A new chapter for mindfulness teacher support

At Oxford Mindfulness, we believe that the best support for mindfulness teachers comes from those who’ve walked the path themselves. That’s why we’re so pleased to introduce this post from Marion Furr, who recently stepped into the role of Members Programme Lead after serving as our Co-Director of Teaching & Training.

Marion brings a wealth of experience to this new position. With a background in organisational psychology and decades of leadership in both public service and mindfulness teaching, she understands the evolving needs of teachers in today’s landscape. Her vision is at the heart of the Oxford Mindfulness Members Programme – a space designed to be relevant, inspiring, and genuinely supportive for teachers at every stage of their journey.

In the post below, Marion shares her personal reflections on how the field has changed, why ongoing support is so essential, and how this new programme can help teachers stay connected, confident, and well-resourced.

Why ongoing support matters for mindfulness teachers

I’m thrilled about the Oxford Mindfulness Teacher Member’s Programme!

Reflecting on my journey as a mindfulness teacher, those early days of running courses was a mix of fear and joy. I wanted my participants to have a meaningful and enriching experience like mine and while that felt daunting, it was deeply fulfilling to witness their learning unfold.

Having the support of a supervisor during those first courses was a lifeline – but sustaining that level of support long-term proved challenging. Regular supervision helped, but staying connected with fellow teachers was difficult while working full-time.

How mindfulness teaching is evolving

Since then, the mindfulness field has evolved in remarkable ways.

The rise in mindfulness offerings has brought a stronger emphasis on professionalism and evidence-based teaching. Frameworks like the MBI-TAC now guide teaching standards, while tools such as the MBI-TLC support ongoing self-assessment.

Trauma sensitivity, equity, diversity, and inclusion are now central to our work. And the shift to online mindfulness teaching during COVID has reshaped how we connect with participants and each other.

Introducing the Oxford Mindfulness Members’ Programme

Navigating these advancements can feel overwhelming. That’s why I’m so excited about the Oxford Mindfulness Members’ Programme – a new initiative introduced by our CEO, Sharon Hadley.

It’s designed to be a beacon of support for mindfulness teachers from across the field. If you’ve trained in one of our listed programmes, we welcome your application.

What you’ll gain as a member:

• Access to online Days of Practice to maintain your practice
• Live events, research and field updates to stay connected and inspired
• Access to the new Oxford Mindfulness App
• Discounts on selected Oxford Mindfulness events including the UK Annual Gathering
• A global community of teachers to share, learn, and grow together

Whether you’re a new mindfulness teacher or have years of experience, this programme offers a nurturing space to thrive – professionally and personally.

If you’d like to find out more, I’m running two free information sessions:

And feel free to reach out to me directly at app@oxfordmindfulness.org. I’d love to hear from you.

Let’s continue this journey – together.

Marion