Did you know that when you enrol at ACMM you get your very on Meditation and Mindfulness Mentor to support you along your journey? This month we are excited for you to meet ACMM Coach Susie McPhie who lives on the border of the Kosciuszko National Park and teaches yoga and meditation.
Hi Susie! Tell us a little bit about yourself
I live in regional NSW quite close to the Snowfields. My husband, Paul and I love that in about 1 hour in each direction we can be either on the snow, on the beach or in Australia’s capital city Canberra.
We have 2 adult children who live about 4 hours away and 2 grandkids. We are very blessed.
Our grazing property raises sheep for wool and meat and cattle. We border the Kosciuszko National Park – it’s a beautiful part of Australia.
I have a needy, anxiety ridden labradoodle called Rosie who enjoys meditation with me but lets me know when it is time to go walking after about 40 mins of sitting.
I have been a nurse, and midwife for many years but am now a Meditation and Yoga teacher as well as a mentor for ACMM.
What do I do for fun? I am probably involved in too many things – I play flute and piccolo in the town band; I enjoy being involved in our local community theatre; I do bushwalking and skiing and cycling. If I get time I get the paint brushes and canvas out.
When did you start exploring meditation and yoga and what prompted you to become a teacher?
I have meditated on and off over the years – more so since studying to become a yoga teacher about 8 years ago. This prompted me to study my Advanced Certificate and Diploma with ACMM.
I love the power of our minds – such an untapped resource.
What does your current meditation practice look like
My personal practice consists of an early morning sitting of about 40 mins everyday and most days 10-15 in the evening – body scan/day scan and breath awareness.
What have been some of the benefits you have experienced from meditation?
Since meditating so regularly, I know for sure my brain works much more efficiently. Memory and recall are excellent (in my opinion ha ha). I have always been quite a calm person and that has certainly continued. I sleep really well. I can focus for extended periods of time and give really good attention to people when in conversation without being distracted by others in the area.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced when meditating. What did you do to overcome it or manage it?
A big challenge for me was to find the best position for meditation. I can sit really easily in meditation positions during yoga. But cannot maintain these positions for extended periods without experiencing really distracting dead feet and legs. I have managed to overcome this with the use of a meditation stool. I love my Black Dragon stool, it’s worth every cent.
Can you tell us who your favourite meditation teachers or mentors are?
I enjoy listening to Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Hugh Byrne, Julie Bond Rowe and Lisa Forde.
How have you used meditation and mindfulness in your own business?
I have conducted a number of “Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation” courses and I am a teacher for a weekly meditation group. I have also enjoyed providing free online Meditations during lock down and mindfulness in rural communities recovery programs. Especially following the Black Summer Bush-fires. Another area I have explored is running a mindfulness meditation in a program. Which included yoga for new employees in a large online marketing business. This is based locally as well as small team groups in local businesses.
What do you love most about being a coach at ACMM?
I love many things about this great job. It’s great to work from home but to also feel so much a part of a supportive team.
The students are wonderful – so diverse and interesting – It’s great to see their work grow and develop over their sessions. I learn from my students every week.
What is the best piece of advice you would give a new meditation teacher?
I would say – prepare well with some grounding and breathing for yourself. Prepare with a personal run through of what you want to do. Then to tune into your heart for the final guidance at the time . It may go to plan, it may not. Be there with your heart and soul. Smile.
Where do we go if we’re looking for a meditation and yoga teacher in Cooma?
I am a yoga and meditation teacher in Cooma NSW. My little business is called Snow Gum Yoga and Meditation – it’s on Facebook and Instagram (although not prolifically) and my website is www.snowgumyoga.com.au
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!
