Meet MA member Emma Wertheim
I’ve been teaching meditation and sacred dance since 2014 and since 2016, yoga and yoga mudras. I teach a simple practice passed on to me by my own teacher, based on breathwork and coming to a still place within which promotes a feeling of expansion, connection and presence. I teach mediation as part of preparing students to use yoga Mudras: ancient hand postures which activate Prana (energy) in the body. I teach online, at festivals, various yoga schools, and to residents in aged care settings. I think my own personal work with meditation informs and enhances my teaching. Since 1995, my regular meditation practice has seen me through many ups and downs and all the in-between moments. Embodying the practice as you teach also helps give others an experience of inner stillness.
What’s the story behind your first meditation experience?
Meditation has played an important part in my life. My first experience arrived at the age of 9 or 10, imparted by a primary school teacher who was considered a bit ‘out there’ – I adored her. She took us to the school oval, where she invited us to lie down in the grass as she guided us through a simple sensing exercise. I had a profound inner experience of everything slowing down and worries and concerns fading into the background. It peaked my interest. My Mum was also a keen meditator and provided me with guided meditation cassette tapes which I wore out from use. I would lie on my bed and listen to these recordings after school, feeling transported to a peaceful inner place. It was a game changer for me while navigating my teenage years!
What or who inspires you?
On one occasion, I was privileged to attend a talk by Ian Gawler. He is certainly a living breathing example of someone whose life is infused with meditative calm. Just being in his presence soothes mind and soul. I’ve also been inspired by my own teacher of 22 years – who passed in 2017. He was an exceptional human who helped shape my passion for meditating as a way to come to stillness.
Cushion time: How long did you meditate for today?
I meditate in a seated posture – on a cushion. Today I sat for 15 minutes in the morning and will sit again in meditation tonight, perhaps for a little longer. Like any skill or expertise, a practice must be practised. While this needs to be constant, it might also look different everyday, depending on what is happening for you and what season of life you’re in. In my experience, even just taking one or more deep breaths with awareness a few times a day can make a positive difference.
Meditation Apps, yes or no?
Absolutely – yes. I don’t tend to use them much though now, but do on occasion like to meditate to soothing background music.
You’re the voice: Do you sing in the shower?
Love this question – and no – not really! But I do love it when I hear people humming a tune when out and about in everyday life. I think it’s a wonderful thing actually, a joyfully expression.
The getting of wisdom: What’s the best, or most important thing, you’ve learned as a meditation teacher?
That meditation may start on the cushion, but it doesn’t end there. The benefits of meditation are meant to be woven deeply into the fabric of your being and taken with you into your everyday life. So when a challenge comes your way (as it does for all of us), you will have a solid foundation to lean into – meaning you won’t stumble as much as you would without it. Meditation truly is a game changer. I know for myself, it has changed the entire trajectory of my life for the better and given me a calm inner core and strength to call upon.
What makes your heart sing and what have you come to value most?
The wisdom of ancient practices rings true for me. Listening to my intuition through the use of these practices makes my heart sing. Heeding my heart’s wisdom through these time-honoured tools enriches and continues to enhance my life and how I respond to new situations and challenges. I treasure the little things, like laughter shared with loved ones. And I’m not averse to being a bit silly at times. Life on this planet can get a bit on the serious side, so having a giggle about this and that brings joy. Speaking more from a place of truth is something I value, including expressing things that might feel difficult. So it’s important for me to not feel afraid to speak from and listen more to my heart. I also deeply value the loving and creative relationship I share with Steve, my soulmate and husband. I’m so grateful to all my loved ones, family and friends.
The best thing today: What’s the most inspiring or loveliest thing you’ve seen or experienced today?
Steve has recently learned how to make the perfect cup of sticky chai latte – using our coffee machine to heat and froth the milk. So I am fortunate to be living with my own personal chai barista. I’m sipping one now as I write this blog for Meditation Australia – making the experience all the more sweeter!
Website: Emma Wertheim