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. She runs Mindfulness courses for people online and in-person in Dorking, Surrey. 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.
Find out more about 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 mindfulness recommendations 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 to remind you to come back to the present, 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 of different courses about and Catherine from Mindful Surrey runs online ones.
Joining a local or online meditation group - it’s powerful to meditate with others and feel part of a community. I join the Plum Village Sangha’s, you can find the groups online.
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 their climate response. It starts on the 20th October and you can sign up on the link above (you can use the 50% discount code: 1a27930dfe36).
A few updates from me:
IEMA networking session next Wednesday - if you are joining the IEMA conference next week, Katherine and I will be hosting a lunchtime networking session on the ‘missing soft skills for sustainability professionals’ on Wednesday 16th October 12-12:45. We’ll be sharing some of our research and facilitating a discussion around the challenges sustainability professionals face and what skills they need.
Sustainability professionals group coaching programme - Katherine and I will be running a 4 week group coaching programme for sustainability professionals in November. We will meet for 1.5 hrs every Friday to collectively work through the common challenges experienced by sustainability professionals based on our research findings. Sign up here to hear more or drop me a message.
1:1 Coaching - If you are interested in exploring how coaching could support you in transforming the way you relate to life so you can find more happiness, ease and joy, you can book a free discovery call with me here.
Conscious Changemakers walk - I host a relaxed, mindful walk in the beautiful Surrey Hills to reconnect to nature and have heart-felt discussions with like-minded people. The next walk dates are Sunday 20th October and 24th November, 10am, Reigate, Surrey. You can sign up here.
Conscious Evolution Collage - A transformative workshop exploring new ways of thinking and being to create a sustainable and desirable future for all - I’m facilitating this online workshop on Tuesday 26th November 6-9pm - you can sign up here. I am co-facilitating an in-person one in Putney, London on the 29th October 6-9pm, you can sign up here.
People, Planet, Pint East Surrey is back - come and join us for a casual drink with people who care about people and the planet on Tuesday 22nd October - sign up here
I’m feeling very grateful this week as I am at back to back retreats. Last week, I spent the weekend at 42 acres, it’s a beautiful regenerative estate near Frome. It was a very relaxing weekend spent in nature, I had a little dip in the lake and walked around the land (see pic below), learnt about their ethos and projects they’ve got going on, ate delicious food and hung round the campfire. I would highly recommend visiting the place.
This weekend I am going to the women’s Embodied Regeneration immersion at the Quadrangle in Kent, organised by Nikki Kapp. I’m looking forward to spending time in nature and connecting with other like-minded souls and I’m excited to facilitate the Conscious Evolution Collage at the retreat.
The next episode of On Becoming the Change will be released next Thursday. It will be a solo episode where I’ll share more about my story and my journey. Subscribe below to hear when it’s released.
Thank you for listening and reading. If any of what we talked about in the podcast resonated with you, I would love to hear your thoughts. Please do share it with anyone else you think might be interested.
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