The Introduction to Mindfulness and Meditation course in Rockhampton includes two two-hour classes with certified mindfulness teacher, Michelle Ryan, downloadable guided mindfulness meditations and a 45-page guidebook and a money back guarantee.

“I am so glad I did the course and would recommend it to everyone.” — Rosie Smith

“Since doing this course, I have been sleeping much better, I feel much more in control of my emotions, I have enjoyed ‘noticing’ my own state, but also it has transferred to everything around. This means I am re-enjoying many things that I had been taking for granted.” — Sandy Good

Michelle has spent the last decade seeking ways to alleviate stress and now shares her findings with others. Through this journey, she has discovered the healing
modalities of mindfulness, meditation, laughter therapy and sound healing to achieve inner calm.

Michelle’s mission is to help others feel better about themselves and contribute to reducing stress in the world. She believes that we must return home to ourselves to find joy, inner peace, and retain our natural, authentic expression. From this place, we can positively influence the World around us.

With more 25 years of experience and relevant qualifications in business and finance, Michelle is also a certified Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher/Mentor, a
Diploma-qualified Sound Healer, and a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader.

Michelle’s business, Be Soothed, is a wellness consultancy.

“I thought it was normal to feel stressed, to live with tension and lack of sleep. I had tried a lot of different things to help me sleep but nothing seemed to work … until I learnt about mindfulness. It is easy to incorporate mindfulness into everyday life, it gives an inner calmness, feeling of peace, and a regained sense of self. Michelle is an amazing facilitator of Mindfulness Works Australia.

She presents the sessions in a very pleasant and friendly yet very professional manner; ensuring that all points are covered and understood by each attendee. Her lovely voice is so calming as she leads into the meditations that everyone gets to experience and understand true mindfulness.”

Pam H.

 “I would like to share my thoughts on the Mindfulness Works sessions that I attended with Michelle Ryan as the presenter. Firstly, I was unsure as to how I’d go in a group session, however I was pleasantly surprised and felt very comfortable. Michelle has a way of making people feel relaxed and calm – her manner and voice is just so peaceful and obviously this is what we are all looking for when we attend this type of session.

Listening to Michelle’s journey to becoming such a ‘mindful’ person is endearing and something I am striving for. Her calm, tranquil demeanour is amazing. These sessions were helpful to me and changed my whole way of thinking and made me realise there are ways to deal with our daily stressful lives.”

Julie C.

“Thank goodness I came across Mindfulness Works. I have learnt so much in a year and am the happiest, authentic and content I have ever been. Learning acceptance without judgement as been an eye opener for me. I’m continuing my journey of self compassion and feel excited and hopeful for my future, but am grateful of the now and who I am today…” — Rebecca Young

“I feel calmer. I am able to use techniques when my triggers go off. Using the meditation at night has allowed me to get a better night’s sleep.” — Sue Mathew

“Using mindfulness to help me better manage unrelenting anxiety, obsessive worrying & sadness. I have found that using the apps is helpful when having a stressful day, & I intend to keep practicing daily. Thank you.” — Cecily Wilson

Week 1: What is Mindfulness?

• What mindfulness is
• The benefits of mindfulness and meditation
• How to get the most from the course
• Guided body scan mindfulness meditation
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 1: Working with the Mind

• Why thinking can be problematical
• Practical ways to work with difficult thoughts
• Self-judgement and how to intervene
• Guided mindfulness meditation – counting the breath
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 2: Working with Emotions

• What are emotions?
• Learning to feel emotions
• The RAIN method
• Non-judgement and acceptance
• Guided mindfulness meditation on feelings
• Questions and answers / discussion.

Week 2: Radical Acceptance

• What it means to be present
• How wanting causes stress
• Developing wisdom and insight
• Authentic self-compassion
• Open awareness guided mindfulness meditation
• Questions and answers / discussion
• Next steps.

“Since doing this course, I have been sleeping much better, I feel much more in control of my emotions, I have enjoyed ‘noticing’ my own state, but also it has transferred to everything around. This means I am re-enjoying many things that I had been taking for granted.” — Sandy Good

“Huge reduction in anxiety, calmness of mind and body and empowerment over my symptoms.” — Jo Kirwan

“The course was very relaxed and friendly, and full of useful practical advice that recognised the limits to time that everyone faces. Also I liked the mix of people attending, with a range of different reasons for being there.” — Rosie Cree

No religion or dogma: Mindfulness is a living practice. You are your own teacher, learning from their own practice and experience. Mindfulness Works is not affiliated with any religion or dogma and does not explicitly or implicitly offer these.

Sit in chairs: We sit on chairs during the course and no funny positions are required.

Trauma informed practice: Creating a safe environment for all participants is critical. We ensure our trainers and offerings are trauma informed.

“The course guidebook was a useful guide and very informative. I also enjoyed the formal practice and the way different strategies were explained.” — Linda Daniell

Refund and Transfer Policy

• Full refunds are available up to one week before a course starts.
• Free transfers to other courses are available up to one week before a course starts.
• Once a course has started, full refunds are only available if you attend every class of the course and feel you have not got value. In this case you are entitled to and will be given a full refund.
• Refunds are not given if you do not attend every class of the course and if you simply ‘do not like’ the course or decide ‘it is not for you’.
• For more details about our refund and transfer policy, please read our FAQ.

How long is each weekly class and what happens?

Each class is one hour long. There will be a guided meditation for a period. This will include meditation instruction. After the meditation and instruction, there will be a talk or discussion. This includes a question and answer time.

Who is it suitable for?

This course is suitable for any of the following:

• 18-year-olds and over
• Beginners
• People who have never meditated or practised mindfulness before
• People who have just started meditating or practising mindfulness.