When you enrol at ACMM you get your very on Meditation and Mindfulness Coach to support and mentor you along your journey! This month we want to introduce you to ACMM Coach Jacqui. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience in meditation and mindfulness and infuses these practices into her massage offerings too! Continue reading to hear about Jacqui’s journey with meditation.
Hi Jacqui! Tell us a little bit about yourself
I live in the South Eastern suburbs in Melbourne, with my three beautiful children. I work part time as a remedial massage therapist. Love moving my body at Zumba, yoga, pilates and Qigong! Also love reading spiritual texts, meditation, walks in the mountains, solo road trips and good documentaries that makes you think.
When did you start meditating and why?
I would usually spend time alone as a teen meditating, praying and contemplating. It began as a spiritual practice to connect to the oneness/god/my essence. I was reintroduced to the practice in my 20s when I started practicing yoga. More recently in my 30s I began exploring meditation apps. I desired to know more about meditation to deepen my practice and make it a lifelong companion.
What does your current meditation practice look like
I meditate every morning around 6:00am for 30-40 minutes. I may also do a secondary practice in the afternoon or evening to re-ground before bed. Usually 10-15 minutes. A few times a week I may include a moving meditation. (Walking/qigong/yin yoga/dancing/walking).
What have been some of the benefits you have experienced from meditation?
So many, such as:
- more harmonious relationships
- spiritual awareness
- more gratitude and less striving
- being more present and mindful everyday
- more open to change and exploration
- more freedom
- deeper connection and appreciation of nature, my body, mind, spirit, faith, trust and more intuitive.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced when meditating and what did you do to overcome it or manage it?
Finding a space and time to be alone. This has evolved over the years, I have moved my practice around depending on what’s been happening in my work and family life. I found committing to getting up earlier, before everyone else, is the best most reliable time for me to get my daily practice in with less distractions. It doesn’t always go to plan with a young family. I have worked on accepting whatever happens, and coming back to my practice later in the day. My children know that is my morning ritual and can see how important it is to me. (They may even sometimes join me, which is very special!)
Can you tell us who your favourite meditation teachers or mentors are?
I have been very fortunate to have done some work with Ian Gawler in the past. More recently, I have enjoyed the teachings of Tara Brach, Mooji, Ram Dass, Eckart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, Prema Chodron, Anthony De Mello. I love Brene Brown’s work. Kristen Neff have also been instrumental in my growth and understanding of myself and my relationships.
How have you used meditation and mindfulness in your own massage business?
I love running face to face intimate sized groups and workshops, with a focus on establishing a safe sacred space to practice and share experiences. I have also done one on one coaching sessions online and in person with clients who request it. Meditation and mindfulness has informed how I practice remedial massage. I infuse all my treatments with the essence of mindfulness and embodied awareness. I promote rest and restorative practices for mental health as well as promoting movement and exercises for physical recovery. Lately, a lot of my clients have been particularly interested and open to ideas that help relieve stress and anxiety.
What do you love most about being a coach at ACMM?
Being able to witness the growth and draw inspiration from the incredible work of students and graduates.
Attending retreats. Whether they be online or in person, they have been instrumental in keeping me motivated, inspired and engaged. They have also helped deepen my personal practice.
The amazing support from an incredible team of coaches and admin and the mentorship of Lisa and Julie! I am truly so blessed and grateful!
What supportive words would you say to a new meditation teacher?
Feel the fear and do it anyway!
Where do we go if we want to attend one of your classes?
@shinemeditationgroup or www.facebook.com/shinemeditationgroup
ACMM provides a range of accredited online meditation and mindfulness teacher training options and support, including our Post Graduate Diploma and Community Work Placement Program which supports new meditation teachers to begin or expand their teaching practice. Book a discovery call here to find out more!
