On October 12, 2024, the GJU hosted a transformative workshop focused on mindfulness-based intercultural communication and resilience training for 17 women from the Zaatari Refugee Camp. Led by Bushra Abyad and Neele Minuth, the full-day event aimed to empower participants with skills and techniques to enhance their well-being and foster resilience in challenging circumstances.

The workshop began with an introduction to its objectives and the significance of mindfulness in daily life, particularly within intercultural contexts. Participants were warmly welcomed, fostering a supportive environment that encouraged learning and sharing.

Neele Minuth facilitated a participatory asset mapping hybrid session, an interactive segment designed to help participants identify and articulate their strengths, skills, and resources. This activity aimed to enhance self-awareness and community connection, enabling the women to recognize their capabilities and the value they contribute to their families and communities.

The focus then shifted to self-care practices, with Bushra Abyad guiding participants through various strategies to promote mental health and well-being. She introduced practical breathing techniques to reduce stress and enhance mindfulness, providing participants with hands-on practice to help integrate these techniques into their daily routines.

The workshop concluded with a reflection session, during which participants shared their experiences and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn in a supportive environment. Many highlighted the importance of the skills they had gained, particularly in self-care and mindfulness practices. The event not only equipped participants with valuable tools for building personal resilience but also strengthened their sense of community and empowerment. The women left feeling more connected and better prepared to navigate the challenges of daily life.

On 26th and 27th of December 2023, a two-day in-person workshop was held at the Modern University for Business and Science (MUBS) in Beirut, offering future social workers and public health students the opportunity to practice mindfulness and self-care in the context of working in crisis. Guided by the MBCT- trainer Rola Annan, 17 participants engaged in this intensive course, which combined theoretical foundations with a lot or practical sessions, followed up by a deep reflection to foster experience-based learning and embodiment of the practice for future regular use.

The first day focused on preparation and exchange. Students got to know each other, shared their perspectives on mindfulness, and reflected on their expectations for the workshop. Together, they prepared the space for the following day, creating an atmosphere of mindfulness and active participation.

The second day offered a variety of practices designed to strengthen self-awareness, metacognition, and emotional intelligence. Through walking and sitting meditations, body-focused exercises, and explorations of personal values, students experienced different approaches to mindfulness. Sessions such as “Thoughts Are Not Facts,” “Anchoring Emotions,” and “Words Matter” encouraged participants to question mental and emotional patterns, while methods like yoga, tapping therapy, and family/relationship reflection added practical depth.

The balance between guided exercises, reflective discussions, and personal practice turned the workshop into an intensive learning experience that not only conveyed knowledge but also fostered self-care and resilience. The program concluded with certification, marking both the completion of the two days and the recognition of the participants’ commitment to integrating mindfulness into their future professional roles.