Meet Our ACMM Coaches – Tim James
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 Tim James! Tim started meditating 17 years ago and runs his own business offering meditation to his community and the corporate sector. Continue reading to hear about Tim’s journey with meditation.
Hi Tim! Tell us a little bit about yourself
I live on Kaurna Country in the North Eastern suburbs of Adelaide with my wife and adult son. My adult daughter moved out almost 2 years ago and is a weekly visitor for a home cooked meal and some extra love. We have a pet pug, Molly, who’s a big part of the family too.
I’m a nature lover and enjoy exploring the park and creek over the road, the hills and any beach, anywhere!
In my spare hours I’m often meditating, spending time in the garden, playing with Molly or simply chatting with my wife.
When did you start meditating and why?
I started meditating about 17 years ago. It was a time when I was struggling with mental health challenges and I was led to meditation through the books I was reading. The felt experience from reading certain books and quotes inspired me to explore further.
What does your current meditation practice look like
My practice unfolds itself in that I don’t have a plan or feel compelled to practice with any great structure. At the moment, I formally meditate most mornings before starting work and with the nature of my work teaching meditation, I’m often meditating with clients through the day, or listening and feeling into student meditations. I also run a weekly group in the evening where I’m meditating formally. Informally, meditation is happening throughout the day.
What have been some of the benefits you have experienced from meditation?
Meditation has been a beautiful heart-opening practice that has supported a deeper recognition of who I am and unfolded into a more loving way of being in the world, with myself, with family and generally.
What was the biggest challenge you have faced when meditating and what did you do to overcome it or manage it?
Love the question. The biggest challenge has possibly been striving or trying to get somewhere other than where I already am. Because it’s been one of the biggest challenges it’s also been and brought some of the most profound insight and deepening.
Can you tell us who your favourite meditation teachers or mentors are?
My favourite teachers are many. There’s been a deep resonance with so many over the years and all are loved. They include Eckhart Tolle, Kim Eng, Deepak Chopra, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, John Kabat-Zinn, Lisa Forde, Adyashanti, Rupert Spira, Papaji, Mooji, Ramana Maharshi, David Carse, Craig Hamilton, Jeff Foster, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche.
The one I listen to more so that seems to embody all of these so eloquently, inspiringly and deeply for me is Gangaji.
I’d like to share too that life is a favourite teacher. Through the myriad of expressions that arise or challenge me supporting a deeper dive, a resting and being with what is here, seeing and feeling openly, intimately. Life throws up so many opportunities to explore ad whilst I don’t always take up the call, I am more and more and genuinely love the exploring and unravelling from being with what’s here right now.
How have you used meditation and mindfulness in your own business?
My business Meditation Life is about guiding and teaching meditation one-one and in groups in the community and corporate sector to support others recognise, explore and rest home, whole and complete. Meditation flows through every part of my business offerings from corporate sessions and one-one, to community groups and retreats, to exploring meditation with ACMM students.
What do you love most about being a coach at ACMM?
Each students journey. The journeys are profound for everyone and it’s an honour to walk with each student along the way.
What supportive words would you say to a new meditation teacher?
Hmmmmmm, trust your gut, you are your own greatest teacher, guru and guide.
Where do we go if we want to attend one of your classes?
For online or offline I can be reached via my website www.meditationlife.com.au or facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TimJamesMeditationLife.
If you’re in Adelaide and want to attend an in-person class, they are Wednesday evening in Tea Tree Gully. Contact me for details.
