Meet Nicole Coxford, a new Meditation Australia member, and long time meditation practitioner.
Your story
I have been teaching Mindfulness and Meditation almost 12 months, but have been practicing for many years, and have long leaned on its wonderful benefits to support me in many different aspects of life. I teach in various community locations around the North eastern suburbs of Melbourne, both to the general public, and also to community groups such as Wellways. I use a variety of techniques, including Sound, Relaxation, Visualisation, and my heart felt passion is to share Buddhist Psychology teachings through the many paths of Mindfulness & Mindful Living.
My practice has helped me to come through some very challenging circumstances, which propelled me into the loving intention of sharing this wisdom with others, to cultivate loving kindness and compassion to all beings. Meditation is so much more than sitting still on a cushion, you can invite it into many aspects of your life to help you thrive and live life fully awake, grateful and present.
What’s the story behind your first meditation experience?
I first encountered Meditation through my employer many years ago, and felt drawn to the lure of finding a better way to manage my ever busy mind, juggling work, family, social and self care time.
The never ending list of to dos, I felt like i was racing to some invisible finish line, and Mindfulness gave me the gift of slowing down, and remaining calm and present with the chaos around me, learning to surf the constant waves of life.
This set off my journey to study and learn more about how we can live more heart-fully and joyful.
What or who inspires you?
I have many teachers/gurus that I adore and feel grateful for their lessons.
Ram Dass – I am loving awareness – a mantra that remains my go to in all life interactions – to come from a place of love, always.
Jack Kornfield – A peaceful heart gives birth to love. When love meets suffering, it turns to compassion. When love meets happiness, it turns to joy.
Tara Brach – Happiness lies not in finding what is missing, but in finding what is present.
Kuan Yin – Goddess of compassion, wisdom and strength
Cushion time: How long did you meditate for today?
30 minutes, seated
Tools: Meditation Apps, yes or no?
Calm, Insight Timer, Podcasts through Spotify – Wisdom of the heart, Be here Now network
You’re the voice: Do you sing in the shower?
I practice Reiki in the shower, and sometimes also Bija mantras of the 7 physical body chakras
The getting of wisdom: What’s the best, or most important thing, you’ve learned as a meditation teacher?
We are all students of life, with discipline and loving intention, we can continue to learn, grow, expand our mind, thoughts, wisdom and deepen our connection with our true nature.
What makes your heart sing and what you have come to value most?
Cultivating the loving witness as a loyal all compassionate companion – to walk our path with us.
Connection and serving others for a greater purpose than ourselves.
The best thing today: What’s the most inspiring or loveliest thing you’ve seen or experienced today? (And can you send us a photo of it?)
A walk this morning in the windy cool fresh air of winter, gazing at the beautiful changing Autumn leaves, reminding us of the impermanence of all things.
Soulful Being – Wellbeing Service Provider
soulfulbeing.com.au
