Testimonials from our mindfulness participants.
as sunshine sees it
Testimonials from our mindfulness participants.
When Brahm Centre asked if I could write a testimonial about my experiences with their Mindfulness courses and trainers, I initially wondered if it was necessary. The fact that I am currently enrolled in my fourth Mindfulness course—having taken the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course twice within the last 16 months—speaks for itself. In fact, I’m already signed up for my fifth course, “Mindfulness for Compassion,” scheduled for September 2024. Some might think I’m just trying to use up my SkillsFuture grant, but the reality is, I haven’t used a single cent of it on any of these courses.
I enrolled in the Mindfulness courses with the goal of improving my golf game. As the legendary golfer Bobby Jones once said, “Golf is played in a five-inch fairway between the ears.” Beyond physical skills or what the renowned golf psychologist Dr. Bob Rotella calls “swing confidence,” it’s the mental aspect—or “golf confidence”—that truly sets golfers apart. I’m convinced of this.
Every one of the 9 or 12 foundational attributes for MBSR and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) applies perfectly to anyone who wants to enjoy and excel at the game of golf. While my golf game hasn’t improved dramatically since taking these four Mindfulness courses, my enjoyment of the game has increased significantly. I’ve learned to stay present, trust the process, practice patience, let go, accept things as they are, and embrace non-striving and non-judging. I’ve also developed curiosity, a beginner’s mind, gratitude, generosity, befriending, and compassion. These lessons are valuable not just for golf, but for life as well.
A heartfelt thank you to Prof. Angie Chew, Christina Liew, and all my course mates for sharing their experiences. You have all helped me avoid giving up on golf!
My transformative journey with Brahm Centre began with the “Mindfulness for Enhanced Performance” course, designed by Angie specifically for healthcare workers navigating the challenging post-COVID period. This course was my first introduction to mindfulness, and it profoundly enhanced my daily interactions and relationships at work. The valuable insights and practical tools I gained from this experience motivated me to further pursue the 8-week MBCT-Life program, which ultimately inspired me to embark on teacher training in MBCT-Life. Throughout this journey, the exceptional mindfulness teachers at Brahm Centre have been instrumental, guiding me with both expertise and compassion.
The courses at Brahm Centre are thoughtfully structured, and the learning environment is both nurturing and conducive to personal growth. I am deeply grateful to Angie, the visionary CEO, whose genuine and inspiring leadership has played a crucial role in promoting mindfulness in Singapore. Her personal experiences and teachings have served as a beacon of inspiration for many, myself included. Brahm Centre has been a cornerstone in my mindfulness journey, and I cannot thank them enough for their unwavering support and outstanding programs.
I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course with Ms. Christina Liew. Her unwavering dedication and exceptional generosity in sharing her knowledge and guidance made the experience truly enriching. Christina’s thoughtful approach and compassionate support provided me with deep insights and practical tools for managing stress and enhancing my mindfulness practice. Her genuine commitment to each participant’s growth was both inspiring and impactful, and I am thankful for the lasting difference she has made in my well-being. I wholeheartedly recommend Christina to anyone seeking to cultivate mindfulness and elevate their quality of life.
As a naturally introverted person, I often find it challenging to open up in group settings, especially among strangers. However, during the MBSR course, meeting Christina made all the difference. She created such a safe space for us to share our stories freely, without fear of judgment, which allowed me to feel comfortable in an environment that I would typically find daunting. Through the course, I learned many valuable lessons, both from the curriculum and from the shared experiences within the group.
I am so glad I found the courage to attend the MBSR course, despite the stigma often associated with practices like these as being for those with “mental issues.” In today’s world, we should recognize this as a strength—a first step towards nurturing mental fortitude and resilience.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Christina for guiding us through the course, sharing her own stories, and offering her insights into our challenges. The safe and supportive space she cultivated within the group will definitely be missed. To everyone reading this, may you be well and happy! 🙂
I recently completed the 8-week MBSR training led by Christina Liew, and I am pleasantly surprised by my own progress with mindfulness, especially given the relatively short duration of the course. The course exceeded my expectations, and I was amazed by how quickly I could apply the skills I learned. This led to noticeable changes that my family members have recognized as “positive results” in me.
I am grateful to Christina for her clear and accessible teaching style. Each lesson was well-structured, with clear objectives and practical steps, making it easy to follow along. Christina’s approach is gentle and non-coercive; she encourages participation without pushing us beyond our comfort zones. It’s hard to believe that Christina described herself as a “terror” before mindfulness transformed her. This revelation is an incredible testament to the power of mindfulness, and it inspires me to continue practicing and experience its benefits for myself.
Christina’s authenticity in class, sharing her personal experiences, helped build trust among us, creating a safe space where I felt comfortable sharing as well. This openness encouraged other participants to share, greatly enriching my learning experience. Thank you, Christina, for guiding us through this journey!
The past nine Saturdays in Christina’s MBSR class were truly time well spent, especially for someone like me who rarely sets aside “me-time” on family days.
Christina generously shared her own experiences and encouraged everyone in the class to do the same. She consistently highlighted the connections between our personal stories and the teachings of MBSR, helping us understand how to apply what we’ve learned to our daily lives.
With her friendly and personable demeanor, Christina made a genuine effort to engage the class, which was sometimes quieter. She always reassured us that there was no pressure to share unless we felt comfortable doing so.
I am deeply grateful to her for such an enriching course.
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:
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
