Meet Meditation Australia member Ramona Lane, and learn a little abut her journey with the Labyrinth!
I have “officially” been teaching meditation for about 3 years now. Even while I was still learning, I started guiding meditations for friends on a regular basis, which helped me refine my skills early on.
I’m passionate about sharing Mindfulness Meditation, helping others to experience the present moment with greater awareness and a sense of calm. I hold my meditation classes in a traditional Mongolian yurt on our small acreage property, nestled not far from the beach in the beautiful subtropical landscape near Bundaberg, Queensland. I mainly guide meditation for women in their wisdom years, though men do attend from time to time. My Tuesday morning class is a dedicated Wise Women’s Meditation Circle.
Some of the keys I have learned to make me a better teacher are:
Deep Listening
One of the most valuable skills I’ve gained insight to is the importance of truly listening to my students. Understanding their unique challenges, experiences and needs allows me to create a more supportive and tailored meditation experience for each individual.
Patience and Presence
Being fully present and patient, both with myself and my students, has been key. Meditation unfolds at its own pace for each person and holding space without rushing the process allows for deeper personal growth.
Consistency in Practice
My own consistent meditation practice has been essential in deepening my teaching. The more grounded and centered I am in my own experience, the more effectively I can guide others.
What’s the story behind your first meditation experience?
I first came across meditation when I was about 16 after attending a meditation evening run by the Hare Krishnas. I had a very deep experience but thought that my father wouldn’t approve of me attending meditation classes so I never went back. Over the years, I was always curious about what meditation actually was and what it could do for me, which led me to Sahaja Yoga meditation. From there, I began attending regular weekly classes with my husband and our youngest daughter. I first encountered the Labyrinth in 2012 while visiting Crete and since then, I’ve become a devoted practitioner of walking meditation, especially through Labyrinth walking.
What or who inspires you?
I have so many favourite teachers that it’s hard to choose just one. Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield and Sharon Salzberg have all deeply inspired me through their teachings. I’m also moved by Thich Nhat Hanh’s beautiful quote, ‘Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet,’ which perfectly aligns with my practice of Labyrinth walking.
Cushion time: How long did you meditate for today?
I find that meditating first thing in the morning works best for me, so I usually sit in a chair for about 40 minutes – more comfortable these days. Additionally, my day feels incomplete without walking my Labyrinth as another form of meditation. Altogether, I spend around an hour on these practices, though they are done in separate sessions.
Meditation Apps, yes or no?
Yes, I do use meditation apps occasionally. Insight Timer and Waking Up are two that I find particularly useful.
You’re the voice: Do you sing in the shower?
Sing in the shower? Only if the shampoo bottle is an enthusiastic audience! Otherwise, it’s a no-go for me. However – I have been known to sing quite loudly whilst I’m gardening – the plants don’t seem to mind too much!
The getting of wisdom: What’s the best, or most important thing, you’ve learned as a meditation teacher?
I’ve come to realise that each of us experiences meditation in our own unique way and only we can truly understand what those experiences mean for our personal growth and journey.
What makes your heart sing, what you have come to value most?
What truly makes my heart sing is seeing how meditation can guide others to a place of calm and inner peace. What I value most is the deep connection we can foster with ourselves and one another through mindfulness and shared experiences.
The best thing today: What’s the most inspiring or loveliest thing you’ve seen or experienced today?
Today, the most inspiring moment was watching the sunrise over the ocean while I drew a Labyrinth in the sand and walked it. I love the fleeting nature of this, knowing that soon the tide will come to gently claim it. It reminds me of the ephemeral beauty of each moment.
