Interview Series: Marissa Bowden
Rad Mama of 2, Business Owner -
The Village Markets
Why did you learn how to meditate?
I have been practising yoga for about 18 years and had always thought I ‘should' learn to meditate, but it wasn’t until the last three or so years I began to have a really strong curiosity and yearning to have it in my life. A few things kept popping up for me through various channels and I decided to book myself into a Vedic Meditation course.
As you know, meditation changes your mind, brain & body, what benefits (subtle or profound) have you felt in your personal life since implementing a daily practising? So many benefits in all aspects of my life!
Motherhood/Parenting - What an incredible tool this has been for me as a mum! The major one here is reactivity, as well as patience and also empathy. I read a quote once that said it’s like plugging yourself into a powerpoint and recharging, removing all of the stress and feeling capable of handling anything that comes your way. It’s so true!
Relationships (with self/others) - Empathy and less judgement. I do feel my senses have been heightened in a way.
How does the deeper connection to self, others and nature influence your day-to-day life?
I think am gaining more clarity around the relationships that I want to invest more time and energy into, and so much gratitude for the wonderful people in my life (perhaps this is partly age and the journey of life also!?)
Putting on your entrepreneur and business owner cap, have you experienced increased performance, clarity or creativity within your business?
I have! Previously I really struggled with being sidetracked, jumping from task to task (I am still working on this!) and productivity. I think my meditation practice has boosted this tenfold and I definitely feel completely ready to go after I meditate in the morning. Sometimes if I am overwhelmed during the day, I take the time to just sit for 20 mins, no matter how much I think I don’t have time, it really does help give me a boost of creativity!
The exhaustive list of meditation benefits is kind of laughable, what has surprised you most since learning how to meditate?
How quickly you notice the benefits and how they flow to so many aspects of your life. And also, how much I look forward to it each day! I have a little ritual and I light incense before I meditate. It sparks so much joy, haha. The title things, so grateful.
Which uplifting or inspiring Podcasts or Instagram accounts do you follow?
I do love a good travel Instagram account, so @captainandthegypsykid is great. One of my closest friends @tessguinery is a creative genius, so I am always inspired by her. Of course, @thevillagemarkets, seeing the incredible talent and colour our region showcases. For inspiring info and great quotes, I do love yours, @thebroadplace and @spacetoflow. The many wonderful women in my life are constantly uplifting me, so their accounts are often my favourite!
What’s one piece of advice you would tell your younger self? Do you really want an up-do for the formal?
Do you have any other nuggets of wisdom to share with mothers who are thinking of giving meditation a go?
There really isn’t a much better investment to make, than to invest in yourself and it will flow into all aspects of your life and to the people in it.
Thank you Riss xx
https://www.instagram.com/marissabowden/