This month we want you to meet ACMM graduate Angie Playford! Angie has a Diploma in Counselling and started her meditation and mindfulness teacher training at 63. Angie plans to teach meditation locally and is called to sharing mindfulness with dementia patients
Continue reading to find out more.
Hi Angie! Tell us a little bit about yourself
I am currently completing Advanced certificate in teaching meditation and mindfulness with ACMM.
I live in Wodonga, North East Victoria with my husband Marty. Marty was my crush when we were at Grammar school together in England in the 1970’s but it took him a while to pick up on the vibe, we finally got together 4 years ago and were married 14 months later the age of 59! It was definitely better late than never though as we have a great life together and he has been my rock and support throughout this course.
I have 4 children, 2 of whom live nearby and 2 in Queensland, and 4 gorgeous grandkids who all live close by. I regularly babysit my 3-year-old grandson. We love nothing more than going to the park with him and practicing mindfulness. We call it our ‘happy place’. He teaches me a lot about looking at the world through a child’s eyes.
I gave up my retail management job 2 years ago to study for a Diploma of Counselling which I have recently completed and began studying mindfulness with ACMM at the end of 2021.
What attracted you to become a meditation teacher and study with ACMM?
I have meditated on and off for many years but it was while studying for the Diploma of Counselling that I began to take my mindfulness practice more seriously and realised I would love to share that with others, and the ACMM course sounded perfect. Almost immediately after beginning the course it became apparent that this was my real passion. That teaching meditation and mindfulness was the path I wanted to take. I feel that the counselling qualification will enhance my ability to relate to people and guide meditations.
How has meditation impacted you on a personal level – what are the benefits you have seen?
I could talk for a very long time about this subject. Meditation and mindfulness have always helped me to remain calm and given me inner peace even during stressful situations in my life, it is my ‘go to’ familiar place. It has always been a very personal spiritual experience for me, but I discovered many years ago as a member of various groups that I also had the ability to guide others into their own spiritual experience.
The ACMM course has enabled me to go much deeper in my mindfulness practice and along with some counselling, positive and inspirational reading, and a lot of self-love I have been able to receive much healing from past trauma and completely change the way I look at life. I now have an inner freedom that I haven’t felt for many years and meditation has played a large part in that. I can’t imagine life without meditation.
What does your personal meditation practice look like? What styles or types of meditation do you enjoy?
I meditate each day. Usually in the morning as I find I can then carry the benefits in my body, mind and spirit throughout the day. I practice one seat meditation more than any other but do practice a variety of others. Sometimes I find I’ll intend to practice a certain type of meditation but once I begin I am guided by my spirit to change it. I love it when this happens as it usually turns out to be an incredible experience. My other favourite is a mindfulness nature meditation. I find it to be so calming and beautiful, connecting with and being one with nature.
Do you have your own meditation/mindfulness/holistic business, plans to start one? 
Angmarna is the name of my new business to guide meditation and mindfulness. I will initially be running sessions for small groups or one on one from my home. As well as looking at running sessions for larger groups in community centres. I am passionate about helping women of all ages find ways to enhance their mental and physical health and feel that they will probably make up the biggest part of my clientele.
I have also recently had an inquiry regarding teaching carers ways to practice mindfulness with dementia patients which has sparked my interest in that area and is something I feel led to pursue more. So, I’m just excited to see what happens and where I’m led in this new venture.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a meditation teacher?
I would say go for it for sure. To be passionate about something yourself is wonderful, but to be able to share that with others. It’s wonderful to see them embrace it, put it into practice and receive benefits from it themselves. I would also say that this is something you can do at any age. I’m almost 63, most people my age are thinking of retiring. But I feel as though a whole new world has opened up to me and I can’t wait to see what life still has in store for me.
What have you enjoyed about studying with ACMM?
From the moment I received my package and spoke to my coach via zoom I was so excited. The course covers so much and is very informative. It gives you a taste of so many different techniques. Really opening you up to innumerable possibilities for your own meditation practice and ways to guide others.
I love the fact that there is also training and support around starting your business. This is invaluable for someone like me who has never operated a business before.
The team at ACMM are so helpful and supportive. Always willing to answer your questions, no matter how trivial. Coming to the end of the course I feel as though I have a whole new family.
You can find out more about Angie’s offerings at:
https://www.instagram.com/angmarna/
https://www.facebook.com/angmarna/
Email: angie@angmarna.com.au
We provide Basic Certification right up to Diploma and Masters Level training. A range of post graduate training options and support, are also available, including our Business Lounge Program which supports new meditation teachers to begin or expand their teaching practice. Download a prospectus for all the details.
