forgive those who hurt me, even though I am not yet ready to see them. I respect my own boundaries.
- I learned to be generous—giving my money, time, and skills to those in need whenever possible.
- I learned to be kind to my body, giving it the rest it needs. As Angie said, we only have one body; if we don’t take good care of it, who will?
- I developed a sense of gratitude toward all the kind souls I have met along the way, who have helped me in one way or another. Without their presence at various stages of my life, I wouldn’t be the better version of myself that I am today.
- I learned to relax through mindfulness practices and activities that I enjoy. I no longer feel as anxious or fearful as I did almost two years ago.
- I learned to love myself and practice self-compassion. I now believe that self-love is not selfish; without self-care and self-love, I would not be able to show compassion to others.
- I learned to treasure what I have, and I now believe that I am enough.
- I finally accepted myself, discovering on the last day of the Mindfulness Advanced Course in December that I have a nice voice that can be used to bring calm to others, rather than to express negativity.
- Although I have not fully learned to let go of the past, I accept that I need more time for this process. I will not push myself too hard and instead will continue to offer blessings to myself and others. May I be well and happy; may you be well and happy; may all be well and happy.
Once again, my sincere appreciation goes to Angie. Without you, I would still be feeling constant anxiety and would not have attained the inner peace I feel today. Thank you for your invaluable courses, which have supported so many people through their vulnerable moments.
We are fortunate to have Brahm Centre’s Newton Branch, conveniently and centrally located right next to Newton MRT station, serving everyone in need, regardless of where they come from!
Thank you so much!
With sincere gratitude,
Grace
