Interview: Chantelle Baxter, mindful co-founder of One Girl

I began seriously meditating after completing my Yoga Teacher Training Cert in 2011. We had to do 1.5 hours of stillness meditation each morning, and although it was tough, it was an amazing start to my day. Not being able to move, sitting cross-legged for 1.5 hours was a killer. But after lots of tears, I finally found myself with the ability to ‘just be’ with myself. No distractions, it was a real breakthrough.

I love my morning meditation, as it’s a small moment of calm before the storm. I practice a moving meditation in the morning to kick start my day – it wakes my body up, and at the same time calms and soothes any anxieties or worries I’ve woken up with. Meditation has brought me calmness, presence, peace and a sense of being grounded.

Meditation keeps me grounded. In my line of work, it’s very easy to get overwhelmed, overworked, burnt out and tired. I can easily lose myself in ‘the cause’ and believe that I’m not worthy of self-care. My daily meditation practice ensures that I spend a small part of each day caring for myself. Whether it be through moving meditations, pranayama, yoga, visualisations, gratitude lists.. whatever. Meditation keeps me sane.

Stress! The more stressed I get, the more I think “Oh I don’t have time to meditate today” – which is absolute rubbish. Anyone can find 15 minutes in a day to spend with themselves. In moments like that, I really have to FORCE myself to meditate, and I never regret it. Moving meditation works better during these times for me as well – I find it helps shake the stress and any other stagnant feelings out of my body.

“Dancing, singing, storytelling and silence are the four universal healing salves.” – Gabrielle Roth

I have so many quotes that I love, but to me, this one relates directly to my meditation practice. I was never a dancer, but through meditation, I learned to dance. And I don’t mean choreographed dance, I mean dancing like no ones watching. I do that every morning now. I could never sing, but through meditation, I’ve learned to sing from my heart. It might not always be on key, but it feels DAMN good. I adore telling stories and watching people’s eyes light up with inspiration, and sitting in a silent meditation for 1.5 hours a day for 25 days was a powerful growth experience for me.

In the western world, we’ve lost the art of dance and song in many ways. All of us are dancers and singers – we just need to tap into it. And this is coming from someone who has NO rhythm and can’t carry a tune, but we’ve all got it in us, and it can be accessed through meditations.

Again, there are too many. The one that has become my bible recently is called Codependence No More by Melody Beattle. I’m currently doing some healing work around my family and my upbringing – growing up in a dysfunctional family has meant that I’ve carried a lot of these behaviours into my currents relationships. This book has opened my eyes to a completely new way of living and operating. It’s amazing.

Anything by Edo and Jo. I purchased their CD (Kirtan Alive), after practising Kirtan with them (singing meditation) at my Teacher Training. The chants are almost all in sanskrit, and I remember when I first heard Edo and Jo sing, tears just poured down my face. I couldn’t help it. I love their music, it talks to my heart.

8. Why are you being Mindful in May?

Because I want to be Mindful in Life! I think there is something beautiful about joining together with thousands of other meditators all over the world, and meditating on something together. I’m excited to join the Mindful in May community, and look forward to seeing the amazing ripple effects that come from my participation.

Want to connect with more people like Chantelle Baxter? Click here to find out about Mindful In May and join us.