We went through a period where we desperately needed to calm down and relieve stress. The demand was so high that I offered the MBSR program three times in two months, instead of twice a year. On this page, you can find the wonderful feedback from my participants. I would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for taking the time to share their experiences with me.

C.K.

What changes have you observed in yourself after the program?

I observe that I am more at peace with myself, have developed self-compassion, and am more aware. Yes, I was breathing during the day, but I wasn’t aware of it. I was walking, but I only realized I was walking when I reached my destination. Thanks to this program, I truly feel like I’m living more fully.

How was the program flow?

It was very enjoyable and informative. It’s so desirable that I’m willing to give up my own personal programs just to attend every week without fail.

What kinds of problems would you recommend this program to?

I recommend it to everyone who lives without being aware of their daily actions, to those who suffer from anxiety and who frequently incorporate negative behaviors like overthinking and fantasizing into their daily lives, feeling like they are missing out on life.

B.B.
What changes have you observed in yourself at the end of the program?

Before starting the program, I was experiencing stress not only mentally but also physically. Any stressful situation caused me stomach and headaches, which frightened me because I thought it could lead to an illness. My cortisol, the stress hormone, was even very high.

With this training, my pains have almost completely disappeared. When faced with a negative situation, I first take a breath and think, “What’s the worst that could happen?” I don’t know when or how it happened, but it’s like a sudden change occurred in me. My awareness has increased significantly. I think I can remain more calm and unresponsive to negative situations around me.

I can even say that I can’t believe how negatively people around me can think. Also, while I used to get very angry at people’s behavior, actions, and words, now I just accept it and embrace it within myself. In short, I stopped it from negatively affecting me; I was able to put up a shield to protect myself.

Ms. Sema, you used such beautiful and accurate words at such beautiful moments…
Just these few sentences changed my perspective on life. It was like magic… 🙂
This is probably the most important thing I can say about this training. You added such beautiful insights to my life with just a few words… I’m so glad you exist, I’m so glad I met you in this training.

How would you recommend this program to people experiencing similar problems?

I would recommend it to anyone who is stuck in negative thoughts, unable to manage their mind properly, swept away by what their mind tells them, and unable to control their stress.

*PS: Sema Teacher, honestly, when I hear negative comments about someone, I always find myself commenting, “That’s just how they are!” 😀
I’ve become someone who calms those around me, and most importantly, calms myself. You’ve literally raised little Semas. I told my friends in the Zoom room this,
we are now little Semas 😀 Thank you so much, with love…

S.I.

What changes do you observe in yourself at the end of the program?
I feel like my brain is no longer racing, it’s starting to walk. I’m more observant in perceiving my surroundings. It’s like I get angry less. In situations that stress my body, I stop, withdraw, and breathe. I tell myself, “This too shall pass.”
But most importantly, my son said, “Mom, you’ve been calmer since you started this program.” How else can I describe the program? :)))))

How was the flow of the program?
The flow was incredibly enjoyable, relaxing, simple, understandable, sincere, and collaborative.
Sema Hanım’s energy is amazing. She’s like one of us, from our own home. And the rooms… that was a separate delight.

How would you recommend this program to people experiencing similar problems?
I RECOMMEND IT TO ALL OF HUMANITY.
I think everyone should experience it. In fact, as an educator, I wish it were mandatory for administrators, teachers, parents, students—in short, everyone—in schools. :)))

M.K.

What changes have you observed in yourself at the end of the program?
I learned to calm myself down and stay in the moment, no matter what situation I’m in. In stressful or anxious moments, I no longer get lost in a whirlwind of thoughts; I can slow down my mind and return to the present moment. This is a huge miracle for me… I also learned to meditate every day and to show myself self-compassion.

What was the flow of the program like?

Every week was so enjoyable, I wished the classes would never end. The awareness you brought into our lives with your calm, simple, and understandable explanations is indescribable; it has to be experienced. 🙂 Especially that silent day, which I entered with trepidation, was so beautiful. I had never set aside such time for myself before, and I still think about it and say, “I’m so glad I did…”

How would you recommend this program to people experiencing problems?

