When I tentatively mentioned to the Insolvency Service’s Break the Stigma group – a staff network which works to break the stigma around mental health issues – that I’d restored my own mental health using meditation, I wasn’t expecting to be teaching classes to the whole agency just a few weeks later.
As a new(ish) recruit to the agency, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I thought I would have to hide parts of my personality to fit in, let alone succeed. Telling anyone about my meditation practice was perhaps a conversation for after-work drinks, and only then once I’d established my colleague was a kindred spirit.
How wrong I was.
Hidden skills and strengths
When I joined the agency, I was suffering with my mental health. My plan was to just concentrate on my work, speaking to only those people who had immediate relevance to my job. Instead, I blossomed.
My team had a funny knack of extracting hidden skills and strengths. Soon, I was sharing not just ideas, but also myself.
I was surprised by how many interests I shared with colleagues. I was soon confidently leading meetings, taking opportunities to be mentored and leading a team. I was ready to thrive.
Recovery through meditation
Alongside this, was my recovery through meditation. Taking advantage of the extra time lockdown presented to meditate without fail, every single morning, before work. As my confidence grew, both through the practice and the support of my colleagues, so did my willingness to share my story.
As my health recovered, I felt more like myself, and the more I felt accepted. Contrary to my previous misconceptions, I was pleased to learn that there were lots of others in the Insolvency Service like me who practiced or were interested in meditation for all sorts of reasons.
I found myself in a place where I did, in fact, fit in. And there was no better time than to shine, thrive and share my best self with those I worked with.
The responses to a blog I posted on our agency's intranet – an honest, uncomfortable account, sharing my mental journey from torment to total health, all through the practice of mindfulness and meditation – confirmed that, after a year working with such supportive people, I had already been forced out of my shell.
Looking back to when I started, I was so surprised that I now felt that comfortable to share such personal parts of me.
Sessions for all
When the idea to run sessions for the wider agency was floated, I tentatively asked my Director whether it was okay for me to take time out at 4pm every Tuesday to teach my colleagues how to meditate. The answer was a resounding 'yes'.
Later, when I moved teams, I asked my new line manager whether it was still okay to deliver my meditation sessions. The answer, again, was 'yes', but also, 'how can we help you to promote this?'.
Better still, my manager took the time from a busy schedule to join in. That, to me, was a double, 'yes!' And when one of our Executive Leadership Team rocked up, that was it – a shout-from-the-rooftops “yes!”.
Now, between 30 and 50 people join every week, determined to take a precious half an hour for their wellbeing.
Early days, but encouraging feedback
It’s still early days for my ‘Meditate with Sarah’ sessions at the Insolvency Service, but the positive feedback has been overwhelming. From people feeling less stressed, enjoying better sleep, being eased of headaches, and so re-energised they’re ready to face a few hours of extra work in the evening, refreshed and ready. I hope to bring this opportunity for wellbeing in our working lives to even more colleagues.
The Insolvency Service has enabled me to bring my absolute best self to work and benefit not just me, but tens of others, taking steps to be the best versions of themselves through the practice, too.
Further information
- Read more about working at the Insolvency Service
- Read more about who we are and what we do
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- View Sarah's meditation videos
Our Diversity Networks
Our Diversity Networks are groups of employees who identify with others similar to themselves, or who wish to be allies of the groups. Our Network members actively engage and gather around a unifying action plan. In all cases, membership is voluntary and open to all of the agency’s employees.
The Networks serve as internal communities, providing personal connections and affiliation for its members and with the agency and wider Civil Service. The key mission of the Networks is to develop and utilise mutually beneficial relationships between its members and the agency so that our people feel included and valued.
5 comments
Comment by Guy Bailey posted on
what an excellent blog. Thank you for sharing.
Comment by Sarah Holland posted on
Thank you, Guy!
Comment by Marita Harris posted on
Hi Sara, just enjoyed another meditation session from your channel so good, I have also finally subscribed today, Marita
Comment by Sarah Holland posted on
That's great to hear, Marita - so glad you are able to find that all-important self-care time to enjoy the online sessions!
Comment by sains data posted on
How do you restore your mental health by using meditation? How long a day of meditation do you need?
https://it.telkomuniversity.ac.id/course/panduan-membuat-laporan-pertumbuhan-backlink-subnet/