UK defence symposium champions mindfulness amid global challenges

City St George’s, University of London hosted the annual Mindfulness IN Defence Symposium (MINDS) on 14 November, welcoming experts and attendees from around the world. The event underscored mindfulness as an essential tool for navigating uncertainty in defence and beyond.

Global significance of mindfulness

Following a welcome from Major Pat Burgess, Lieutenant General Rob Magowan CBE, Chair of the UK Defence Mindfulness Steering Group, opened the symposium with a powerful message on the personal and global significance of mindfulness, highlighting the importance of mindfulness in coping with global instability.

“We live in a world of exceptional uncertainty. Mindfulness is deeply personal and incredibly useful in times of significant change. It provides a way to navigate the uncertainty we face in defence today,” he said, referencing challenges such as geopolitical tensions and defence reforms.

He also highlighted the personal nature of mindfulness, urging attendees to respect its diverse applications: “It’s something for everyone, but also for every individual in their own way.”

The event also featured an introductory video from Esther Wallington, Director General of Defence People, that stressed workplace mindfulness. “Mindfulness can reduce unnecessary stress and foster healthier, more productive environments,” she said, urging attendees to incorporate these practices into daily routines.

Mindfulness insights

After the introduction, Julia York from the Strategic Hub gave an overview of recent key events, including the UK's response to COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the US presidential transition. The talk highlighted defence adaptations, such as the hybrid working model at the Ministry of Defence in response to the pandemic and the AUKUS pact. The session concluded with insights on mindfulness practices to manage global change stress, emphasising the benefits for focus and mental well-being.

After a brief testimonial video, Dr Jutta Tobias-Mortlock, a mindfulness expert and Reader in Organisational Psychology at City St George’s, University of London, spoke about the current research situation and the integration of mindfulness practices in defence and organisational settings.

“While mindfulness is often seen as a tool for stress reduction, it goes far beyond that,” she said. “It enhances focus, fosters psychological safety, and builds mental flexibility – critical in high-stress environments like the military.”