Meet MA member Lisa Brown –
I’ve been practising and studying Buddhist meditation since 2004. My Insight Meditation path began in 2009 while studying with Jon Kabat Zinn, Saki Santorelli and Bob Stahl. Since 2017, and since 2017 I’ve collaborated and taught with my teacher, mentor and friend Malcolm Huxter on Insight Meditation retreats.
I have a strong commitment towards cultivating an engaged, embodied Buddhist path of presence, and coordinate an Eco-Dharma Sangha in the Coffs Harbour area as well as being a teacher with Tallowwood Sangha in Bellingen.
Integrating teachings from the Buddhadharma, Contemporary Psychology and Yoga I’ve been fortunate to co-write and facilitate the transformative Mindfulness-based Trauma Recovery for Frontline Workers program with my Dharma friend and colleague Kate Duncan.
I’m grateful to live on Gumbaynggirr lands near Coffs Harbour, NSW and work as a registered psychologist in private practice. I also am a senior teacher with Yoga Australia and study in the Tibetan Buddhist Mahayana tradition with my teacher and friend Lama Tendar.
What’s the story behind your first meditation experience?
It was in the library at school as a 14-year-old being guided through what I understand now was a Yoga Nidra practice that helped me balance my angst about the world for many years.
What or who inspires you?
“Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others; to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others. I am going to benefit others as much as I can.”
― His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Cushion time: How long did you meditate for today?
My practice is 20 minutes or so of mindful movement, 30 minutes of sitting practice and a mindful walk on the beach with Kali my dog.
Meditation Apps, yes or no?
Yes, I love Insight Timer.
You’re the voice: Do you sing in the shower?
Yes, I do 🙂
The getting of wisdom: What’s the best, or most important thing, you’ve learned as a meditation teacher?
That our deepest challenges can be rich grounds for holding the space for others.
What makes your heart sing and what have you come to value most?
My family and the gift impermanence brings in holding them close, and the precious dharma teachings for navigating life.
The best thing today: What’s the most inspiring or loveliest thing you’ve seen or experienced today?
The expansive clear ocean after the wildness of the cyclone last week.