Innovations in mindfulness for refugees
Dr Lana Jackson, Clinical Psychologist and mindfulness teacher at the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, shares some of the innovations in our work with refugees and celebrates the team’s award.
I am beyond thrilled to announce that our collaborating team has won a 2024 Innovations in Mindfulness Award! This recognition honours the work we’ve been doing through our 10-week, trauma-informed, and culturally-sensitive mindfulness courses that were designed for women refugees and asylum-seekers. It’s a moment of deep gratitude, not only for the award itself, but for the journey that has led us here.
Julia Powell (mindfulness teacher) and I began our journey with Mindfulness Across Borders; an adapted mindfulness programme originally created by the visionary Ariana Faris and Sheila Webb. From the beginning, their approach was rooted in understanding the unique challenges faced by displaced women and the ways in which mindfulness could serve as a lifeline amidst unimaginable traumas.
In collaboration with Ariana and based on the feedback from the women in our groups, we continued to adapt and evolve the programme to meet their needs more fully. One of the key adaptions was the addition of more mindful movement, especially at the start of each session. For women who have been through physical and emotional displacement, reconnecting with the body in a safe and gentle way became a powerful form of healing. The simple act of moving with mindfulness helped to re-establish a sense of agency and grounding.
We also decided to take the course outdoors, embracing the therapeutic power of nature. Research shows that being outdoors can reduce anxiety, depression, and even improve self-esteem. Nature also offers physiological benefits, like lowering cortisol levels, heart rate, and blood pressure. But beyond the science, being surrounded by natural beauty—feeling the earth beneath your feet, listening to the sound of the birds, breathing in the fresh air—fosters an innate sense of connection and belonging. For women uprooted from their homes, this connection to the natural world seemed to provide a source of comfort. The sensory experiences of nature also helped to ground awareness more fully into the present moment, enhancing the mindfulness practice. In many ways, nature itself became part of the healing process.
Another significant element we introduced was the fire circle. There is something deeply comforting and timeless about gathering around an open fire, sacred even. It is an ancient ritual where people have come together for warmth, safety, and the sharing of stories, across cultures for centuries. For the women in our group, being together around the fire, sharing food and tea, seemed to create a deeper sense of community, trust and connection.
I have been continually inspired by the resilience, courage, and strength of these women. They are the heart of this project. Watching them come together, support each other, and their deep appreciation for the mindfulness practice has been one of the most moving experiences of my career to date.
Receiving this award is not only an honour but a reminder of the importance of this work. It highlights the need for trauma-sensitive, supportive spaces that respect and honour the lived experiences of refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. We hope that this moment brings us closer to securing the funding we need to continue this vital work in Sussex. I am filled with gratitude and excitement for our continued journey ahead.