Frequently Asked Questions

  •  In recent times, these words have been used interchangeably. They can often be joined in practice.

     “Meditation” is generally defined as a structured practice that has origins in Eastern traditions: Buddhist monastic, Yogic, Hindu, spiritual and Indigenous traditions. The practice of meditation is introspective, usually done in stillness, with aspects of observation on one’s body and breath to encourage a relaxed state.

    This relaxed state then helps us to tune into our self-awareness with a gentle kindness. Terms such as the “Beginner’s Mind” and the “Silent Observer” may be considered states of compassionate awareness. This kindness allows us to be our full selves: inviting compassionate understanding of ourselves, and in turn, others.  

     “Mindfulness” is more expansive – it is the awareness of presence; of how we feel, and the choices we can make in our daily lives. Mindfulness can be a product or a part of meditation. For example – mindfulness can apply to waking states – such as running, cooking, drawing, playing music, cleaning, walking, eating, singing and more. When we are fully present in these states, we are aware of our movements, our breathing, how we feel and thus, how we can respond in thought, speech and action. All of these can be considered mindfulness practices when done with full awareness. A “flow” state may be considered entering a state of mindfulness. Mindfulness is not about being good at an activity, it is about being wholly present and aware of that activity.

     Meditation practices can cultivate more mindfulness. Mindfulness can be present when one is fully present in an activity outside of meditation.

    It’s okay to not fully understand. Starting a beginner-friendly meditation practice or joining a mindful tea ritual may help you experience it.

  • There are 2 main meditation techniques offered:

    1) Guided meditations

    These are live guided meditations that invite rest. These are non-religious but are informed by the deep philosophies of different spiritual practices around the world.

    These method are taught by the Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness. It is evidence-based, inviting a gentle focus on the 5 senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste and Touch.

    Various techniques may be used, such as guided gentle attention on the breath and body, body scanning, calming affirmations, guided visualisation (language is inclusive of all experiences, including aphantasia) or kinesthetic methods with other senses.

    Flexible invitational language is used, not forced. This compassionate meditation offers the mind a place to rest outside busy thoughts with kind equanimity. This is not a rigid practice, but one that invites empathy and rest.


    2) Guided tea meditations

    The tea meditation is an attentive mindfulness method that allows you to rest deeper into the 5 Senses when stillness may be too much. Through the brewing of tea using the Chinese Gong Fu Cha practice, the scent, flavour, colour and taste of the leaf are extracted through mindful movements.

    The sound of water, the scent of the tea, the colour of the infusion, the warmth of the cups and leaves, the flavour of the brew. The mind may seek rest in this sensory exploration.

    Through both practices, you may mindfully empty and fill your cup.

  • These meditations are non-religious in structure. The structure is trauma-informed and taught by the Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness. It is a non-religious school that respects and credits all religious and Indigenous practices.


    Over thousands of years, many spiritual traditions have informed the meditation and mindfulness practices that we practice today.

    We respect them and do refer to them in a secular manner.

  • Yes, beginners are welcome! This type of meditation is open to all levels. Due to the invitational language, it is open to all.

    Meditation is not the act of controlling, but of remembering.

    Our minds are naturally thinking of things to keep us secure. It is normal for our minds to wander. So this method is being compassionate with one's mind - not forcing focus. Just remembering to be kind to our minds, and remembering to breathe, to be present.

    The concept of a "Beginner's Mind" is actually really valuable - to look at the experience with compassionate curiosity. Experience it with an open heart, not trying to achieve anything. Just be. There is no "right" way to meditate; just being present with your breath is enough. Simply turning up is the first step.

    For general classes, The Mindful Cup offers light, invitational guided meditations that use gentle visualisation techniques, breath awareness and body scanning. The focus is on resting the mind with a gentle guidance. This considers the intensity of the meditation, the level of experience of the student.

    Deeper meditations on insight or more intense introspective guidance with extended silence may be offered with more experienced students.

