In this episode, I speak with Catherine Nasskau from Mindful Surrey. We explore how mindfulness can transform the way we relate to life’s challenges, both big and small. By cultivating a kind and curious attitude toward the present moment, we learn to untangle from our thoughts, embrace difficult emotions, and let go of the need for control. Whether it’s navigating day-to-day stress or confronting fears about the future, mindfulness offers a way to be at ease with discomfort.
We also dive into self-compassion as a core element of this practice. How can we truly show kindness to others if we aren’t kind to ourselves first? We discuss the importance of celebrating small wins, noticing when our minds wander, and how practicing gratitude—not just positive thinking—can make us more resilient and joyful.
We talk about how mindfulness isn't just about meditation; it’s a way of living. By learning to "surf" the ups and downs of life, we can choose how we respond to difficulties and ultimately cultivate more peace within ourselves. Whether you're worrying about the state of the world or trying to manage personal challenges, this episode offers practical ways to navigate life with more mindfulness and ease.
Catherine Nasskau is an experienced mindfulness teacher who’s worked with adults and children for many years. She trained with The Mindful Academy, MBSR Spain, and MiSP. She lives in Brockham, Surrey. In addition to running classes for individuals, Mindful Surrey also offer mindfulness training in the workplace and profit from corporate work goes to their CSR Fund. This is used to offer free support to individuals throughout the UK who are on low incomes.
Mindful Surrey - https://www.mindfulsurrey.co.uk/
Thich Nhat Hanh’s poem - https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/573801-you-must-be-completely-awake-in-the-present-to-enjoy
Here are a few resources on mindfulness from me:
* Calm app - I’ve been using this for 3 years and the daily trips have a lot of wisdom in them
* Plum Village app - there is a bell of mindfulness you can set to go off at regular intervals as well as a mix of meditations
* Insight timer - I’ve been recommended this one many times, it has a range of different mediations
* Mindfulness courses - there are lots about and Catherine from Mindful Surrey runs online ones.
* Joining a local or online meditation group - it’s powerful to meditate together with others and feel part of a community. I join the Plum Village Sanghas, you can find online, they have groups in most places.
* Zen and the art of saving the planet - Plum Village have an upcoming course for those who have a deep sense of care for the Earth, and want to find ways to bring mindfulness to your climate response. It starts on the 20th October. Here’s a 50% discount code: 1a27930dfe36.
Thank you for listening and reading. If any of what we talked about resonated with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please do share it with anyone else you think might be interested. Subscribe if you want to hear future episodes and find me on Linkedin - Heather Lynch or Substack - On Becoming the Change
