Meet the Team: Interview with Mindfulness Teacher & Program Coordinator, Stephanie Edman

This month we are excited to highlight one of the members of our fantastic teaching team, Stephanie Edman. Stephanie is a Mindfulness Teacher & Program Coordinator, offering our Mindful Studies course at McDaniel High School and Metropolitan Learning Center in Portland, OR.

When did you begin your mindfulness practice?

My mindfulness journey began after my second child was born. I was experiencing a    recurrence of postpartum OCD and anxiety.  I was already taking medication, had tried therapy, joined a support group, and none of it was helping. I felt really scared, hopeless, and alone.  I saw an offering for an 8 week MBSR course being held at a local yoga studio and decided it was worth a try. I found it to be relaxing but also loved the insights that arose from the mindfulness practices. I began to feel grounded in my life. Unfortunately, the course ended and so did my practice. I realized that I needed a community to continue. I started practicing with One House of Peace and prioritized mindfulness in my daily life. Having mindfulness as a foundation has supported my mental health as well as opened up my ability to experience joy and wonder. 

What is unique about the Peace and School’s approach in the classroom?

The Peace in Schools approach is unique in that the main focus is on being and not doing. So much of our educational experience is focused on grades and achievement and students are under a lot of pressure. It feels like a peaceful yet radical offering to hold a class where students can simply rest in presence while also learning more about themselves and the world.

What has teaching taught you?

Teaching has taught me that I really love to connect with people. I identify as an introvert and tend to be quite shy. When I am with a group of students, I am inspired to be present. This benefits the way I show up for the students, and also myself. I can see past my tendencies to isolate and lean into the ease and remembrance of our inherent connection.

Favorite moment with a student?

It’s hard to choose a favorite moment. I think my favorite experience is when a class creates a really strong feeling of community. There is a special quality to being in the class where so much is possible. Both students and teachers feel open to sharing about themselves and their experiences, which leads to vulnerability and connection. There is the space to show all the different parts of ourselves without judgment. Some of my favorite moments are when we laugh so hard that my face hurts from smiling.