Here at FAT, we love working alongside like-minded people, and Ursula & Charlotte of REMiND are no exception. We've loved partnering with REMiND through our Community Service events and are big fans of the work they do in promoting and teaching mental fitness. We chatted to Ursula and Char about the importance of mindfulness in a fast-paced world, what they offer at REMiND and why they do what they do.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves and about REMiND?
Sure, we have been friends since high school, and after attending university together, we went off on our own unique pathways across the world, and both found mindfulness meditation. Not only did the practice support our own mental health challenges, we saw an increasing need in society for stress relief and self-care.
Together we created REMiND, a modern mental fitness platform on a mission to improve lives and create the conditions for a mindful culture. Over the past five years, we have been developing courses and workshops with the contemporary user in mind. People contribute to REMiND collectively by studying, training, sharing and creating change within their own lives. We believe all positive change starts with the self, and we are here to support people on that journey.
How did REMiND start?
In 2018, we started teaching courses to friends in community spaces, and when the pandemic hit, we started getting calls from businesses to help with the stress.
Charlotte: After living through my teenage years, I felt alone in my thoughts and feelings. I realised I needed to work on my mental health. It wasn't until I discovered mindfulness that I realised I could learn tools to look after myself. Mindfulness completely transformed how I related to myself and the world, and I became curious about what was happening to my brain. I decided to do my Master's research on the impacts of mindfulness, meanwhile continuing to deepen my practice and training as a teacher.
Ursula: In 2018, we started teaching courses to friends in community spaces, and when the pandemic hit, we were getting calls from businesses to help with the stress. We decided that the world needed a mental fitness platform accessible for the modern person that doesn't identify with the new-age health and wellness scene. Then REMiND was born in 2021, just before the 4-month lockdown in Auckland.
What would you say to someone who has never been to a REMiND event?
Mental fitness is similar to physical fitness. The more we work on it, the fitter we get. Sometimes it can be scary to slow down and close your eyes, but that's expected. REMiND's teachings are simple and easy to follow. Come along; everyone is welcome.
What are the next steps for you at REMiND?
We have some great things on the horizon. We are creating a new course that will be a 2.0 for Practice Presence™, learning more about self-compassion, connection and belonging. We are also creating events with some great brands in Auckland, and REMiND will continue to grow with its community, hosting events and activations in Auckland.
What does movement/exercise mean to you? How does REMiND embody this?
Movement is a critical component of mental fitness. We have a mind, body and soul, and we need to care for all of them. Different ways of moving bring new opportunities to mindfully connect with yourself. We slow down, relax, breathe, and appreciate our body when we do yoga and going for a run is time to check in, notice our thoughts, and feel alive. It's all connected, and REMiND's helps to bring intention to all aspects of life.
Could you tell us 3 pieces of advice you would give someone on their mental and/or physical health?
Ursula:
1. Work on yourself before going to work.
2. Your needs are constantly changing and evolving. Cultivating self-awareness is key to becoming aware of your immediate needs and adjusting accordingly. 3. Listen to music you love.
Charlotte:
1. Celebrate everything that you are, daily!
2. Appreciate your efforts after each workout. Each time you do, you are doing wonders for yourself.
3. Find what makes you happy and indulge in it.