In 2008, I began hearing about mindfulness as an antidote to stress and anxiety - and references to mindfulness were everywhere. What was all the hype?
After my youngest was born, I did a full STOP on my working life for a year or so. Over the years I’d perfected the practice of ruminating about the past, and worrying about the future. In technicolor. Maybe that sounds familiar…
The trick of it was that my unwillingness to be friendlier with myself likely helped my career — but it did me no favours in other areas of my life. I wasn't really present for those I cared about, and having a sense of ease and joy in my life was getting tougher. It seemed like I was ‘split’ much of the time. Something was off….
I started experiencing some of the benefits of mindfulness and meditation, and my interest eventually lead to me deepening my practice.
I'm passionate about de-mystifying mindfulness and meditation and am very grateful to have discovered this path.
While mindfulness has been helpful in lowering my response to stressful situations and reactivity, it isn't a gateway to bliss. It's like being given a new lens - a new way of seeing the texture of life - and some tools to relate to the patterns that emerge over time. Or, as my friend says, it's like turning the light up - allowing us to perhaps make more informed decisions, maybe more skillfully, and likely, with less pain.
So, here we are. You’re on this website checking out my work because perhaps you're curious about how mindfulness could fit into your life - at home, at work, day-to-day. Perhaps you're searching for a pathway to greater creativity and resiliency, or coping with a stressful time. Or you just might be curious about the mindfulness hype! Whatever your reasons are, I'm super happy we've met.
Please join me on this journey…
In 2009 I attended an Introduction to Meditation weekend drop in at a local dharma center*. The possibility that I could learn to hang out with my thoughts and emotions - without needing to fix or change anything - blew my mind. I soon jumped into a series of organized 1-3 day programs over the span of a couple years, and added dharma podcasts to my daily walks. I also leaned in and volunteered at various programs and retreats for people curious about mindfulness and meditation, including retreats for those who may be living with a cancer diagnosis. Check out healingandcancer.org. Special thank you to Dr. Timothy Walker thehealingcircle.ca.
*Dharma center is a Buddhist center where various programs are offered, typically spanning the range of intro programs to advanced teachings.
It was on my first retreat that I realized that perhaps I could be of benefit to others by helping demystify the benefits and practice of mindfulness and meditation, working as I was, from a place of not having to change or fix anything. I’ve found dedicated retreat time has helped ‘wake up’ various parts of my nature and personality.
Annual retreat time is an ongoing commitment for me, and is a requirement to maintain my certification as a mindfulness facilitator. If attending a retreat is of interest to you, and you’re curious how to get started, please let me know…
In 2015 I applied and was accepted to study for a year with the UCLA - Mindful Awareness Research Center. This program combined intensive on-campus sessions with various projects and self-study. Studying at the intersection of the latest brain science and ancient teachings of mindfulness and meditation was a terrific way to ground my confidence that perhaps I could begin to support others. I met many people who have been helpful to me on my journey! Check out MARC at UCLA in Los Angeles, California. Special thank you to my dear dharma buddy Jos Hitter and deep bow to Diana Winston, the founder and lead teacher at MARC.
Since 2015, I have been teaching various mindfulness classes and workshops and in 2018, I returned to Lion’s Roar Foundation as Associate Publisher. Lion’s Roar is an important voice for western Buddhism. Deep bow of appreciation to my coworkers and the extended community we serve.
If you're curious about the Buddhist roots of mindfulness, Lion’s Roar is a tremendous resource.
Timeline: Work History, Education, Trainings, & Certifications
2018 - present: Associate Publisher, Finance & Operations - Lion’s Roar Foundation
Lions' Roar Foundation is an independent non-profit foundation who makes Buddhist wisdom available to everyone as the leading media voice of Buddhism in the English language. We publish LionsRoar.com, Lion's Roar magazine, and Buddhadharma: The Practitioner's Quarterly and have a rapidly expanding catalog of online courses and summits available for all.
2017: authorized by UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Centre to deliver their widely respected 6 week "Mindful Awareness Practices" (MAPS) program
2015: CMF certification (Certified Mindfulness Facilitator) through the Mindful Awareness Research Center, (MARC)’s 1 year accredited program at the UCLA Semel Neuroscience Institute, California
2012 - 2015: Associate Publisher of Mindful, Shambhala Sun & Buddhadharma magazines
2000 - 2012 Wallace & Company smartGrowth management
1988-2000 various operational, sales and marketing roles including 7 years as a sr. executive with a publicly traded tech education company focused on rapid growth across North America.
BBA - Mount Saint Vincent University
Graduate level studies - Adult Education - Dalhousie University
Beth’s Offerings
Through The Mindful Project, Beth offers public programs, one on one mindfulness support, and workplace programs. Beth is available to serve clients one on one and in groups via Zoom, WhatsApp, or FaceTime due to the current restrictions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For the Workplace
Combining her corporate management background with her interest in the benefit and practice of mindfulness, Beth views mindfulness as a gateway to greater presence, intention, action, compassion for self and other, and ultimately stronger leadership ability.
Beth is passionate about working with organizations and individuals to integrate mindfulness practices into their day to day personal and work life.
Keynotes at Corporate Conventions & Events
To arrange Beth to speak at your next conference or corporate event, or if you are curious about arranging an in house speaker, lunch and learn or multi-week workplace program, please contact Beth at infoatbethwallace.com directly.
For Individuals
Beth has a strong interest in examining the link between mindfulness and authentic leadership. Through The Mindful Project, Beth assists leaders to uncover their natural ability for greater clarity, resiliency, and presence in meeting the challenges of leadership.
