We are delighted that Tugba from Pine Yoga is joining us to lead a mindfulness session. Tugba has 15 years experience as a yoga and mindfulness instructor. She trained at the Special Yoga Centre in London. Her sessions are specifically designed for neurodivergent individuals and mental health challenges. Tugba aims to help individuals practice skills for understanding and managing emotions effectively, helping manage emotional self-regulation. This session will last 50-60 minutes.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness can be a powerful and comforting tool for neurodivergent people, helping them find calm and ease within the chaos of daily life. For those who might feel overwhelmed by sensory input or intense emotions, mindfulness offers simple, grounding techniques, like taking a deep breath or noticing the feel of the ground under your feet. This helps create a little bit of space between the person and the overwhelming feelings they might experience. For someone with autism as well as ADHD, it can be a gentle way to practice bringing their mind back when it wanders, not by force but with kindness, creating more moments of focus and even a sense of accomplishment. These small practices help soothe and make it a bit easier to handle the world’s noise.

Beyond helping with focus and stress, mindfulness also opens a door to deeper self-acceptance. It invites people to observe their thoughts and feelings without criticism, creating a safe space to just be as they are. For neurodivergent individuals who may feel different or pressured to mask their uniqueness, mindfulness is a reminder that they’re not alone and don’t have to change who they are. It can even enhance social connections, making interactions feel a bit slower, more thoughtful, and less stressful. This gentle acceptance builds resilience and allows neurodivergent people to embrace their strengths, helping them navigate the world with more confidence and compassion for themselves.