Meet The Practitioner – Corporate Mind Chi Workshops
Today we welcome Vanda North from The Change Maker Group to the Careys Manor blog! Vanda has kindly taken the time to answer some questions for us about her Mind Chi career and the workshop available to our Corporate Wellness conference package guests.
1. First, for those who might not be familiar with your practice, can you briefly explain what it is and what your session involves?
I practice Mind Chi as part of The Change Maker Group. We have recently introduced our ‘Change in 8’ programme, which is based on Mind Chi; a unique 8-minute, or 8-step routine blending thought and action, based on the most recent research into how the brain works, which can help manage the strain from stress and build resilience. Mind Chi can really be applied to any habit you wish to change – this is when you truly feel the magic of it. Whether you’re hoping to overcome a problem or attain a goal, practicing Mind Chi for just 8 minutes a day can help you achieve this.
Our sessions are participative, interactive, and directly practical for individuals or teams.
2. We’d love to know how you got started in what is quite a unique career path… is it something you always dreamed of doing?
Well! I suppose it started back in 1972; I was working as a school administrator, and was asked to help with resolving the stress levels in education. From there, I grew a passion for what simple, practical actions could make a lasting, positive difference on a daily basis.
In 2004 I started researching and refining my book, Mind Chi, 8-minutes to re-wire your brain, which was published in 2008 and is now available in 8 languages.
3. How long have you been practicing for now, and did you undergo lots of training?
I have been learning, sharing, trying it on myself and refining since 1972 (gosh – 52 years now!) And yes, I read as much as I could, I attended workshops, classes, and was fortunate to work with many leaders in this field over these years.
4. What do you enjoy most about your work, and leading the sessions?
I just adore leading these sessions. Seeing people feeling that maybe they can, rather than can’t; and that they do have the strength to be resilient (a learnable skill, not innate). And I enjoy even more seeing them realise that they can have some joy in their lives.
5. What would you say are the top 3 benefits of your sessions?
- Holding the reins of self-control
- Simple coping strategy
- The power to change when you want
6. Who would benefit most from a session with you?
Oh, everyone! Especially those already feeling the strain of stressors and who feel a need to regain control over a certain situation.
7. What are your personal favourite treatments or activities to keep your body healthy and happy?
I do practice what I preach, and have performed my 8-minute Mind Chi routine since 2006. Now, it is a habit like brushing my teeth!
I used to be very active, but surgeries have left me with a bad back, hip & hand, so my level of sports and hiking has been curtailed. Now I do Pilates, my body movement saver, and am frequently in my garden, reorganising the weeds.
8. Alongside the physical, nutrition can play a huge role in wellness – what’s your favourite food?
We grow our own fruits and vegetables – a big plate of runner beans is divine! Right now, I am enjoying raw and just-picked corn, raspberries, and tayberries, and earlier in the year we had some great gooseberries.
9. If you could practice anything else, or start again in your career, what would you choose?
My purpose on this planet is to help people have more joy in their lives, whatever I have done, or will do, that is the ultimate goal.
As a person with dyslexia, I am now involved with processes to assist neurodiverse people to be as fulfilled as possible. I am learning and creating on this topic, so I suppose this is what I’d “start again” with.
10. Do you have any exciting wellness projects you would like to share with our readers?
I previously mentioned our ‘Change in 8’ programme, and we have also created a new program that merges the GC Index with ‘Change in 8’ to create a way any individual or team, in any business at any level can understand challenges in a unique way and direct their energy for greater impact and success, called ‘In8change’. Happy ‘side effects’ of this is a positive impact to the bottom line, increased resilience, and reduced burnout.
Other than that, we are crafting a way for neurodiverse children and individuals to be able to maximise their learning and life potential.
Lots still to do – life is a great playground!
Are you looking for a corporate away day venue in the New Forest? Join us at Careys Manor for your next corporate event, and surround yourself with nature, fresh air and quiet – the most productive space to work, and a relaxing place to reset. Discover our new Corporate Wellness Packages today, which can include events mentioned in today’s blog from our partner Vanda North.
For more information on Vanda North and her work see here.