  • I am an accredited meditation teacher with The Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness, and a member of the Meditation Association of Australia.

    I am under the guidance of a Meditation Australia mentor, with ethical and professional guidelines.

    I am fully insured as a meditation teacher.

    As a child, I accompanied my grandmother when she chanted Sutras at Buddhist temples.

    In my adulthood, I’ve continued meditation as part of my daily practice. Compassionate, secular meditation and mindfulness practices have helped me navigate the challenges in my life. I am still navigating life, and no doubt I may stumble and fall along the way, but meditation and mindfulness may help me get up with more stability.

    I’m grateful for the privilege of travel - I have meditated in temples in Tibet, Mongolia, Japan, China, Malaysia. Mosques in Uzbekistan, churches in Italy, Shinto shrines in Japan - all these places share a veneration - and yet, being at home next to Nature is the place I feel most at ease.

    There is no perfect place to meditate. “Wherever you go, there you are” - Jon Kabat-Zinn

    I will remain a constant student, and I hope to share any learnings with the community in accessible and welcoming ways.

    You can find out more about me here.

  • Yes. This is an important question. And a reason I decided to open The Mindful Cup as a qualified teacher.

    Meditation is accessible to everyone, and research shows that most people find it to be beneficial. It can help reduce stress, it can bring deeper meaning to relationships, improve sleep and overall well-being.

    However, for a small percentage, meditation can have adverse reactions such as anxiety, panic or stress. Meditation can bring up uncomfortable or challenging feelings. Therefore, it is important for meditation teachers to be qualified, open and transparent about this.

    Meditation and mindfulness is not mental bootcamp. If at any time a meditation feels too intense, de-stabilising or uncomfortable, please stop. It is okay to stop. Do not push through.

    At all times, your comfort and care is the priority. In fact, it can be said that true meditation and mindfulness is the strength & gravitas to know yourself and to know when to stop. This awareness of knowing when to stop and pause is the core part of robust meditation & mindfulness.

    Refer to a qualified teacher and seek professional care when needed.

    As part of my duty of care, all students are required to fill in a Client Intake Form, and to consider any existing psychological and medical issues that may affect their ability to meditate.

    I am a member of the Meditation Association of Australia, and I stand by a robust code of ethics, including on-going mentoring, studies and engagement with professional medical and mental health professionals.

    For general classes, The Mindful Cup offers light, invitational guided meditations that use gentle visualisation techniques, breath awareness and body scanning. The focus is on resting the mind with a gentle guidance. This practice is intentionally light, and considers the intensity of the meditation and the level of experience of the student.

    Private sessions are created with input from the student to ensure privacy, security and care. Working with your medical and mental health professional is part of my mandate.

  • Begin just as you are. There is no better time to start. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced practitioner, you can start with one class.

    Our meditation classes are scheduled here. There are classes scheduled throughout the week.

    Consider investing in regular classes. A consistent meditation practice in a dedicated space improves mental wellbeing.

    Please contact us if you’re not able to find a time that suits you. As the studio is just starting, we’re taking feedback from the community on class times, and we may be able to introduce a session time that suits you.

    If you would like to schedule a private session, please get in touch. We look forward to welcoming you.

  • You can email me at rest@themindfulcup.com.au, via the Contact page and call me on 0405 832 134. Or if you see me free in the studio between classes, you are more than welcome to pop in and have a chat.

  • Yes, the guided meditation and tea meditations will be practised on the carpeted floor.

    Meditation cushion seats are provided for up to 6 guests. Please do bring your own blankets, pillows or your own cushion if you wish to nestle deeper into comfort.

    Should you have any difficulty sitting on the floor, please advise me at least 24 hours in advance so I can arrange additional seating.

  • It is impossible to empty the mind. So rest assured - you’re not doing meditation “wrong” if you can’t empty your mind.