I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who wants to be better physically, mentally, or emotionally, who wants to invest in themselves, who wants to learn to be present in the moment, and who struggles to cope with stress and anxiety… to anyone who wants to increase their awareness, whether they are experiencing a problem or not. I think it’s one of the best gifts a person can give themselves 🙂 And thanks to you, I’ve given myself another gift; we’re continuing with Somatic Stress Reduction. 🙂

B.S.

What changes do you observe in yourself at the end of the program?

I’d like to explain this using an analogy. If I imagine I was in a dark tunnel before the program, on the first day I started walking through the tunnel with the flashlight given to me. The path was sometimes uphill, sometimes downhill, sometimes flat, sometimes hard, sometimes bumpy, sometimes soft. In the darkness, with my flashlight illuminating my surroundings with every step, I moved step by step towards the daylight. When I reached the daylight and my safe space, the flashlight was now me. I know how to hold my flashlight, that is, myself, to illuminate my own darkness. The flashlight is now me, the light is me. Whenever I need enlightenment, I turn to myself, or try to turn to myself.

How was the flow of the program?
At the beginning, 2 hours felt very long, but in the end, it felt very short 🙂 I didn’t like it at all when we first went to the rooms, until we actually went to the room. Those unique experiences we had with people we didn’t know were very beautiful and special. I even felt sad when there weren’t any rooms.

How would you recommend this program to people experiencing problems?
To everyone who loves and values ​​themselves. It will be one of the most beautiful gifts a person can give themselves.

I don’t think you need to be experiencing problems to participate in this program; because I don’t think there’s anyone without problems.

H.S.

Thank you so much. Your explanations and perspective resonated so deeply with me. Especially when we talked about acceptance in a class, I realized that it took me years to accept something, and even when I thought I had accepted it, there were times when a rebellion raged within me, and at that moment I wanted to hug you. 🙂 Not only that, but what you said keeps coming to mind in the flow of daily life; first I notice it, then I take action. I pause and take a breath without reacting, then I look again and respond accordingly.

What changes have you observed in yourself at the end of the program?
The program helped me become aware of myself and my actions. I feel like I’ve evolved from someone who was swept away by the flow of life to someone who lives with awareness (it will get better over time, of course).

How was the program flow?
It was very enjoyable to listen to. Although I didn’t talk much, the interactive nature and group sharing created a beautiful synergy.

To whom would you recommend this program for problems?
This program is actually for everyone; you don’t need to be experiencing problems 🙂 Although I thought I was already aware, I learned to look at things from a very different perspective with this program. In general, I recommend it to anyone who wants to discover themselves, wake up from autopilot, and live consciously.

Y.K.

What changes have you observed in yourself at the end of the program?

I think I’m more present in the moment and more motivated towards life. I try to become aware of stressful moments and stay calm with proper breathing techniques. This program also made me aware of how unaware I was of my own inner world; I still have a long way to go in that area, but being aware is truly a big and important step. In every event, situation, and conversation I have with people, my perceptions are clearer and sharper,

I see, accept, and experience every issue that pushes me towards negative thoughts (which I’m unfortunately prone to), and sometimes I embrace it, and sometimes I let it flow.
Unfortunately, we are surrounded by negativity every day, every moment, but at the end of the day, I definitely think I’ve transformed into a more satisfied, more grateful, more positive, and happier person…

How was the program flow?

I, who generally can’t stand anything for more than an hour,
didn’t even realize how 2 hours, sometimes even more, passed in 8 weeks.
This is due to your great dedication, both in your ability to always keep the focus on the issue with your knowledge, and in your timing, perhaps in setting up the exercises and those small chat rooms among ourselves, and in your careful answers to every question. Each week was more mindful and beautiful for me than the last…

How would you recommend this program to people experiencing similar problems?

I highly recommend this program (especially to you, with your clear voice and smiling face 🙂) to everyone, men and women, who can’t stay in the moment, are constantly overwhelmed by thoughts, prone to depression, have various pain/mood disorders, or even if they don’t have any of these but want to make a significant contribution to their lives.

A.A.

What changes have you observed in yourself at the end of the program?

I feel much calmer and more determined. I’m also excited to incorporate what I’ve learned into my life.

How was the flow of the program?

The flow was very enjoyable. Sema Hanım’s sincerity and simple explanations combined with the anticipation of what we would do in the next session each week was wonderful.