Man is a little strange: he goes on exploring the Himalayas, he goes on exploring the Pacific, he goes on reaching
for the moon and Mars; there is just one thing he never tries – exploring his inner being.
Osho
Testimonials
- Meditative Therapy / MBCT-Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
- Mindfulness Intensive Retreat Day / Weekend
- Coaching based on introspection and meditative techniques
- Introductory Meditation Course
- Introductory Meditation Session
- Private Meditation Session
- Monday evening drop-in
- Saturday morning drop-in
Testimonial
Meditative Therapy
MBCT-Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy
(in alphabetical order)
"We all strive for answers and solutions in these times. What happens when
everything we've always tried in the past has just got us to exactly the same
place we were in a couple of years, months, days ago? Frustration, disappointment, hurt
and feelings of anger just to name a few...
MBCT-Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy was the first thing that gave me some
tangible skills to help me on my way to a new way of living...
That's what it is; a new blueprint to a happier way of living.
Ultimately, isn't that what it's all about?
Many thanks Susann. You have been a brilliant teacher and guiding light for me
over the past 14 weeks."
Perry Adolphus, Personal Trainer
"Before embarking on the MBCT course, I had tried several different
methods, over many years, to help me deal with anxiety and depression. More often
than not however, I feel that they were either short term fixes, or that I
was constantly relying on something (e.g. medication) or someone (e.g. a counsellor)
to support me through difficult periods in my life.
MBCT has been very different. I now feel that I have found a very powerful tool,
that I will be able to use for the rest of my life, wherever I am and whenever
I need to, to help me ’to be’ and allow me to deal with my own difficult issues,
independently, in a way that nothing else I have tried in my life, will.
The positive impacts have been far-reaching.
I am no longer consumed by my self-perceived negative past, nor do I constantly live
out an unknown future in my head, 24 hours a day! I now feel more able to detach from
negative thought processes and solely watch my thoughts; as opposed to becoming them.
Not only do I now live in the moment far more frequently, I often find myself
enjoying it! I feel more alive; I am more calm and relaxed; I have increasingly
positive relationships with family and friends; my life is no longer so chaotic
and out of control; I am far more aware of the beauty of life around me and
ultimately, I am more aware of, and can take control of negative thought processes
and emotions that can lead to an downward spiral into anxiety and depression.
Finally, Susann has been the most fantastic teacher. I feel very grateful to have
been guided by her throughout the course. She is wonderfully warm and patient and
has thoroughly supported me (even between sessions when I lost my way). Susann
has such a positive energy and she and the course have helped change my life.
Thank you for everything.
I would highly recommend this course to EVERYONE!"
Lucy Andrew, Learning Mentor
"After one year of hard work on myself, fighting against anxiety, stress
and difficult moments, I finally reached the point in which I'm able to enjoy
my life in every aspect and every moment.
Thanks to MBCT and all meditation techniques
I've learned. I have with me now all the instruments I need to live my life as I like.
Every time I need I can reach the feeling that I'm at home, I'm not lost anymore,
I can find peace inside me."
Martina De Brida, Accountant
"One of the biggest differences in my life that can be detected following my
experience with Meditative Therapy is the existence of more discipline. I have found
that order has entered my life far more naturally and that there is less willingness
to procrastinate which is something I would have done far too easily prior to engaging
in this form of meditation. I now seem to be able to know how to calm myself in a more
structured fashion with the aid of breathing exercises, whose influence in my life should
not be underestimated. It is with these that I am able to relax and as a consequence
obtain considerable balance and continuity to my life.
I also can only commend the venue in which my classes took place. Its beautiful setting
and soothing atmosphere certainly enhanced my experience with each visit."
Sheehan Chandrasinghe, Manager at a Distribution Company
"Doing the MBCT programme has 'revolutionised' my life. It helped me to get
out of a job I have been stuck in for several years and move into a new direction.
