I began teaching mindfulness-based interventions in 2008 to help patients in a hospital dialysis program alleviate suffering. Hospitals can be intense and stressful environments. In 2012, I expanded my efforts by implementing Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for healthcare workers, new nurse graduates, radiation therapy students, and leaders at a teaching hospital in Sudbury, Ontario. My commitment to evidence-based and proficient Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teaching led me to further training and qualification through the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and certification through the Mindfulness Center at Brown University School of Public Health. I have been fortunate to train with renowned teachers, including Dr Jon Kabat-Zinn, and at esteemed institutions like the Centre for Mindfulness Ireland, the OMEGA Institute for Holistic Studies, Shambhala Mountain Center, and Harvard Medical School. As a co-founder of Mindfulness on the Rocks in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, I am dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based mindfulness programs. I have taught more than thirty eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Programs.
Mindfulness has profoundly impacted my life, helping me manage anxiety and racing thoughts, and making me a more compassionate and caring person. I believe in embodying the practice I teach, staying aware and awake to the pain, neutrality, and beauty of life. I maintain a regular practice, attending yoga classes, meditating daily, and staying current with the science through continuous learning. I teach mindfulness concepts to a diverse range of professionals, including those in business, academia, corrections, government, and healthcare.
Recognizing the importance of self-care, I incorporate mindfulness retreats into my schedule and engage in weekly journaling for an international mindfulness blog. I also give back to my community with free monthly mindfulness sessions and events to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. I have been a previous mindfulness instructor with The Mindful Village, a global community based in Singapore.
I am invited to speak internationally and have published on the topic of mindfulness in scientific journals. Additionally, my first book, The Response – Practicing Mindfulness in Your Daily Life, was published in 2020.
Outside of mindfulness, I have run thirteen full marathons, am a watercolor artist, a grandfather of three, and a foodie. I am fortunate to have a partner who also teaches mindfulness and understands its importance and impact. I learned about The Mindfulness Network in 2023 and it’s Mindfulness Group for Men. As a group participant, I believe that mindfulness can be particularly beneficial to men to combat loneliness, societal expectations and perceptions, and to improve self-worth. It is an honour to now be part of the team as a volunteer teacher.
For further information, please visit mindfulnessontherocks.ca