Welcome

Debbie Early, PhD (facilitator of the 4 week Mindfulness for Pain Relief Series)  is a certified mindfulness meditation teacher with a background in bio-medical science.  She has taught, and contributed to, various health and well-being programs overseas and locally, including being guest and adjunct lecturer at Drexel and West Chester Universities (USA), respectively. She has also taught in Australia and in the '90s she held an honorary research position at Imperial College, UK. Debbie is a compassionate, knowledgeable, and insightful self-healer having personal experience of how mindfulness provides a way to reduce the stress and suffering associated with pain.

I'm often asked how I came to offer what I do? 

In 2018 I was booked to hike a back-country, sectional of the Appalachian Trail, USA. As a result of an accident a month before I had to cancel due to suffering extreme pain from two herniated disks in my spine; I was unable to walk or to use my arm. I was told by my orthopedic doctor to prepare for the worst – possible surgery and perhaps a lifetime of pain. I was very concerned about paralysis and was housebound for almost a year. I had birthed my son (9lb 3oz) without pain medications, but this was  something else. Many times, I didn’t know if I could make it. "I know what it is to experience pain" and can relate to some of your own suffering, grief and loss.

Mindfulness, mindful movement, nature connection and physical therapy  saved me and were critical to my recovery. In 2021 I became a certified YTT200 and now live off-grid on one of New Zealand’s most scenic hiking trails, the Queen Charlotte Track. I am keen to share what I have learnt both professionally and through lived experience.