Damithia's Story
16 April, 2023
Damithia's desire to join the mindfulness industry stemmed from a natural progression in her journey. Starting from running Thrive Yoga for youth in schools and throughout communities, to being a co-director for Space Between, she has been committed to spreading and strengthening the origins of mindfulness — a natural state instead of a thing to seek out externally.
When talking about mindfulness, Damithia points out it has been sort of usurped and commodified these days. “It is not necessarily getting anything. It's more like an uncovering of what's already available to us if we allow ourselves the time to sit with ourselves.” ‘Presence' is what she repeatedly emphasizes when discussing mindfulness. Mindfulness strengthens our ability to perceive reality through various methods and sensory stimulation like sitting, insight meditation and breathing practices, thereby enhancing our capacity to stay present to the truth that already exists.
Initially drawn to teaching through yoga and its associated mindfulness practices, she recognized the profound impact these practices could have, especially on young people. Having worked in school for almost 20 years, she recognizes there is too much focus on academics and the rigors of productivity instead of well-being and emotional intelligence. In face of the tension within the school setting to improve such situations, Damithia chooses to bring mindfulness to the youth and be of service to them in their educational journey.
In her extensive experience within education, Damithia found herself profoundly moved by the transformative impact of mindfulness. "Reflecting on my journey," she expressed, "it's truly remarkable to witness the power of mindfulness practice." In a classroom of 30 kids, whether it looks like they're doing exactly what everyone else is doing, they are all trying to connect to themselves in their own unique ways. In the school where there's a sense of control and direction, mindfulness practices offer a liberating space for students to self-exploration, holding the potential to spark genuine transformation.
Damithia also holds a steady and firm mindset to gradually spread the concept of mindfulness. When talking about the development of Space Between in the future, she mentions, “We should expand that impact where we already are, rather than seeking to move into new places and spaces, which will happen naturally.”
When talking about mindfulness, Damithia points out it has been sort of usurped and commodified these days. “It is not necessarily getting anything. It's more like an uncovering of what's already available to us if we allow ourselves the time to sit with ourselves.” ‘Presence' is what she repeatedly emphasizes when discussing mindfulness. Mindfulness strengthens our ability to perceive reality through various methods and sensory stimulation like sitting, insight meditation and breathing practices, thereby enhancing our capacity to stay present to the truth that already exists.
Initially drawn to teaching through yoga and its associated mindfulness practices, she recognized the profound impact these practices could have, especially on young people. Having worked in school for almost 20 years, she recognizes there is too much focus on academics and the rigors of productivity instead of well-being and emotional intelligence. In face of the tension within the school setting to improve such situations, Damithia chooses to bring mindfulness to the youth and be of service to them in their educational journey.
In her extensive experience within education, Damithia found herself profoundly moved by the transformative impact of mindfulness. "Reflecting on my journey," she expressed, "it's truly remarkable to witness the power of mindfulness practice." In a classroom of 30 kids, whether it looks like they're doing exactly what everyone else is doing, they are all trying to connect to themselves in their own unique ways. In the school where there's a sense of control and direction, mindfulness practices offer a liberating space for students to self-exploration, holding the potential to spark genuine transformation.
Damithia also holds a steady and firm mindset to gradually spread the concept of mindfulness. When talking about the development of Space Between in the future, she mentions, “We should expand that impact where we already are, rather than seeking to move into new places and spaces, which will happen naturally.”
