WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
We need to come home to the temple of our senses. Our bodies know that they belong; it is our minds that make our lives so homeless. || John O’Donohue
The practice of mindfulness meditation has been defined by teacher Jon Kabat-Zinn as a quality of awareness that arises through paying attention to purpose in the present moment in the service of self-understanding and wisdom. The practices are simple and can be practiced safely by almost anyone, with suitable modifications. In my own work as a mindfulness teacher, I emphasize a somatic approach, which means there is a focus on the cultivation of embodied presence. This approach allows participants to create a felt sense of safety within themselves as they explore their inner landscape.
WHAT DO I BRING TO THIS PRACTICE?
The most profound and full presence can only be experienced if we are awake right here in this body – with a quality of sacred presence that comes when, without any resistance or grasping, we really plant ourselves in the universe, in this body, in this being right here. || Tara Brach
I began my meditation practice in 2001 when Vancouver yoga teacher Bernie Clark and the Vancouver Zen Centre introduced me to Zen meditation. Meditation became integral to my personal practice of yoga and mindfulness and it continues to be important to this day. Over the years, I have had the great fortune of studying with many world-class teachers, such as Sharon Salzberg, Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. In 2015 I was initiated into the practice of Neelakantha Meditation with Dr. Paul Muller- Ortega and in 2020, I took part in both the Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness Training with David Treleavan and completed a 200 Hour Teacher Training with Hiroko Demichelis & The Lab of Meditation. I have been teaching meditation since 2004, and it continues to be one of my greatest interests as a teacher.
WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PRACTICE?
There is only one thing, that when cultivated and regularly practiced, leads to deep spiritual intention, to peace, to mindfulness and clear comprehension, to vision and knowledge, to a happy life here and now, and to the culmination of wisdom and awakening. And what is this one thing? It is mindfulness centred on the body. || Satiphatthana Sutra, Siddharta Gautama
Mindfulness has many benefits, including increased well-being and emotional regulation, decreased anxiety, depression and rumination, enhanced concentration, better memory, clearer decision making and greater ease in relating to others. More specifically, those who can benefit most from mindfulness practice are those looking to cultivate tools for self-awareness and self-regulation. Over the years, my students have reported that the practice has supported them in building a stronger sense of self while bringing greater compassion to their suffering and the suffering of those around them. I have found that practicing mindfulness meditation can help us know ourselves more fully and increase our overall resilience in facing life’s challenges. But don’t take my work for it; try it for yourself.
HOW CAN YOU PRACTICE WITH ME?
I teach 5-6 week meditation series at various times throughout the year. These classes are one hour long, taught live on Zoom, and recorded for later viewing. The community that has built up around these practices is one that is near and dear to my heart, and each class includes an introduction to the practice for that day, a 20-minute guided mindfulness session, a short relaxation practice, and space for group reflection and questions. These classes are trauma-informed and are suitable for all levels of practice.
Everyone is welcome, and modifications will be offered to make the practice comfortable for all bodies.
If you are interested in joining one of these classes, please check the Events & Upcoming Workshops page or add your name to this mailing list:
In addition to my regular mindfulness series, I offer a bi-annual Homecoming program, which focuses on embodied mindfulness practices to support nervous system regulation and inner resilience.
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