Meet Meditation Australia member Sarah Munn, an occupational therapist and animal/equine assisted treatment therapist.
I integrate meditation, mindfulness, yoga and reiki in my OT practice with children and families. I teach other therapists, educators, support workers and parents how to include meditation into their everyday life and general practices. Meditation has been a big part of my personal life for 3 decades and became more important to my work since 2012 when I started my paediatric private practice in trauma informed, developmental and neurodiverse care. I tailor my teaching to wherever the learner is and grade what they want to know and learn. This might be part of reaching self regulation and self leadership goals for therapy clients, or as part of clinical supervision or practice mentoring for professionals. Having worked extensively with neurodiversity, disability and trauma over the last 30 years, I enjoy guiding these parents and children the most, and supporting professionals who want to safely include other modalities alongside their professional core skills in serving these members of our community, as allied health or education practitioners.
What’s the story behind your first meditation experience?
I began meditation as part of yoga in my teens and as my personal yoga practice grew so did my mindfulness and meditation practice. I have also received some somatic trauma treatment personally where these practices were taught to me as part of emotional regulation.
What or who inspires you?
“There is something wonderfully bold and liberating about saying yes to our entire imperfect and messy life.” Tara Brach,
“Self-regulation depends on having a friendly relationship with your body. Without it you have to rely on external regulation—from medication, drugs like alcohol, constant reassurance, or compulsive compliance with the wishes of others.” Bessel A. van der Kolk
Cushion time: How long did you meditate for today?
Kundalini Yoga with mudra meditation 60 minutes. A few yoga positions with movement but mostly sitting in Sukhasana.
Tools: Meditation Apps, yes or no?
Yes and No – my husband chooses a meditation every night for us from apps and websites. I sometimes do but not so much.
You’re the voice: Do you sing in the shower?
Sometimes.
The getting of wisdom: What’s the best, or most important thing, you’ve learned as a meditation teacher?
Start with sensations not breath.
What makes your heart sing and what you have come to value most?
Being still and noticing all that is. Maturing from ever feeling like I am waiting, by enjoying every moment of stillness I can experience for myself.
The best thing today: What’s the most inspiring or loveliest thing you’ve seen or experienced today?)
My animals bring such warmth to my heart, they are a gift and a joy.
