Music Therapist teaches piano for beginners and intermediate level in Edmond, Oklahoma

Find out more about Laura

• How long have you been interested in the field of well-being and are you practicing?

  I started learning about music at the age of 3, so working with our inner world, with music, learning about our emotions and the workings of the mind were always part of my interests. I started my formal training in therapy in 2014, while pursuing my studies of Masters in Music Therapy and later on a Masters degree in Mindfulness. The more I worked with people of different backgrounds, in different stages of their lives and even different cultures, the more I realized the importance of the foundation of human life: looking for well-being and genuine happiness and avoiding suffering.
  
  That's why I'm passionate about helping others in the journey of self-discovery, training their minds to their benefit and establishing an unshakeable core of peace, openness and joy.

• Tell us what your discipline can bring to people's lives.

  When we befriend ourselves and befriend our mind, life improves in all areas: our physicalm, mental, emotional and social health improve. We make decisions in our best interest.
  The most important relationship in our lives is the one with ourselves. That's why making sure we get to know ourselves deeply is crucial if we want to live a life aligned with our values and aspirations, if we want to enjoy thriving relationships and feel fully equipped to deal with whatever life brings.
  
  With the practice of meditation, integrating mindfulness, compassion and developing inner-strength, we can become the best version of ourselves.

• Could you provide some instant top tips to help us feel good in body and mind?

  My top tip is to make sure we include a mindful check-in break during the day. All it takes is to:
  STOP what we are doing and look within
  OBSERVE the state of our body, mind and emotions
  OPEN to the present experience, while taking deep breaths
  ENGAGE, fully embodied, so you can continue the rest of your day feeling grounded
  
  Another great tip is to do something kind for yourself and someone else every single day. Even if it's something small, like offering a smile, talking to yourself with gentleness or listening deeply when someone is talking to you. Small actions add up and make a difference,

• How would you describe your method as a practitioner?

  My approach is integrative and holistic. I'm convinced that in order to work with our mind, achieve peace, increase focus and feel at ease, we need to address other areas of our life, such as our daily habits and environment.
  
  I provide a safe, comforting and welcoming environment in my lessons, but I also challenge students to grow in areas they may need to.
  My goal is to give you access to as many resources as possible, so you are self-reliant and capable to continue your own journey after our time together comes to an end.

• With experience, are there things you have learned or unlearned about yourself or others?

  What I've learned as years have passed is that everything is impermanent. This gives us the opportunity to appreciate and cherish all the beautiful things life has to offer, but also find comfort when circumstances are unpleasant.
  Everything changes, including ourselves, which is a wonderful discovery, because it means we are responsible and accountable for our life, but we also have all the power and the possibility to consciously choose the direction in which we want to move in life.
  
  Every person has that potential: to improve, to let go and to help others.

• Do you have a role model, a person who really inspired you?

  My first role model is and has been my mother. She is the most caring, compassionate, kind and resourceful person I've met and been raised by her meant learning to think of others from a young age; learning to empathize, to put oneself in someone's else's shoes and learning that kindness goes a long way.
  
  During the years my own teachers have been a great inspiration, especially Lama Rinchen, who has done a great job in bringing meditation teachings in their purest form to the Spanish speaking community.

• How do you personally relax; what methods work for you?

  Nature and animals are a great comfort for me, as well as reading, spending time with my loved ones and enjoying wonderful music and films.
  
  But what makes the greatest difference is meditating on a regular basis and practicing informal mindfulness during the day, because it makes me less reactive and more flexible to face whatever I may encounter.

• Tell us about a memorable lesson

  One of my favorite lessons was the final sessions with a group of kids that had been learning about mindfulness and music. They all got together to record their music, feeling like a community, beyond any physical illness or differences in their age and upbringing. In the midst of uncertainty and suffering, the light of kindness and interconnectedness shone brighter than the sun.