Judy, Eric the Penguin and Mindfulness for Kids

Judy teaches meditation and mindfulness to children, in person in Cyprus and online for families in other countries. She is also the creator of Eric the Penguin, a deck of affirmation cards that helps children feel confident and remember that they are enough. After more than 30 years as an expat, she found home in the hills above Paphos. We asked her about her journey, her work and the Cyprus she loves.

From Hong Kong to Dubai to Cyprus

Welcome, Judy. Who are you, and what brought you to Cyprus?

I'm Judy, and I teach mindfulness and meditation to children. My journey started with a wish to help my own son, and it has grown into a mission to bring meditation and mindfulness into everyday life.

Before moving to Cyprus, we spent ten years in Dubai. Our son was four when we started thinking about a change. The extreme heat made it hard to be outdoors, and we missed nature. Cyprus offered the balance we were looking for: a slower pace of life, surrounded by nature.

You have lived in several countries. How did you choose Cyprus?

I was born in the UK, and after university I moved to Hong Kong, where I met my husband. We later moved back to the UK and then to the Middle East. Having spent our whole adult lives as expats, we wanted somewhere that felt like home.

We did our research, and Cyprus ticked many of our boxes. It was a choice between Malta and Cyprus, and we preferred Cyprus because of its mountains. The tax benefits and its location, halfway between the UK and the Middle East, also played a part.

What stood out in your first year?

The warmth of the locals. While we were exploring the island, we often met farmers who generously shared their harvest with us: bananas, pomegranates, oranges and figs.

How Eric the Penguin was born

What sparked your classes, and the idea for Eric?

My classes grew out of what I was already learning about meditation and mindfulness, and many techniques I first practised with my son. What really pushed me to teach was hearing that one of his friends was being bullied. I wanted to share what I knew and help children build resilience, confidence and self-worth.

I've always believed that the words we tell children can shape their whole lives, so I started sharing affirmations on social media. After collecting so many, I had a strong feeling they should become physical cards. My good friend, the yoga teacher Vanessa Morton, told me, "Judy, you should really do something with these." That was exactly what I needed to hear, and it led to Eric the Penguin: Your Inner Penguin Affirmation Cards. I wanted something unique that kids could relate to, and Eric was born from that.

How do you keep classes engaging for children?

For younger children I keep things fun and interactive. I often start with some movement, which helps them feel grounded and sets the tone for the class. I also shape each class around their interests, so it's something they enjoy.

Bringing mindfulness to a new country

How have families and schools in Cyprus responded?

The expat community has been very receptive, and word of mouth travels fast. Among Cypriot teachers there is real curiosity about how mindfulness can support children's well-being. Awareness of mental health is growing here, and since Covid more small wellness businesses have opened.

In a country with strong traditions and beliefs, I've found that people open up once they see mindfulness as a tool for relaxation and well-being. And Eric has been a lovely surprise: parents and teachers have embraced the affirmations, and many adults have adopted Eric for themselves too.

What were the biggest challenges?

Explaining what mindfulness and meditation actually are. A school suggested I make videos about my work, and the thought of being on camera terrified me, so I created other kinds of videos first. But I know I need to push myself, because it's what I teach my students: "Get comfortable with the uncomfortable." I have to lead by example.

Language is another one. I'm still learning Greek, but many Cypriot children speak excellent English, which helps.

What is your favourite moment in a class?

When a new student joins, you can tell they're tense and unsettled. After a few short breathing or imagination exercises, you can see calm wash over them. It's as if someone has told them, "It's OK, you don't need all these anxious thoughts." For many, it's the first time in a long while they've felt that calm.

What's next

What are you working on now?

I'm working with Friends of TLC, the parent association at TLC School in Peyia, on a mental health initiative made possible by a generous donation from a parent. It covers primary and secondary pupils and involves parents too: at a coffee morning I'll share the same tools their children are learning, so families can continue the conversation at home.

In the long term, I'd love mental well-being classes to be part of every school curriculum, so children grow up with the emotional resilience they need. As for Eric, I see him growing just like the children he inspires, and becoming a source of encouragement for kids everywhere. I'd love to work with schools, mental health organisations and brands that care about children's well-being.

What would you like your legacy to be?

That every child I work with knows they are enough, that they have inner strength, and that they can handle whatever life throws at them.

Judy's Cyprus

How do you unwind?

My favourite is a long walk on a nature trail at Pano Panagia. My family cycle a circular route while I walk with our dog, Pongo, and we meet at the picnic site or at a local taverna for lunch. The drive is beautiful, especially in spring and autumn when the trees change colour.

If I'm short on time, I stop at Pikni Forest on the road from the Sea Caves to Kathikas. Out of season, I love meeting a friend for coffee at Coral Bay first thing in the morning. In summer, when the coast gets busy, we head up to the Troodos mountains to escape the heat.

Quick-fire round

• Favourite Cypriot dish: souvla.
• Favourite local ingredients to cook with: oregano and olive oil.
• A restaurant you love: Onar in Paphos, local food but elevated.
• Hidden gem: Pano Panagia.
• A recent discovery: Letymbou village. I'm quite partial to the wine they make there.
• A hidden beach: there's a spot not far from Agios Georgios harbour where hardly anyone goes, so it stays a secret.
• A cause close to your heart: we adopted Pongo from the Stray Haven dog shelter. There are many shelters in Cyprus, and our guide to adopting a pet lists more.
• The most breathtaking view: the road from Kathikas to Stroumbi. I drive it nearly every day, and it takes my breath away every time.
• One thing Cyprus should improve: looking after the environment. It's an undervalued asset and everyone's responsibility, for now and for future generations.
• Most inspiring person you've met here: my friend Nataly, who stays positive whatever life throws at her.

Judy's advice for anyone starting out abroad

The best advice I ever received came from my meditation teacher: be curious. When you start something new in another country, things won't always go to plan. Instead of resisting the challenges, see what they can teach you. Learn from the people around you, immerse yourself in the local culture, and trust that every twist is leading you somewhere meaningful. Curiosity keeps you in flow, and when you're in flow, the right opportunities seem to find you.

Find Judy and Eric

For classes and resources, visit Kids Meditation. To buy the affirmation cards, visit Eric the Penguin.

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