On the physical level, my chronic headaches and sleeping patterns have improved
considerably.
Generally speaking, I feel more alive and energetic and much more in
control when it comes to dealing with life's challenges."
Edith Ewald, Office Manager
"I was struggling with control issues and anxiety. I had a very difficult potentially life
changing decision to make and was paralysed by fear. I was spending no time at all in the present,
only worrying about the future and reliving difficult moments in the past. After less than a year
working with Susann through the MCBT course everything has changed. I made the decision I needed
to make and have found the consequences much easier to bear than I was expecting. I am happier
than I have ever been, because I now finally feel able to face myself, accept the bad with the
good and to live with both. I still have lots of negative thoughts, but I am learning to watch
them, and let them go, rather than following them to the point where I am heading for depression.
Instead I bring myself back to the present where I can now connect much more meaningfully with friends
and family, and notice small things which make me happy. I feel strong and calm and I am actually
living life as it happens! I feel incredibly grateful to Susann for her positive, clear headed,
sensible and above all humorous guidance – it has really changed my life."
Joanna Norman, Corporate Lawyer
"I found the MBCT course to be a unique approach to identifying and challenging
the way your mind works. It helped me realise just how much time I spend obsorbed
in thoughts about the future and the past and how little time I spend in the present.
The course gives you useful practical advice and guidance to help one become more
focused on the present. I particularly enjoyed the focus on meditation and intend
to pursue this further going forward. Overall I found the course to be hugely
rewarding and I found Susann to be a particulalrly insightful guide throughout
the course."
Tim Nathan, Banker
"I have found the MBCT programme to be an incredible tool in helping me
to cope with everyday challenges with clarity and calmness. Having suffered with
depression and anxiety for some time, Susann and the MBCT programme have taught me
a new way to deal with problematic issues without having to resort to worrying
and stress.
I now feel much more aware of what my mind is doing and why, which in turn has
given me the ability to live my life in the present and enjoy things as they happen,
rather than worry about what probably never will!
I can’t thank Susann enough for
her guidance and support, not just during the course, but after, as I continue to
practice meditation and learn more about myself!"
Geoff Parkin, Artist Development Manager
"Doing the MBCT course is the first step in a life-long process of learning
to deal with difficult issues in your life in a new way – by living in the present
moment.
Susann is a great teacher and guide – patient, supportive, positive, and always
available at those times you need extra support."
J. Wheeler, Policy Officer
"I started MBCT with Susann for 2 reasons. 1. I was suffering from depression
with very low swings that I did not see any purpose or sense of my life any more. 2. I did
not wish to see any more GPs and try out yet more different drugs as I believe they only
cure the symptoms not the cause.
Susann, through MBCT, showed me a new way out of the blues. The step by step course
helped me to understand my mind's functioning, equipped me with useful techniques to
disidentify with old distorted thoughts and mood swings when they appeared. It made
me realise that through commitment and practise there is a new way of living: living
fully in the present moment with enjoyment. This was supported by applied guided
meditations which were very liberating and uplifting.
Susann is very knowledgeable, very experienced and funny. I have enjoyed every moment
with her! For the first time in my life I finished a therapy! Susann is there for
you to help with acceptance, care and love."
Thank you Susann!!
Andrea Zsarnovszky, Teacher
"It has been extremely well organised and Susann is a very knowledgeable and
empathic teacher. I found the experience very useful and supportive. I enjoyed the
variety of meditations..."
"I have always felt very supported by Susann. I would recommend Susann and London
Meditation, both professionally and personally Susann. I have really enjoyed the sessions
and although I thought I had a good grasp of what mindfulness is, you have provided a subtle
understanding for me, as a way a book or website could not. Thanks..."
"Sharing things with the group was very useful. Great teacher and the
"structured" homework was very helpful. Thank you!! It’s been an
enriching experience..."
