How I came to teaching mindfulness?

Before retirement, I was an Organisational Development consultant in Hobart. Through years of working with leaders, managers and staA to eAectively handle change and improve their team environment, it became obvious that we’re all in the same boat. Organisational and professional change is impossible if we don’t address personal change. This led to me wondering what mindfulness (applied emotional intelligence) could offer individuals in the workplace?

In 2007, I started out small. People from a variety of workplaces, meeting before the workday started to learn about this fundamental practice through the MBSR curriculum. Collectively we came to find out that we all have stressors regardless of our position in an organisation. We also all found out that people can be very annoying! How do we live with this fact and learn to thrive in spite of ourselves and in spite of others?

From there the classes grew and I started offering MBSR to the general public. Once again, we came to see how we each have this moment in which to grow, learn and create. We have only this moment to savour. Being truly aware of this simple fact is the pathway to a richer, fuller and more joyful life. 

Background

Pamela joined the Openground Team in 2010, teaching in Hobart. She has taught MBSR and Rick Hanson’s Positive Neuroplasticity, and Mindfulness at Work. Pamela has been part of a research team into Mindfulness at Work with UTAS. She has worked with the Mindfulness Training Institute of Australia as a trainer and Certification Coordinator. She now hosts the Reading and Reflecting Book Club where we read and grapple with books in the mindfulness genre.

• Masters of Counselling
• Facilitator, MBSR and Mindfulness at Work
• 25 years of meditation experience, retreats and study

Specialization

Pamela has taken her Organisational Development experience and brought mindfulness into workplaces. Workplaces, teams and how organisations function has always been a passion of hers.

Since retirement, Pamela enjoys hosting the Reading and Reflecting Book Club where everyone is welcome to explore books in the mindfulness genre. The Book Club is different from most book clubs. We read a section of the book and meet fortnightly to discuss that section. You are encouraged to take the readings and try them in your own practice so that learning will flourish. Usually, through four or five fortnightly sessions, we finish the book together.

The R&R Book Club has become a place of belonging for many. Together we share our ‘take’ on the readings and we support one another in learning. Some members have called it an online ‘sangha’, especially those who do not have a face-to-face group in their area to share their mindfulness journey.

Teaching Philosophy 

How can I bring openheartedness to my life and practice (which really are the same thing?)

Can we foster an environment of curiosity, openness and friendliness to each other and ourselves?

How do I bring compassion to each moment of learning, even to parts of myself that don’t understand?

All parts are welcome. How do I create an environment that makes it possible for all of us to feel safe and to belong?