Video Testimonials

[Gareth]

I am starting this topic again, because I am adamant that it is a good idea, and I'm not going to let it lie. We seemed to have a lot of enthusiasm about it last time and then nothing much seemed to happen.

I am going to put this topic out to Twitter soon, so I will restate my case.

I believe that video testimonials are a really powerful and personal way of conveying mindfulness to other people. It's really hard to explain to people just how life changing this practice can be, but I think there is a better chance with these personal stories. More so than blogs or articles for example.

Recently I made another great contact for the site, and she agreed to do one of these videos for us. Here it is: http://www.everyday-mindfulness.org/mel ... stimonial/. And here is the one that I recorded last year: http://www.everyday-mindfulness.org/gar ... stimonial/

It would be great if we could get some more of these video testimonials. I understand that many people would not be comfortable with the idea of going on video, but if you want to record your own, then let us know.

[barbs55]

I think the idea is great and a really good way to communicate with people personally - a lot of people (especially younger people) prefer watching videos to reading text (on the Facebook page videos from people like Jon Kabat-Zinn or Headspace often get more response than articles or blogs.

So I've posted this video and the request for more on the Facebook page, and hope that someone will respond from that. However I do think we have to accept that we're not all comfortable with putting our 'faces' out there. So I support the idea, whilst knowing that I personally am unlikely to ever do this!

[ken300]

Gareth,

I think these video testimonials are a brilliant idea.

When you see a stranger the first thing that pops into your head are all kinds of automatic judgements and opinions about them & how perfect their life must be. I think this is a fantastic way of getting across not only 'what mindfulness has done for me', but also that your judgements and opinions about people are way off. Actually underneath the façade we're all the same, we've all got struggles of one sort or another - no one's got the 'perfect' life we think they have.

I have a brain injury and everything that goes along with it (poor speech, not expressing myself well etc. etc..) so i won't be able to do a video but i do think it's a brilliant thing to do!!

Ken

[1Daveatatime]

I've just watched Gareth's and Mellisa's video testimonials and found them enjoyable and inspirational, as I have found this website to be so very much in the past 5 weeks as I'm beginning my practice. Thanks!

[David]

I suffer Greatly with mental illness and even now have a support person to help me in public situations. Like Gareth has said, "I don't want to be a victim anymore" and having suffered for so long now I almost finding myself ready to let go of it all. (Again) The stories and all. My Speech, Tone, and Pace might be hard to understand - the racing thoughts that take place, despite my attempt to sound as if I've found something that makes me otherwise. The attempt to be concise and all other things.

Having now seen your vid and Mellissa’s too - I'm thinking the effort, and or challenge might be good for me too. You guys are pretty down to earth - I was worried it was going to be like Oprha promoting Eckhart Tolle TV. Great guy by the way. You guys were awesome, but without all the hype. That really takes guts.

I'm going to think about Gareth - I've wondered off into the bush and done a few personal videos for online friends. You guys seem like a good crowed too.

[David]

Well I did the video guys, but having trouble using PM and can't find an email. Not sure if to share the link here or what? Would you like to see it? It's not that flash, but it's honest and took be a bit of doing.

EDIT -- You guys seemed grayed out in the PM section, and instead of coming back to check all the time - I'll leave you with this link you can either add or remover yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zw3ZI_p ... m1LUU540zw

My Flikr Account - Mindfulness in action.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/71988794@N08/

You all take care now.

[David]

I leave you with this

Moving On

Whilst sitting still and all alone
Amidst the people passing by.
My muddled mind begins to moan,
I cup my hands and start to cry.

I’m thankful for the inbound trains
That masks the pain inside my head,
The constant noise that dulls the shame,
Yet one more night without a bed.

With morning rush now past its mark
And hunger setting in,
I scan in search across the park
For food left by the bin.

The sun now greets the standing grass;
My eyes give in and close.
Still aware of those that pass,
Pain takes its place and grows.

My mind starts to rot, heart grows weak,
feelings fade - now nothing left;
Days; and ; Nights, become one long beat,
What was; once; within; is now dead … … _______________


________
My Unique Perspective;
Now Moving On : )

[FeeHutch]

Your video is very honest and moving David. Thank you for sharing it

[paulpsych]

Thanks Dave. A very valuable contribution.

[Gareth]

I'm really sorry, I missed this topic update somehow.

I'll take a look at your video soon.