and as for Here is an interview with ACMM student Amy Benn; an inspiring student who walks her talk and has found an exciting way to bring her passion for health, meditation and nurses altogether in her online project; Wholehealth Magazine.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself
I live in Melbourne, Victoria. I love my mornings. I wake and enjoy a meditation in my spot on the couch in the lounge. Most the time my darling little cat Cleo will curl up beside me. Then I have breakfast with my darling husband, where we each share 5 things we are grateful for that day. I then usually go for a short brisk walk if I am working on Wholehealth Magazine that day. If I am working in the hospital as an ICU Nurse, will head to work usually with an inspiring podcast on the way.
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What attracted you to become a meditation teacher for nurses?
It was only through my desire to heal myself that I embarked on my teaching journey. My meditation practice was superficial and I wanted to take it to the next level, for my health. As a teacher of my profession, I knew that the greatest embodiment of your craft comes when you have the intention to teach onto others. You have a sense of responsibility and duty to lead the way for others. Which makes me really level up and apply more structure and discipline to my practise.
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How has meditation impacted you on a personal level and as a nurse?
I am absolutely over the moon, thanks to my wonderful course mentor Felicity and of course Lisa. During my coursework, and the hours I have been meditating, I have for the first time in my life of 15 years, achieved medication free remission from Crohns Disease. In addition to this, I also for the first time in my life experience a wonderful thriving menstrual cycle. I believe that health is wealth, and I am incredibly grateful for this process of healing.
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What does your personal meditation practice look like? What styles or types of meditation do you enjoy?
I have my set time, which is as soon as I wake, in the dark and after a warm cup of lemon water or herbal tea. The time varies in accordance to shift work and schedules for Wholehealth Magazine. But that routine is solid, and I love it when my darling cat joins me. She definitely brings a deeper Zen vibe. As for the type and length, that really depends on what obstacles I am facing in life and what emotions are most prominent in my body. I have done a lot of “Health Meditation” at the start of my journey and a lot of journaling and body awareness when creating new pathways in my mind. And I love the “One seat” and “Insight” when I am creating for Wholehealth Magazine.
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Do you have your own meditation business, or plans to start one? If so tell us about it and how meditation is a part of this.
Wholehealth Magazine came to me through meditation, an idea first, then a philosophy and now a movement and a mission. It pulls me in the direction that is needed every single day, and then I am called to lead the way and pull my audience and nurses along the journey into self. Self-awareness, self-acceptance and peace.
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How do you see meditation helping you and others in the nursing field?
I am also working as a Critical Care Nurse in ICU across multiple hospitals in Victoria. I am very excited to be working with Nurses, Midwives and Health professionals in their health and wellness. Also to be working with organisations to implement systems and structures to include meditation and make the work environment more harmonious. This not only makes great workplaces and leaves clinicians more satisfied, but greatly affects the quality of care that our patients receive.
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Can you describe your clients? Who do you want to work with and why?
I care for carers. My Wholehealth Nurses and Midwives are on their feet all day, they give constantly to their patients and other staff at work. Often they are mothers or parents, and the caregiving continues into their home life. They have a real passion for people, they love their lives. They can really benefit from looking after themselves first with health practices that include meditation.
They are on the front line managing, and responsible for the wellbeing of the population, daily. And, often on their worst days. This can bring up emotions, and they are often on the receiving end of aggression and manipulation. Along with increased workloads, poor resources and being in a stressful environment. At times workplace communication and culture can be hostile. Their energy can be zapped fast. Meditation can be so supportive here.
8. How do you help Nurses and Midwives with what they have to manage?
I empower my Wholehealth Nurses and Midwives to come back to themselves, and implement healthy lifestyle habits to create a routine and life in which supports them. And, yes through meditation. One interesting factor I discovered through research was that, if the Nurse was placed in a toxic workplace environment, all the healthy lifestyle strategies would not sustain them.
So, I stand up for my profession and create solutions and strategies for workplaces to manage the influx of workload by creating harmonious workplaces. Starting with my own workplace. It is almost like if we light up one Nurse, and place them in the dark, her light will eventually fizz out. So the more light I can install within as many nurses in the workplace, the lighter the room is as a whole, the more we can help and support each other, the better we can fulfil our role within society.
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Do you have any meditation events for nurses coming up in the next few months?
Yes! Wholehealth magazine is available for everyone to join the tribe and receive my “Wellness Wednesday” newsletter. I am also very active on Instagram, so please connect with me @wholehealthmagazine.
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What would you say to someone who is thinking about becoming a meditation teacher?
If you are ready to change your life, and in unexpected miraculous ways, please do it! I need more friends on the journey! Ha ha. It really is a vulnerable journey, so the deeper you dive into yourself, the greater your life transformation. If there is one thing you will receive from the course though, it is divine guidance. Having one person to nurture you who has walked the path before and hold your hand through it, has been incredibly pivotal. I would not have done it without Felicity!
Thank you so much for sharing with us Amy Benn, and we wish you all the best with Wholehealth Magazine!
At ACMM we offer Certificate, Advanced Certificate, Diploma, Community Work Placement and Masters Study Options in Meditation and Mindfulness Teaching and Guiding. With 1:1 mentoring and optional Business Development Support alongside and after your training.
Book a Zoom discovery call with us today to learn more and find out if our courses are the right fit for you – https://acmm.as.me/discoverycall
