Sharing the Gift of Mindfulness: An Interview with Kim Nicol
We sat down with WITHIN teacher Kim Nicol to find out how she got started meditating, where it led her, and why she teaches it now. Here’s what she shared with us.
How did you get started with meditation?
Ten years ago a friend invited me to a meditation class. I said No.
A week or two later, she invited me again. I said No. It sounded so boring. Plus, I grew up in Santa Cruz and meditation always seemed like a flakey hippie thing to me, which didn’t interest me.
But my friend kept inviting me, and a month or two later, I said Yes. Her enthusiasm made me curious to see what it was all about.
It was fascinating! Very different than what I thought it would be.
Ten years later, I’m still working with that same teacher.
They say “When the Student is ready, the Teacher appears.” In my case, that is exactly what happened.
What led you to begin teaching meditation?
Before teaching meditation, I was teaching mindfulness classes. Meditation and mindfulness had changed how I thought about my life, and were part of why I changed careers. I felt called to share mindfulness with others, especially those in the legal profession because I was a lawyer and very aware of the high rates of burnout, depression, and substance abuse.
But I wasn’t initially drawn to teach meditation. There are so many great teachers here in San Francisco, and so many good books and apps. I didn’t feel I had anything of value to add.
Things changed when I did my yoga teacher training in 2012-2013, which included a requirement to guide others in meditation. I found that I loved sharing my meditation practice and guiding others! And I learned that many students found my presence and the sound of my voice to be very calming.
It was a big insight for me. It’s so easy to judge ourselves, and then hold back our gifts.
What do you love about teaching at WITHIN?
I love our community, and I love that we have classes tucked away throughout the city.
It’s like these quiet little oasis pockets, right in the heart of the FiDi.
I love that I can teach in a yoga studio one day, and in a conference room the next.
And: I love our teachers! We each bring a different perspective, and I deeply appreciate that this variety of approach is welcomed.
Although many of our teachers go on silent meditation retreats, you’ve mentioned you’re not really interested in that yourself. When you go away on a retreat, what kind of experience are you drawn to?
My favorite recent “non-meditation” retreat was at 1440 in Scotts Valley. It was a weekend retreat with one of my favorite teachers, and it was deeply satisfying. I loved being in the woods, having trails to walk and be with the trees. I loved having some structured learning and also free time. I loved the space, which is not only beautiful but very thoughtfully designed with lots of outdoor seating, fire pits, and natural gathering points. There were movement classes, and time for my own meditation practice. I came away with so many insights, some lovely connections, and a renewed spirit.
What advice would you give someone who’s just getting started with meditation?
Be gentle with yourself, and have fun! It’s easy to take it all so seriously, and to wonder if you’re doing it right, or if it’s working. Also, meditate with other people. If you can’t make it to a class, meet with a friend and meditate together, even just for 3 minutes! Then compare notes, talk about your experience. Otherwise, it’s easy to get stuck in your head about it and feel quite isolated.
Let your meditation be a practice that connects you with others.
I got so lucky, by having a great teacher and community right from the start. I had people to talk with about my experience, and I always looked forward to connecting with everyone. It kept my practice fun, and let me be gentle with myself along the way.
What’s your favorite way to incorporate mindfulness into your day?
They are so integrated for me now. My current favorite practice is to notice and thank the trees, plants, and flowers I see as I walk. It sounds so basic but it has such a powerful effect for me! Especially this time of year, when the flowers are budding to blossom on the plum trees. As I walk down to the bus stop, I’ll just gaze around and notice and think, “Hello tree, you look so beautiful today! Hello flower, you’re so pretty, I love your color.”
My number one go-to practice is to simply think, “I’m glad you’re here,” when I see people.
Kim is passionate about helping students bring more mindfulness into their lives, too. She teaches regularly at WITHIN. Join her for a class this week!