When you enrol at ACMM you get your very on Meditation and Mindfulness Coach to support and mentor you along your journey. So we thought it would be great to share with you a little about them, their love for meditation and how they use meditation and mindfulness in their own life and business. This month we want to introduce you to ACMM Coach Lauren Howe! Lauren lives on the Sunshine Coast and weaves meditation and mindfulness into her skills as a coach and feminine embodiment practitioner and women’s circles facilitator.
Hi Lauren! Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a law graduate and ex-government worker who now runs a small business to support women to heal their relationship to self, others, and the natural world. I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Guiding and Teaching Meditation. As well a qualifications in coaching, the Non-Linear Movement Method and energy medicine. I am currently completing my Advanced Clinical Training In Contemporary Gestalt Therapy which is an awareness-based and relational form of counseling and psychotherapy.
I live on, and in relationship with, Gubbi Gubbi / Kabi Kabi Country (Sunshine Coast, Queensland), with my hubby, two beloved cats, our dog – Winnie. We moved here from Boorloo (Perth) after getting the opportunity to work remotely; and everything just fell into place. We are surrounded by the beautiful bush and have views of Mt Ninderry and Mt Coolum which is very special. 
I have an growing interest in the practice of animism, a deep love for being on a trail and thru hiking and cultivating our permaculture garden.
I’ve been working for ACMM for a number of years now as both a coach and in the marketing team. I feel so incredibly blessed to be a part of such a beautiful and heart centred community!
When did you start meditating and why?
I was drawn to meditation on and off throughout my teens when life felt a little tough. However it wasn’t until experiencing fertility challenges that I really felt the call to delve into the practice more deeply.
What does your current meditation practice look like
Something I love about meditation is how dynamic it is and its ability to meet you where you are at. My current practice is fairly somatic or movement based – which is almost the opposite of what is was a few years ago. This might look like a body awareness based meditation. It may also take the shape of self intuitive free form movement to music. I also really enjoy simply sitting outside, communing with nature and journaling as well.
In addition to my daily practice I also attend weekly group meditations in my community too. There is something special and powerful about meditating with a group!
What have been some of the benefits you have experienced from meditation?
So many to name! I would say the biggest and most life changing benefit has been the increased awareness of my own thoughts, emotions and messages that my body is sending me and the willingness to tend to these with more acceptance and kindness. I feel that I now relate to myself and others in a much more authentic and compassionate way.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced when meditating and what did you do to overcome it or manage it?
The biggest challenge for me was overcoming the very rigid and perhaps dogmatic idea of what I believed meditation was or should be. It took some not so great experiences with meditation to listen to my own body, let go of rigid structures and invite a more personalised and joyful approach to my practice. I’m pretty happy to break the rules now!
Can you tell us who your favourite meditation teachers or mentors are?
With out a doubt Lisa Forde, Julie Bond Rowe and Felicity Carson. They have been such inspiring and grounded mentors. I also enjoy listening to meditations and talks by Tara Brach, Dr Reggie Ray, Michaela Boehm, Dr Daniel Foor and the late Ram Dass.
How have you used meditation and mindfulness in your own business, especially in Women’s Circles?
I weave my meditation into almost all of my offerings as a meditation teacher, coach and embodiment practitioner. I facilitate in person and online women’s circles, meditation classes and retreats. My current offerings really reflect my love and growing relationship with the land, somatic awareness and free form intuitive movement.
What do you love most about being a coach at ACMM?
I love witnessing the transformative journey our students take. Not just on a professional level but also on a personal level. It is truly so inspiring to walk along side them as they pursue their passion and make this world a more beautiful place.
What is the best piece of advice you would give a new meditation teacher?
Don’t be afraid to bring your uniqueness into your offerings. Experiment, play and welcome your essence into all that you do.
Where do we go if we want to attend one of your classes?
I am currently holding monthly online Meditation in Motion classes which incorporates somatic awareness and movement. I am also offering a series of online nature based Women’s Gatherings throughout the year. You can find out more by heading to my website – www.lauren-howe.com or on instagram – www.instagram.com/iamlaurenhowe
We provide a range of post graduate training options and support. Certificate, Diploma and Masters courses in Meditation and Mindfulness Teaching. An optional addition to any course is our Community Work Placement Program. It supports new meditation teachers to begin or expand their teaching practice. Download a prospectus for all the details or book a discovery call with us here to find out more!
