Amy Crawford is the Mindful founder of The Holistic Ingredient
In early 2011 Amy was diagnosed with CFS after a slow decline in health over 20 years. This put a swift end to a million miles an hour corporate career and in turn created the most incredible life transformation
1. What led you to meditation?
I was given signs for many years that introducing meditation into my life was pertinent for what was an overly busy mind and a typical Type A personality. I tried unsuccessfully only to find the process frustrating and slow. I therefore continued to hurl myself through life a million miles an hour until ‘smack-bang’ I ended up flat on my back with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. If only I had listened to those warning signs! It was at that point I knew everything in my life needed to change in order for me to recover and be forever free of CFS. So it was, with the onset of chronic illness that I learnt the power of a quiet and calm mind brought about by a meditation practise.
2. What value has practising meditation brought to your life?
Meditation has introduced calm and stillness into my life for the very first time. It has slowed me down enough to now notice the beauty and simplicity around me, to enjoy stillness and absolute quiet in my day. Gone are the days I walk into my home and head to the stereo or throw my ear phones in on a walk or a jog. Finally I understand the power of a calm mind and body that is brought about by peace and stillness.
3. How has meditation supported you in your professional life?
Meditation is now a significant part of my professional life given the therapy I provide (which includes meditation and reiki healing). Given the healing nature of my work it is vital that my energies remain in the present such that I am intuitively aware and centred. Having said that I am currently wearing a number of work-related hats that pull me in very different directions and threaten to send me off-kilter. It is for this reason also that I commit to a meditation practise.
4. What are the biggest obstacles to your practice?
Without question, my personality! I spent the first 18 years of my working life sprinting from one thing to another. Huge expectations on myself meant nothing was ever good enough and more could always be achieved. I’m a big picture, visionary thinker – I get an idea in my head and very quickly it magnifies in all directions creating awesome opportunities in my mind but also threatening to smother me with (self-inflicted) pressure. I am having to be very mindful of this during the relatively early stage in my career transformation. I have to consciously force myself to slow down and breath. It’s a hard habit to break.
5. What is a quote that inspires you?
My favourite quote at the moment is by Howard Thurman, “”Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” This totally resonates with me – for the first time in my life I am working in an area that fills me with absolute passion and joy. I am working very hard at helping others find what it is that makes them come alive.
6. What Mindful Music do you listen to (ie. music that grabs your full attention and brings you into the moment.)
Recently I was introduced to the Prayer of Greater Miracles (Usnisa Vijaya Dharani) by Mitchell Gibson. It is a beautiful, hour long spiritual prayer that produces a wonderful sense of peace and inner calm. I play it regularly as background music whilst working. I also really enjoy Heart Chakra Meditation by Karunesh.
7. why are you being mindful in may?
I love the sense of community and collaboration involved in such an awesome project – the idea of joining together with meditators all over the world for the common purpose of creating calm and in turn raising funds for people in need.
Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that!
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