SHABBIR AHMED

Q: 1. Please tell us about your secular mindfulness meditation background and the population you serve.

Founder, Counselling Psychologist & Mindfulness Teacher - Shepherds In Mumbai.

In November 2015, I attended a workshop on inner transformation. During the workshop, the facilitator performed a stage play to help participants grasp the essence of a paradigm shift, as described in the book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.". That was the start of my journey in the field of transformative learning.

I became curious to learn more and started facilitating the journey of other willing individuals in causing their transformation. Soon, in addition to my full-time job in technology (I work for Microsoft), I began working as a weekend life coach and one day came across Dave Potter's MBSR curriculum (Palouse Mindfulness).

MBSR brought about a significant transformation in my life. It helped many things fall into place, connected numerous dots, and gave new meaning to concepts I had previously learned through different modalities. To deepen my practice, I participated in several multi-month mindfulness programs and attended retreats led by experts in this field.

To effectively impart mindfulness skills to others in a structured and professional manner, I went on to do Certified Mindfulness Teacher Training from Shamash Alidina.

I have been actively engaged in teaching mindfulness in India for the past five years, starting in early 2019. Before beginning my teaching journey, I dedicated around one year to extensively studying MBSR, MBCT, and ACT to develop a comprehensive five-week mindfulness program.

I conduct a five-week weekend mindfulness program in Hindi, which is the native language of many in India. The participants of our program include doctors, psychologists, life coaches, counselors, as well as homemakers, and corporate professionals.

Q: 2. Tell us what secular mindfulness looks like in your part of the world.

India is indeed renowned as a land of Yogis and meditators. The practices of meditation and mindfulness have deep roots in India's ancient traditions, and they continue to be widely practiced throughout the country.

In India, mindfulness programs, workshops, and retreats are mainly conducted in a traditional format, with fewer options available in secular formats. However, there is an observable upward trend in the offering and demand of secular mindfulness programs.

Q: 3.  Do you have any advice or tips for other mindfulness teachers?

Random tips;

a. Make it a priority to regularly nurture your own mindfulness practice.

b. I strongly believe that introducing everyone to mindfulness is important. As teachers, it is our duty to make genuine and dedicated efforts to raise awareness and promote mindfulness practices to the best of our abilities. Teaching mindfulness skills is one aspect, but effectively establishing and expanding your reach requires other skills. Seek professional assistance if you encounter challenges in promoting mindfulness in your area.

c.  While teaching and understanding mindfulness is essential, it's important to acknowledge that, as a mindfulness teacher, there may be moments when you fail to practice what you teach.  It's essential not to feel guilty about it, as you are only human. Stay true to yourself, be authentic, and don't let the label of being a mindfulness teacher overwhelm you.

d. Be curious about other modalities. Keep updating/learning from other mindfulness teachers too. Be up to date on the latest research.

e. Try keeping genuine compassion towards every student - even if they don't complete weekly formal/informal practices.

f. Mindfulness offers great benefits, but it's crucial to remain observant of your own experiences and attentively listen to what your students share. If your experience differs from what you learn/teach, become more curious and discuss with other teachers.

Q: 4. Any additional information about you and your practice you would like us to review for inclusion in this article.

I am a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) as an ACT Therapist (https://contextualscience.org/civicrm/profile?gid=17&reset=1&force=1).

I am Co-Author of Book  Mindfulness for Challenging Times, was internationally released
https://www.amazon.in/dp/B088NNGNSB

My next book (Solo) should be out in Aug 2023. The title is  "Mindfulness Made Simple: Unlocking Inner Calm in 5 Weeks". This is based on my five years of experience delivering a 5-week mindfulness program and witnessing the significant impact it has had on others.  https://www.shepherdsinmumbai.com/testimonials

I also did formal scientific research on the "EFFECT OF MINDFULNESS ON ALTRUISM, RESILIENCE, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL WELLBEING IN HOMEMAKERS (IN INDIA).". I'll publish this paper after the launch of the book.

Last year I completed my master's in psychology and am now also a Counseling Psychologist (Niiche - relationships) with expertise in ACT and Mindfulness.

I use biofeedback devices like Muse Headband and Smart Dhyana ring that use brain waves and HRV to measure your state tangibly.

Regards | Shabbir Ahmed