"Dear Susann, just writing to express my gratitude, you were a
wonderful teacher, thank you for your patience and all the beautiful teachings, I still
do my meditation of choice but I remember all the important things I’ve learned
about staying in the moment, detaching from my ego thoughts, being able to stand
the pain one breath at a time, that it is ok even when it is not ok, 3 min coping deep
breaths, it was brilliant and I’ll try to remember, thanks again for your
patience..."
"The strengths of the course were the structure, homework, clear aims and guidance;
opportunity to share my experience and connect with others. It’s good to know this place
and you exist for the future, to have somewhere to come when I feel the need. I feel I
can call and talk to you Susann. I have confidence that you’ll be generous with your
time, as you were when I first spoken to you..."
"I found the venue to be a safe, relaxing, welcoming place for the course.
Susann has a good approach which is both caring yet firm. It has provided me with a set of
wonderful tools for the future. Thank you Susann for a enjoyable and helpful course!
I hope to see you again in the future..."
"I do hope that I can do another course later in the year as I was very impressed
with how you conducted the classes..."
"Found it showed me an inner strength that I knew was there, but wasn’t sure
how to utilise..."
"Most enjoyable were all the guided meditations taken by Susann, especially the longer
ones, the "shake-out dance" and the mindful walking..."
"Really great, would and have recommended it to others! Thanks Susann..."
"Most useful were the structure, starting with a meditation and then moving
on to the topic. I enjoyed the time that was given to discussion. The variation was very good
and works really well. Thanks for everything. The course made a lot of sense and was
very interactive..."
"Wonderful set up – so calm and precise, really made the sessions feel good.
I liked that each sessions was so clear and organised. Thank you very much! I really
think that your project is amazing and such an important – job – what an
incredible resource! I will definitely want to stay involved and attend another
course in the future..."
Voices from the MBCT Winter Group Course 2009/2010
"Well organised and structured. Each session led nicely into the next. Found the group
environment very supportive and useful..."
"Thank you! I really enjoyed the course and feel like I benefited from it in
a tricky time of my life, and that there are long term potential benefits of this
approach. And the support offered was first-rate..."
"Susann has excellent communications skills and is very funny. She sets expectations
clearly in advance so you know what you expect to get. This is not a quick fix but
tools to help you deal with situations for the rest of your life. Great class and wonderful
teacher. Susann is very open and honest..."
"It really helped with my life. A new way of life with Susann super teacher!!
Thank you!! I will never forget!!..."
"The kindness of the whole course/approach was most useful and the tools for my
inner development most enjoyable. I feel that I am equipped to make my own life
better. I feel happier..."
"The structure was very good. There was a continual development that made me
enthusiastic to return each week..."
"I enjoyed the build-up and process of discovery, group discussions/interaction
and I think this is a valuable part of the course..."
"Clear project with achievable aims – for example, the homework was doable.
I enjoyed the strategies and group situations..."
Voices from the MBCT Autumn Group Course 2009
"The course helped to increase my awareness, which is priceless ... I’m very
grateful for your patience and encouraging attitude ... very open and generous ... I
feel very much empowered ... it was helpful advice from an experienced practicioner
and teacher ... the course has given me the opportunity to learn about the benefits of
mindfulness and to start to realise this in my day-to-day life ... it was very well
structured ... it was honest about what you could expect and what not ..."
Voices from the MBCT Summer Group Course 2009
Testimonial
Mindfulness Intensive Retreat Day / Weekend
"Thank you for a brilliant event – exactly what I needed..."
"Well balanced day with different techniques making the day diverse and interesting.
Exceeded my expectations – a liberating experience..."
"There is a lot I am taking home..."
"Thank you for being so supportive and advising us on looking after ourselves..."
"It’s been extremely useful to get in contact with myself.
It was great, I’ll do it again! And the food was marvelous!!..."
"Being silent – not having to interact with others was very liberating. It created
the space to be with myself. It was much easier than I thought! I was nervous about the silence
and meditating with others before I came but it wasn’t a problem..."
