Meet Meditation Australia member Rebecca Max
Your story
I have been teaching meditation for over 5 years. I started off teaching friends & family in my lounge room and then took it to the workplace which is all I do these days. I am super passionate about giving people in the workplace tools to help them better manage their stress levels, themselves and their wellbeing and meditation is one of those tools. I teach meditation to anyone in the workplace including leaders (I have a mindful leadership program).
Two to three keys that make me a better teacher:
1 – I never stop learning from others. I always want to learn something new and keep my teaching interesting and impactful.
2 – Meditation is not for everyone. Most people see lots of subjective benefits if they establish a regular practice, but if it’s not for you, work out what else you can do to help manage your stress levels.
3 – I have to practice what I preach. I will NEVER run a meditation session without having taken the time for my own meditation practice first. It’s all about energy for me.
What’s the story behind your first meditation experience?
I guess I came to meditation in my capacity of “the lazy yogi”. I used to love how yoga made me feel but my favourite part of it by far was when we got to lie down at the end and the teacher would guide us through a meditation, or where we just had quiet time to integrate out practice. That was probably my first introduction to meditation and I learned to love it from there. It was the perfect balm for my racing mind, showing me that it could slow down. That was new for me.
What or who inspires you?
So many people and so many things! I listen to podcasts a lot. I read a lot. My favourite meditation teacher on insight timer is Sarah Blondin – I love her softness. I think the quote that has resonated with me for a long time is “Not all who wonder are lost”. I love this, as it allows space for self-exploration and growth. I’m inspired by anyone who make being human (and all that comes with that) relatable and digestable. I enjoyed “Think like a monk” by Jay Shetty. I loved “Finding happiness through gratitude empathy and mindfulness” by High Ban Cuylenburg (The Resilience Project) and so many more.
Cushion time: How long did you meditate for today?
It was a quick one today – 5 minutes (using an app) before a course I was running and after school drop off, but I just had a very mindful walk in the sunshine as well and that was 20 minutes which I enjoyed.
Tools: Meditation Apps, yes or no?
I go much deeper without an app, for sure. When I take the time to just sit and be. However, my mornings are busy and I find an app is a great way to start the day. Insight Timer is the one that I use, it’s also the one that I record my free meditations on.
You’re the voice: Do you sing in the shower?
Sometimes! More often in the car.
The getting of wisdom: What’s the best, or most important thing, you’ve learned as a meditation teacher?
That everyone in the workplace needs downtime and permission to prioritise their wellbeing. That when you start to be real with people, taking off the corporate mask and sharing human vulnerability, that others start to do the same. That is a beautiful thing and yes there is a place for it in the corporate world / the workplace.
What makes your heart sing and what you have come to value most?
What makes my heart sing is knowing that I have impacted people in a positive way. Whether it is people telling me that they sleep better, that they yell less, that they are calmer, I love it. What I value the most is human to human connection. Giving people tools and knowledge to live life a little easier. Allowing people to go a little slower. Helping people to be kinder and more loving to themselves (and each other).
What’s the most inspiring or loveliest thing you’ve seen or experienced today?
I ran a training day today. I delivered a Mental Health First Aid workplace training session this morning (I am also a licensed instructor for that). That was an impactful session. The most inspiring or loveliest thing that I have seen or experienced today is just a low key walk. In the sunshine. Checking out gardens as I walked. Good for the soul. Good for me.
Read more about Rebecca and her empowering work here:
Infinite Presencewww.infinitepresence.com.au
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