When COVID-19 hit the world in 2020, no one was prepared for the lockdown, and the front-line healthcare workers were tasked with fighting the pandemic war. With daily traumas of rising death tolls and nerve-racking resource shortages, the world around us seemed chaotic. So, when I was called to help relieve stress for a group of front-line healthcare workers in Kenya, I accepted without hesitation. We started with a 30-minute guided mindfulness meditation bi-weekly for a period of three months. At the end of each session, I liked to hear their experience and questions, so that I could address their concerns and offer encouragement.
When we first met on Zoom, I introduced the basic concept of mindfulness. Then, I re-enforced the concept throughout each session, and encouraged participants to take away and practice the simple techniques for their daily use. This was especially helpful for those who didn’t even have time to find a quiet space. A “breathe and count” technique helped them to focus their minds on one thing, calming their thoughts. At each session, I presented a few mediation styles, and also reviewed and integrated methods previously taught, keeping in mind that some people will find one easier to use than another. For example, I was not able to follow the breathing technique at first, but visualization works well for me.
Learning to practice mindfulness meditation is like learning to ride a bike. In the beginning, you might need someone to guide you and hold your bike. At some point, your guide will slowly let go of his/her hands, and eventually, you are able to practice on your own.
Our Mindfulness Space 
Thank you, Naiyi, for accepting to help us when we called on you. From Nairobi we will always be grateful. We were able to embrace yoga and mindfulness as part of our self-care routine, and most of the clinical psychologists who were part of the frontline responders in quarantine centers and online support benefitted greatly. The techniques came in handy, as some of us were able to use them in the isolation centers as part of therapy for the clients we were supporting.
Once again, we are forever indebted to you.
You can read our story here:
https://www.thenatureofcities.com/2021/01/13/building-practitioner-networks-to-better-support-kenyan-frontline-workers-during-the-covid-19-crisis-some-learnings-and-reflections/
LikeLike