Meet Our ACMM Coaches – Brea Willingham

When you enrol at ACMM you get your very on Meditation and Mindfulness Coach to support and mentor you along your journey!  

This month we want to introduce you to ACMM Coach Brea Willingham. Brea learnt to meditate when she was only 8 years old and now runs weekly meditation classes in the coastal suburb of Innes Park, Queensland.

Continue reading to hear about Brea’s journey with meditation.

Hi Brea! Tell us a little bit about yourself 

I live in the beautiful coastal suburb of Innes Park, which is 15 mins out of Bundaberg in QLD. I live here with my husband, two (very needy) fur babies (German Shepherds), three chickens and one fish.

I absolutely love taking the dogs to the beach for walks and swims and breathing in that salt air and grounding my feet in the sand. There’s such a calming effect felt from the ocean. I love road trips, camping and any time I get to be in nature, as well as dancing, singing, crystals, almond chai latte’s and anything potato!

When did you start meditating and why?

I was taught to visualise when I was 8 by my holistic GP at the time. I had warts all over my body which caused me a lot of insecurity and discomfort and she taught me how to visualise my warts being cleared up. This not only worked, but sparked a gift in me where I would ‘go to my place’ in visualisation to receive guidance, clarity, healing and messages that I needed at the time.

Even though learning these tools early, I haven’t always been a consistent meditator. It’s been the last 8 or so years where I’ve been on a journey back to Self, really delving into my personal and spiritual development, that has led me to where I am now.

What does your current meditation practice look like

Before I open my eyes in the morning I like to begin with some gratitude or positive affirmations as I prepare to come into the new day. Sometimes I like to journal with my morning coffee and then I like to do a meditation after breakfast time in the late morning after the mornings duties have been done I feel somewhat ‘organised’ and spacious to be able to sit (or move) with a clearer mind, where I know I won’t be distracted. My practice varies depending on how I feel. Sometimes it’s movement other times it’s stillness.

What have been some of the benefits you have experienced from meditation?

I’ve experienced a deeper connection to my true Self. A sense of clarity and an alleviation of physical discomfort, such as anxiety, by finding that place of stillness. I also find different techniques of meditation to be extremely beneficial in releasing pent up emotions, such as movement or sound. Meditation helps me to feel more grounded and in tune.

What was the biggest challenge you have faced when meditating and what did you do to overcome it or manage it?

I think the biggest challenge was to be consistent and to not be too hard on myself if I don’t sit at the same time each day, can’t focus for long or even don’t meditate at all that day. I’ve learned that a fixed structure doesn’t suit me because I’m straining and forcing (this highlights the 11 Attitudes we cover in the course!).

I’ve learned to commit to my meditation and mindfulness daily practice, but allow it to be whatever it needs to be on that day. Not putting pressure on myself for a set timeframe. This works well for me as I’m honouring how I’m feeling and it feels more in flow.

Can you tell us who your favourite meditation teachers or mentors are?

Thich Nhat Hahn, Dr Joe Dispenza, Jack Kornfield & Shuryu Suzuki.

How have you used meditation and mindfulness in your own business?

I run weekly group gatherings for men and women and I like to do something different each week. This can be movement, walking, sound, journaling, visualisation and different awareness style meditations. I also offer private one on one sessions which are tailored to whatever the client is needing at that time, as well as wellness workshops.

What do you love most about being a coach at ACMM?

 

The opportunity to be a coach was something that I felt very honoured to receive. I love what I do and being able to help others on this same journey to become teachers, and to bring so much light and healing into the world, just fills me with so much joy. I’m proud of every single student for choosing this path.

What supportive words would you say to a new meditation teacher?

Don’t compare yourself to others. There may be a multitude of other meditation teachers out there but not one of them will be like you. We all have our own unique gifts to offer and ways of expressing them. Trust in your abilities and be yourself.

Where do we go if we want to attend one of your classes?

I offer in person or online sessions. Bookings can be made via my website – www.breawillingham.net

https://www.instagram.com/breawillingham/

https://www.facebook.com/thebreawillingham