About
We are Dr Carolyn Drake and Annie Akasati McAuley.
The name and logo for ‘Love Mindfulness’ emphasises the qualities of kindness, emotional positivity and resilience fundamental to mindfulness practice.
We have been delivering mindfulness training since 2014 through public classes and courses. We have also worked with a range of client groups including corporations such as American Express; charities and social care organisations, the NHS, and many schools and colleges, working with pupils of all ages and staff.
We are inspired both by the scientific research that confirms the value of the practice of mindfulness and by its ancient roots.
We enjoy what we do and hope to convey that to you through our teaching.
Our training
We both trained with the Sussex Mindfulness Centre, and are qualified to deliver Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). We also trained to teach Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) courses for learners of all ages and staff. We are based in Sussex, UK.
Annie is qualified to teach Mindfulness-based Compassionate Living (MBCL) 8-week courses and is registered with the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA). She is also trained by the UK mindfulness Network to offer Supervision to people using mindfulness-based approaches.
We both maintain up-to-date enhanced DBS checks.
Annie Akasati McAuley
Mindfulness and meditation have been the source of much creativity and joy throughout my adult life. I completed ordination training in Buddhist philosophy and practice in 1999 and since then have regularly lead meditation courses and retreats in a Buddhist context using my ordained name, Akasati.
I have a background in education and have substantial experience of teaching mindfulness to all ages, in a range of settings. I have managed and led many meditation retreats.
I write a monthly blog on themes related to mindfulness, compassion and wisdom, available on this website.
I am also qualified in Counselling Skills and Counselling Studies (Levels 2 & 3).
I offer mindfulness supervision and am a registered member of the British Association of Mindfulness-based Approaches (BAMBA): see here for my listing & profile.
Dr. Carolyn Drake
My approach to teaching mindfulness is underpinned by a committed personal practice of mindfulness and meditation.
I have a scientific background in Cognitive Psychology, Education and Neuropsychology, with a particular interest in brain development and function. I also have practical experience in primary education.
Since 2003 I have explored mindfulness in its secular and Buddhist contexts and delight in the heart-opening qualities of awareness and positive emotion the practice brings.
Since co-founding Love Mindfulness in 2014 I have taught many MBCT and MBSR courses; delivered training sessions across a range of organisations and been active in developing new mindfulness courses including MBWA and a course for people recovering from long Covid.
I was ordained in 2020 when I was given my Buddhist name, Karuna Hridaya.
Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
The original programme developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn to help people manage the stress of chronic pain and extreme health conditions.
Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
This was developed from MBSR in the UK as a means of preventing relapses into depression but is now adapted for a wide range of clinical and non-clinical situations. It is recommended by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (N.I.C.E).
Mindfulness-based Compassionate Living (MBCL)
An evidence-based 8-week course developed by Dr Eric Van Brink and Frits Koster as a continuation course for people who have completed an 8-week mindfulness course such as MBSR or MBCT.
Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP)
We are qualified and experienced independent teachers, trained to teach courses developed for Key Stages 2-5. These present a carefully worked out, engaging programme that give children the skills and concepts to negotiate their world with greater focus and positivity. We have also developed our own course for Key Stage 1 and focused single sessions for staff, children and young people.
Mindfulness-based Wise Awareness
We are currently developing a new 8-week follow-on course for people who have completed a mindfulness course.
The course, draws on our many years of mindfulness practice and teaching experience and is partly informed by Carolyn's science background.