    Our minds seek to help us by scanning for safety, security and peace. Our minds are doing their best to keep us safe.

    The idea of an “empty mind” is a Buddhist/ Taoist concept of letting go, of relinquishing clinging to expectations. But this does not translate to the elimination of all thoughts.

    So be gentle with your mind.

    Meditation and mindfulness is not the rigid practice of controlling thoughts, denying feelings or pushing away real concerns. Rather, it is an act of remembering to be present.

    It is a gentle path of kind awareness. And this settling of the mind into the present may give us some relief and rest, to be better able to meet the challenges, to be more grounded and have more perspective and discernment.

    So if your mind wanders, know that it is perfectly fine. Just notice. Be aware. Breathe. That act of kind awareness, of remembering to notice and breathe IS meditation. That gentle softness IS mindfulness.

    If your mind wanders 100 times, then remember to be the kind observer and remember to breathe 100 times. Those times are the real practice of meditation.

  • I volunteered at the Lifeline store in Dee Why for 5 years, and I met some lovely people at that gorgeous shop. That store has since closed, but that experience showed that a place that gave time, welcome & comfort for everyone was very much needed.

    As a new business, I'll do my best to balance the commercial needs of a viable business with some free community offerings. This is the intentional opening of The Mindful Cup studio.

  • I'll be in the studio most days, so please pop in if there is no session and say g'day.

    You can contact me via email: rest@themindfulcup.com.au

    And more info can be found here:

  • The formal guided meditations run for about 45 minutes.

    Students are encouraged to arrive 10-15 minutes early to ask any questions and settle into their position. Orienting into a space, even a familiar one, may aid the settling of the body and engage the parasympathetic nervous system. Getting comfortable is not just physical, but mental.

    The formal guidance runs for 45 minutes and includes:

    Introduction on a theme, orienting into the space, grounding into the Senses, body scanning, relaxation, technique (visualisation, following breath, affirmation or other), 5-7 minutes of silence, grounding back into the room.

    Taking the time needed to attune back into the room - stretching, slow movements, soft gaze. Drinking water.

    Guests are then invited to choose what feels right for them with a group agreement of privacy - to ask any questions, to share, or to leave in silence. An extra 15 minutes at the end of the meditation is offered for any questions/ sharings.

  • For both Guided Meditations and Mindful Tea Meditations:

    Wear comfortable clothing. Stay warm. Bring a scarf, warm socks, a blanket.

    You may like to arrive 10 minutes before the start time to use the bathroom or familiarise yourself with the location.

    Allow yourself to be present with your breath, be gentle with your awareness, and speak kindly to yourself.

    Tea Meditation & Silent Sit Tea House:

    A light meal is recommended before having tea first thing in the morning.


  • Guided Meditation - 45 minutes.
    The formal live guided meditations run for 45 minutes. This includes:

    Approximately 40 minutes for the live guidance. There is usually a period of silence of 5-7 minutes.

    5-10 minutes for the closure, attuning back to the rest of the day and any questions.

    Tea Meditation - 90 minutes.

    The formal guided tea meditations run for 60 minutes. After the formal meditation, the communal teahouse is invoked for 30 minutes. Guests have the choice to participate in discussion, sharing or to remain in quiet solitude.

    This includes:

    5-10 minutes for guests to settle into the space. Introduction to the technique, structure and tea house guidelines.

    Approximately 50 minutes for the live guided tea meditation.

    30 minutes for quiet contemplation, community sharing or questions. Attuning back to the day.

    Silent Tea - 60 minutes

    There is no guidance. Tea is served in traditional Gong Fu brewing style in Noble Silence.

  • The sessions are practised on the floor. Meditation cushions are provided.

    The body temperature may cool due to inactivity, so you may wish to bring your own blanket, warm socks, and a scarf.

    Loose and comfortable clothing is recommended. There will be no physical movement, but comfort is key.

    You may like to bring your own bottle of water. Warm water is recommended.