Tell us about yourself Felicity ?
I am a Solution Architect supporting companies on their Cloud adoption journey. My area of focus is data.
How’s life Felicity?
Busy in a good way – it never feels like there are enough hours in a day for everything I’d like to do and learn.
How many years have you been Meditating?
I’ve been meditating on and off for several years, experimenting with different techniques. I’ve been more successful with maintaining a regular practice in the last year and a half since I started Transcendental Meditation.
What drew you to Meditation in the first place?
I’m a workaholic by nature, and I felt that I had to manage stress better and be able to switch off after work so that my mental and physical health didn’t suffer. I wanted to be able to maintain equanimity and empathy, whatever the situation.
What first 3 words come to mind when describing the benefits of your Meditation Practise?
Stillness, clarity, self-awareness
How has it affected you in the workplace?
One of the effects of meditation that I noticed almost immediately was that I was no longer drawn to the biscuit tin in the office. With the improved focus that meditation has brought about, I enjoy my work more and am more creative. I react less frequently to triggers; when I do, I am more conscious of it, and can find the space to pause so it doesn’t escalate.
Outside of work has there been many changes?
My evening meditation is one that I always look forward to as a time to reset and recover after a busy day. The mental exhaustion I used to feel at the end of the week is no longer there. I enjoy my weekends more, with the mental space and ability to be present to enjoy leisure activities. Encouraged by my experience with meditation, I have built other healthy habits, such as regular exercise. My daughter commented that it has helped to maintain domestic peace during the lockdown.
Why would you recommend Meditation to Colleagues and Friends?
Meditation has been key to helping me be more productive and focused, while experiencing an increased sense of wellbeing. Life feels so much better!
Finally, anything you would like to add?
When I signed up for the meditation course with Andre, I wasn’t at all sure that I would be able to persevere with a daily meditation practice. In fact, it was so easy that it became a habit without much effort. The group support sessions on offer have also been a source of inspiration in maintaining my practise; it’s been amazing having this community, especially in this last year.