Today we’d like to introduce you to Charity Collier.
Charity, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
At a young age, I started reading self-help books. I could often be found in a bookstore reading or searching for a new self-help book, looking for one that may have the answers for me.
In my early 30’s, I was working in the corporate world, as an administrative assistant for a few different companies. Over the 10 years working in corporate, I had an internal whispering of knowing I was supposed to be doing something else. I would read all the self-help books I could, to help figure out the answer. At the time, I got into running. While I was running I received a calling to become an addiction counselor. I followed this calling, I enrolled in school and became an addiction counselor. Coincidentally to my studying, I was learning to heal my own suffering of life.
Over some time, I stopped running and missed the meditative results I got from it. I began doing sitting meditation to help heal my own suffering. The meditation developed into learning more about mindfulness. Mindfulness is not just about meditation. Meditation is only the practice of learning mindfulness.
My practice of mindfulness and meditation began to evolve, and so did I. There was a lift of my depression and low self-worth. The internal fears of society pressure began to not be important. I began to like who I was, have self-compassion, and be my best self.
As I moved in my career as an addiction counselor, I realized mindfulness and meditation would be a vital tool to teach people with addiction for sustained sobriety. I found the Mindfulness Studies Master’s program at Lesley University. I was so excited to learn that I could get a master’s in something that had been my passion and helped me. I felt the program could help me teach others. I graduated in May 2017. I am one of the first 10 people in the United States to have the degree.
My main focus of studying was to utilize mindfulness in addiction treatment. However, over the years, I have noticed more and more people dealing with depression and anxiety. I decided to bring my services to all walks of life. Today, I work with anyone who wants to heal from suffering, be it an addiction, depression, anxiety or anything else.
I see so many people getting into careers because they believe it will bring them “happiness” that money brings, Yet end up working so much they never get to be happy enjoying things. I also see people getting involved in relationships because they have put themselves on a timetable, or think it is what they are supposed to do. This often can bring unhappiness and divorce. Lastly, I see so many people searching for external things to bring happiness when just like Glinda the Good Witch said to Dorothy “you had it in you all the time.”
My teaching of mindfulness helps people find the internal happiness they have been looking for externally.
I work with people to learn to hear their true self and what is it they want not what the world may dictate they should need.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I did not take the “society approved” normal path in life. In my early 30’s I realized that I did not want children. This came with a lot of judgment from others. I had to learn to believe in myself and what was best for my life. I would not have been able to be comfortable with the judgment of other if it were not for my mindfulness practice. I have learned through my mindfulness practice self-compassion as well as compassion for others. I don’t fault others for judging me, and I make sure not to judge myself just because I did not go along with the norm.
If I could tell other young women one thing it would be to learn to know your internal truths and what is right for you. What does your voice say, make sure each decision you make comes from your voice and no one else. When you do that you will live happy with your decisions.
As for growing my business, I also go with the same thoughts. I read all the different ways to grow a business online, how to get so much from social media. I have learned some key things, but I mainly listen to my internal voice of what feels right for me.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Meditating Together story. Tell us more about the business.
My work is teaching people what mindfulness is and how a person can implement mindfulness in their lives. I also guide people through meditations, depending on what the person is going through depends on the style of meditation I will use. I will also give a person mindfulness tools to implement in their daily life.
If a person wants to just do meditation and no processing, I will happily just guide people through mediation. I hear people often say “isn’t there an app for that?” Yes, there are many apps out there now for meditation. Much like a personal trainer for exercise, having the accountability of a meditation coach keeps a persons practice ongoing. For those who do want to process, what is great about having me is that I have a counselor background and am able to guide a person through processing.
What sets me apart from others, honestly nothing. I know that is a strange thing to say. However, I am a firm believer in working with someone who resonates with you. I want a person to feel comfortable, safe and connect with me. I think when anyone is choosing a provider/coach/doctor/therapist/dentist they should go with their internal voice and feeling for the person. I believe not everyone is for everyone, go with who makes you comfortable.
What does make me a bit unique is I offer my services online, and mainly at night for the convenience of most people. Meeting at night is helpful for a person to get a good night sleep, let go of the stresses of the day. Plus you can be in your pajamas!
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
I approach finding a mentor much like I do with any person I am going to work with and trust. I want someone who resonates with me. I look for the same values as myself. Also look for someone who has maybe gone through the same struggles I have and overcome them. A big thing for me is that a mentor will not make you do what they have done the exact way. The person will guide you on the road that you are on.
Pricing:
- Meditation sessions (via online): 45 minute session: $30 | 60 minute session: $40
- Emotional wellness sessions without meditation (via online): 60 minute session: $75
- Emotional wellness sessions with meditation (via online): 60 minutes: $85
Contact Info:
- Website: www.meditatingtogether.com
- Email: meditatingtogether@gmail.com
- Instagram: @meditatingtogether
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeditatingTogether/
Image Credit:
Photographer: Kiara Griffin Email: kfgriffinphoto@gmail.com Phone: 478.538.9899 Website: http://www.kiarafgriffin.com Instagram: @kiaragriff
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