Harrogate woman: 'Burnout broke me as an NHS manager now I teach a mindfulness course that saved my life'
A former NHS manager who has turned her life around since she lost her career after being diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is about to launch a unique new course in the Harrogate area to help others.
Rachel Clark-Wilson has opened up about her journey on the eve of Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from May 11-17.
Her path back into a position where she is the one leading her own Mindfulness Based Living sessions has been as inspiring as it has been unusual.
Since her lowest point ten years or so ago, when, she says, "burnout broke me as an NHS manager”, Rachel has transformed her situation to such a point she now has her own successful business, called Rachel is Mindful.
"When it all happened, I went from being a lively ‘unstoppable force’ to being bed‑bound for a year and then reliant on a wheelchair to leave the house,” she said.
"Everyday tasks were generally impossible and I lived in chronic debilitating pain.”
That was in 2014, when, aged 41, Rachel lost her 20-year NHS career, along with her health and independence.
Taking an eight‑week mindfulness course at that point, proved a lifeline and she started to turn a corner.
"To be honest, the mindfulness course saved my life,” said Rachel.
"It also redirected my life onto a happier, more fulfilling path.
"Mindfulness meditation managed the chronic pain and helped me cope with the complete upheaval of my life.
"Those practices were foundational to my recovery.
"People were inspired and began asking me to teach what I’d learned.”
In 2020, Rachel completed a two-year teacher training pathway with the Mindfulness Association and now shares the MBLC course to help others thrive and enjoy life with more presence, awareness and equanimity.
From Friday, May 22, she will running her Mindfulness Based Living Course (MBLC) at the United Reformed Church Hall in Knaresborough.
The sessions are suitable for complete beginners and anyone wanting to improve or deepen a personal practice.
In advance of that, there will be a free introductory session on Friday, May 8.