"Just a quick note to say thanks for Saturday. I found it very interesting.
Difficult, but interesting. I also wanted to say how much I appreciated your warmth
and sincerity..."
"I found being in a group of people without having to talk or make eye contact was very refreshing.
Thanks for a great day..."
"Thank you very much for inviting us all into your home, and taking
such good care of us..."
"Worthwhile. Glad I came..."
"I really enjoyed the combination of activities – especially the Sufi movement
and circular motions. A great day..."
"Good combination of activities. We are encouraged to try different posture in the same day
– very helpful for myself..."
"Having the experience of silence with others around – Bizarre@first.
A lovely Day!..."
Voices from the Mindfulness Intensive Retreat Day / Weekend Feb 2010
"I was concerned, but I really enjoyed the silence!
The practice gave me a good reminder of mindfulness. I really enjoyed the
mindful walking, the variety of practice and the idea that the silence carried on
through the day. The brunch as practice was great..."
"Susann gave very clear instructions and ensured that everybody
was understanding what they had to do. She also created a very welcoming and safe space
for the group. Everybody was looked after. I enjoyed the different types of
exercises and the fact that we gradually ’returned back’ to making contact with
each other..."
"The day of silence was not as difficult as I thought it would be. There was a sense
of shared experience with the group and the different meditation exercises throughout
the day kept it very interesting..."
"It was a very important, much needed refresher! I really enjoyed being part of a group.
The food was fantastic! Susann is a wonderful teacher. Thank you for a new
experience. Thank you for being an inspirational teacher..."
"I enjoyed the structure and chosen meditation techniques. As the day went along
my concentration got better. I am happy I have now tools to deal with my inner problems.
I can feel that it is up to me and nobody else to make my life better. Thank
you Susann..."
"Thank you so much for such a special day on Sunday. I really felt very privaledged
to be part of something so special. It made me feel very excited about the future
in terms of doing silent group meditation sessions again. I felt so peaceful towards
the second half of the day, especially when the sun came down and the room was
solely lit by candles and we were all in silence. I really needed that feeling of
contentment. I have felt so out of touch with any form of contentment just recently.
It’s been such a horrible few months for me. At times I have felt so hopeless
and so scared. Sunday really helped me to feel connected again. I will try as much as
I can to incorporate more of this into my everyday life. Thanks Susann..."
"It was an encouraging day in a very meditative space to find my inner silence,
to stay with it, explore and enjoy it; an excellent ’reminder’ day
of being mindful in my daily activities. I felt very safe and the coaching as well as
the organisation was excellent..."
Voices from the Mindfulness Intensive Retreat Day / Weekend Nov 2009
Testimonial
Coaching
based on introspection and meditative techniques
"I realize now it is not that easy to share the steps and content of this
life changing, coaching experience I had with Albert.
Probably, to summarize it the first striking element was the use of relaxation
(so unusual in my professional context) which quite quickly brought me more agility
in the ability to step back from the long ’to-do list of the day’ to get
to a weekly, then monthly or yearly one...
Second, Albert helped me visualize
my personal development goals (the dream ones) and I became aware that it
was not opposite to my professional career growth. On the contrary, combining
the two has strengthened my self respect, sharpening my focus on those strengths
that are also the fundamental values for which I stand.
Albert was so
positive helping through the many concrete issues we covered together that
it was really a revitalizing experience.
Now, I feel ready for whatever big professional change to come... keeping in mind
only a short ’to-do list of my life’."
Gildas, Finance Director in the (rock the boat) mining Industry
"I am extremely happy to write a testimonial for Albert, and indeed have
recommended him and his services to several friends of mine.
I approached career coaching with an open mind and was willing and expecting to make
a complete change in my career. The difference is I have discovered the reasons why I am
doing what I am, learnt to concentrate on my strengths and I have a long term focus.
