Instructor Spotlight: Sean Phillips
By: Kristina Kuhaupt, Customer Experience
As spring starts to brightly settle in previously dormant spaces of the natural world, it gives us a great opportunity to do the same in our personal habits and practices. One way to consider bringing this positive energy into focus this time of the year is to try out meditation. Spending time to relax the mind to give space for contemplation can help aid in stress management, increasing creativity and self-awareness, as well as imagination. Plus, in my personal opinion, in a world that demands so much of our attention at a rapid rate, it allows us to intentionally slow down and refocus. Interestingly enough, May is National Meditation Month, which is a perfect time to highlight one of our newer wellness instructors, Sean Phillips, who founded Rounding Edges Meditation Coaching (roundingedges.com). Sean’s current offerings through us are virtual, which can provide a great opportunity to take time out of a busy week in the comfort of your own home without having to figure out all the many logistics to honor intentional self-care. So let’s jump in and learn more about Sean’s perspective in this area of study.
KK: What drew me to your story and business was the unique way you approached meditation by blending your science background with traditional meditation practices. Please share with our Owners your approach to meditation, especially for those who are new to the practice.
SP: My coaching-based approach aims to make meditation and its benefits accessible to everyone, offering personalized instruction tailored to meet you where you are and providing guidance and support along the way. As a former medical student and neurobiology graduate, my approach blends scientific expertise, personal experience, and a deep passion for teaching—helping people build a sustainable meditation practice that fits into their daily routine and eventually becomes a way of life rather than just another task to complete.
KK: How would you define meditation, and is it spiritual in your opinion?
SP: Great question! I define meditation as an umbrella term for techniques and practices that help us first realize and then return to a state of peaceful presence. The word “spiritual” comes from the Latin spirare, meaning “to breathe.” Over time, its meaning has expanded to include an inner life, personal beliefs, and non-religious approaches to deeper connection—with ourselves, others, or the world. Like breathing, meditation practices are universal and secular; however, the meaning one finds in them is entirely personal!
KK: What sparked you personally to pursue this field of study, and how have you seen it impact your life?
SP: I pursued the full-time study of meditation because the profound change it brought to my life was the most meaningful experience I had ever encountered—so much so that it gave me the clarity and courage to step away from medical school and onto a new path of exploration. Years later, that journey led me to provide meditation coaching for others. The difference between before and after was simply a vast increase in peace, happiness, love, and contentment in my experience of life.
KK: Based upon what you have seen with the clients you serve, what do you feel is the greatest benefit(s) to meditation?
SP: Wonder, openness, acceptance, gratitude, and a deeper sense of contentment with life as a whole.
KK: May is a whole month dedicated to meditation. For those who want to start this new practice, what would you recommend to someone that they can do each week to set this habit?
SP: Fantastic! Meditation is a broad field, and it can feel a little overwhelming at first. I’d suggest checking out RoundingEdges.com/blog, where you can explore free articles on what meditation is and why it matters, learn various practices, and watch curated videos on related topics. For personal practice, there’s a guided meditation available in the website’s meditation library. Alternatively, you can attend one of Rounding Edges’ biweekly virtual live classes. Hope to see you there!
I want to thank Sean for taking the time to share his expertise. If this has sparked your interest and you would like to try a virtual session through the Co-op, please visit our website to sign up. He has two classes in May and June to help jumpstart or continue your wellness journey: (tinyurl.com/4kxx66xr).