Albert has been fantastic to work with, helping me to achieve clarity and confidence
through a very challenging time and helped me to achieve my big goal- becoming a Coach.
Thank you!"
Jagoda Kupcza, Coach
"Do you know how it feels to peel off the layers of clouds in your mind?
And do you know what it means to raise your awareness just simply by spending time
with yourself?
I am so grateful for what I have experienced with and through Susann.
She made my time at Utopia Village very special.
The Coaching process and mediation practise helped me to get back and follow my path.
I still enjoy using the tools she has given me to maintain my fulfilled state.
Thank you, Susann!"
Kathleen Grieger, Anaesthetic Lead Nurse
"It has been very good working with Susann. She has helped me to focus
and keep up the momentum to achieve clarity and confidence during a period of
considerable change in my life. She enabled me to take the road that will lead
to the life I really want to have."
Katrin Sailer, Social Worker
Testimonials
Introductory Meditation Course
(in alphabetical order)
"Hello Susann, You will be pleased to hear that I have started practicing
meditation on daily basis. The course I attended was really important to me and I am very
thankful for your support and knowledge. Practicing meditation has been mostly fun so far.
It is a great way to relax and reflect on the day's challenges and experiences.
It's great to feel free again!"
Judith Balova, Office Assistant
"When I did the meditation course of London Meditation I was a complete beginner. My
only experience had been a few sessions of active meditation in the Monday drop-in. After
the course I definitively have a deeper and new understanding of meditation. Most
importantly - I learned a lot of small techniques which are very helpful to learn
meditation. I now practise these techniques in my everyday life. The course was very
intense and inspiring. It was tailored to my individual needs and all specific questions
I had were taken into account. Susann is a great teacher. I do warmly recommend the
Meditation course."
Nicolas Dedek, Physicist
"What I loved about the course was the fact that I leant several techniques to
'trick' my mind into meditating. I'm not one of those people who can just sit down
and go 'Ommmm...', so the Active Meditation approach was a great way of getting to
that stage. Susann's style is a unique combination of lots of fun and a serious
understanding of her subject. I would recommend this course to anybody who wants
to 'finally' find a practical way to meditate, which they can apply as soon as
they leave the course."
Rikke Hansen, Career Advisor
"I found the course informative and interesting in a pleasant and relaxed environment
taught by Susann who has brought a wealth of experience to the subject. I came away
feeling very refreshed with some very good techniques to aid my meditation."
Sue Gooch, Translation Services Adviser and Translator
"The course is well structured and the advice is pragmatic, straight forward
and easy to understand. I really liked the fact that Susann made meditation fun. I feel
like I have started on a journey of discovery, I'm just sorry I didn't start it earlier."
Yvonne Roach, Human Resources Manager
"I very much enjoyed the weekend meditation course. I found it very effective, useful
and found that it achieved much more than I thought it would in the time allotted. I
hope to come back for more soon."
Mr X, Lawyer
Testimonial
Introductory Meditation Session
"Susann, I just wanted to thank-you for you introducing me to meditation
and helping me bring it into my life.
Its really made a difference to me...
how I think,
how I view things,
how I handle things and
how I feel.
Its made a big impact in my life."
Meera Shah, Finance Professional
Testimonial
Private Meditation Session
(in alphabetical order)
"Susann's faculty to articulate meditative tools in an intelligible way
really helped me to be dramatically more in contact with myself!"
Belinda Bouchain, Artist
"I decided in January to try Meditation as I had started a journey of finding
myself and had read a lot about the benefits of Meditation. I first went to an open
Monday evening session at London Meditation which proved to be a life changing
experience. Everyone was extremely friendly especially Susann and I had what I could
only describe as a spiritual experience. I decided to delve further into this and
had a 3 session course on a one to one basis with Susann. This was immensly
helpful as it gave me a better understanding of the processes that was going through.
This was as described earlier a life changing experience.
I now practice meditation
daily and am sailing through life in a completely different way. Nothing seems to phase
me as before and I am able to step back and see things from a distance as they really are.
A lot of my fears have gone and even stressful situations dissapear with the minimum
of fuss.
When I first started Susann said that I would be able to walk down Oxford street and
feel as if I was on the top of a mountain. Seems impossible, try it and see.
Thank you Susann."
Michael Stolerman, UK and European Sales Director
Testimonials
Monday evening drop-in
(in alphabetical order)
"As an old hand to Active Meditations I appreciate the opportunity provided by Susann to do them in the company of other people. It is always much easier to meditate with others than on your own. Susann’s enthusiasm for meditation is infectious and she has the skill and lightness of touch required to welcome newcomers to Active Meditation. The venue is spacious and afterwards there is often an opportunity to discuss meditation over cups of tea and glasses of fruit juice. Thank you Susann."
Alok, London – Hendon
"I was surprised when I found Active Meditation. I did not have any previous experience of meditating and yet I found this method naturally easy. It seems to be a wonderfully woven balance of music, movement and silence. For the first time in a while I found my thoughts taking a break. As with all things created from the heart, London Meditation is a beautiful place. Maybe it is the type of meditation or the people I meet each week. Maybe it is the combination of both, but I would highly recommend it to anyone living in London."
Damien, London – Hackney
"I did take part in a two guided Meditations before. The Kundalini Meditation was very different from what I knew. I especially enjoid the big difference between dancing and listening into myself."
Jan, Luton
"London Meditation provides a valuable space for people to experience and appreciate Active Meditation. It accomodates beginners and experienced meditators in a single sitting (or dancing) and provides everyone the opportunity to be centered and in the moment... something that the busy urban life makes very difficult for most of us."
Kenny, London
"I am very happy to find Active Meditations in London. I have been doing meditations since 2000, so it became part of my everyday life. The Active Meditations are very effective and helpful in my life. I can recommend it to everyone."
Peter, London – Stratford
"My experience is that one can find relief from the endless obsessional chatter of the mind through meditation. I find that there is a peace of mind to be found beyond all that complaining thinking, all those repeating fantasy conversations in my mind about work and relationships and money. In a meditation community I find it can eventually be enough to just sit in order to find this meditative peace, but here working in the city it is my experience that first I need to shake off the tensions of the day and that is what active meditations gives to me, and may give to you."
Ricky, London – Finsbury Park
"After not having meditated for a long time it was a tremendous experience. A nice room, a friendly group, a lot of positive energy, I could see pictures which I have never seen before. I had the chance to sink in deeply, as deep as I have never been before. I will certainly be back."
Torsten, London – Barnet
"I would have said that I wasn’t suited to meditation; it seemed only to provide me with frustration that I was unable to "turn my thoughts off", but active meditation has changed my attitude altogether. Not only am I able to leave the confines of my analytical everyday thought process, I feel like I can move unselfconsciously for the first time in a long time. It is really liberating and I feel completely rejuvenated afterwards (no matter what kind of a day I have had!). It?s nice to be excited about something which is so good for me!"
Vita, London – Hackney
Testimonials
Saturday morning drop-in
(in alphabetical order)
"A wonderful start to the day made better by the joy of sharing with like minded
souls. I would recommend it for anyone looking for a little peace in their
hectic lives."
Gill Dalton
"A beautiful start to the day, a beautiful way of life. Mmmmmm..."
Hrishi Mittal
"The (very) early morning's may initially be a bit of a struggle, but
the meditations are worth it. I leave mellow, centered, peaceful and clean-states of
being that serve me the whole joyful day."
Marged Richards
"The striking thing for me is how the meditation experience changed with
time. First day was uncomfortable. Second day was fidgety. Third day was deep and
settling. And the fourth day I experienced waves of near-orgasmic bliss."
Richard Goldstein