National Mindfulness Day: Interview with Mindfulness Coach Veronica Moya
September 12 marks 2024’s National Mindfulness Day and Argentinian-born NYC-based empathic mindfulness teacher and children’s meditation coach Veronica Moya is gearing up for the occasion by launching a brand-new online course-which is available in English and Spanish — and is designed to help kids and their adult caregivers mellow out together.
An expert at guided meditation, Veronica understands the importance and benefits of breathing exercises and meditations to start the day, wind down, tackling anxiety, build confidence and much more. Specifically, Veronica touts mindfulness as a useful daily tool for self-regulation and self-understanding. Moreover, Veronica advocates for people to cultivate a daily meditation practice to become more emotionally strong and assertive individuals. Veronica has been a member of the Children’s Media Association for more than 25 years; she also has a background in education and musical theater and experience teaching at Columbia University, The Omega Institute, The ARE of NY, The Metacenter and Exhale Yoga, among others.
Veronica recently discussed meditation and more via an exclusive interview.
Meagan Meehan (MM): What got you interested in meditation and what are its greatest benefits that you wish more people knew about?
Veronica Moya (VM): What got me interested in meditation and in teaching it, is to see so many people who are struggling and suffering in the world only because they never discovered the infinite potential that they have inside. Meditation allows us to tap into one’s potential for greatness. We are so conditioned to look outside for solutions that we are missing out on golden opportunities. By going within a person can achieve true happiness. One learns to quiet the chatter outside and master the art of self-reliance and high achievement. This is what all the great achievers of our time have used.
MM: How did your childhood in Argentina influence your interest in mediation?
VM: Luckily, I was born very aware of myself and especially of my origin. I always remember where I came from (the nonphysical) which is great because this helped me not to take myself too seriously. Going within was always my refuge. From an early age I found comfort being with myself and trusting my “inner knowing” at the time of making decisions.
MM: You now live in New York City, so how much of a culture shock was it to move here?
VM: I moved to NYC in 2001 and my move here was very organic and extra smooth. I think I was meant to be here. I would be lying if I said that I encountered any hardship coming here. Sure, there was a bit of cultural learning that took place. For instance, where I am from there are no races, no colors, no religions. We all pretty much look the same, dress the same, act the same way. Here, in NYC of course we co-exist with absolutely every culture of the world. I learned to appreciate and enjoy different types of foods, fashion, and music. It’s been an absolute blessing. I wish everyone had the opportunity to live here for at least a year. This city really enriches you in a way that cannot be explained verbally. You have to live it.
MM: How, if at all, do perceptions of meditation differ between Argentina and America?
VM: I think meditation is universal now. We all know of the many benefits of the practice.
MM: How did you get into teaching meditation?
VM: My teachings are based on my own personal experience, of course. I was a precocious child. I was able to perceive things that I was NOT able to talk about. Articulating my thoughts or feelings didn’t come easy. I felt I would be judged or misunderstood if I expressed my thoughts. I did have a rather unconventional way of thinking. This is why it is very important for me to help other children express their truth and their feelings freely and assertively. I want them to truly feel that they GOT THIS! Life in the human world can be a fun adventure. I want them to know that they will always land on their feet, everything will be okay. This world was created for their benefit and they are the creators.
MM: What prompted you to start classes for kids and adults?
VM: I started teaching meditation because it really pains me to see so many people living unhappy and unbalanced lives only because they have not been given this information earlier in life. Introducing mindfulness and encouraging a relationship with Spirit from an early age can improve the quality of our adult life.
MM: Can you tell us a bit more about this upcoming online course that you’re launching?
VM: Sure! I created a Mindfulness course designed to be used in the classrooms. It’s a series of 9 videos of about 9 minutes each. The teachers are prompted to pause the video and do the exercises with the class. The course is very interactive and it is designed to open the lines of communication between the teacher and the students. This empowers the teachers with new information about their children. I’ve done this class in person in many, many different classrooms and I am always fascinated at the responses I get. It is almost magical. The children feel inclined to speak about their feelings and they share things that we wouldn’t have known otherwise. This gives the teacher a new perspective and increased empathy for the class.
MM: What are your ultimate career goals?
VM: One of my goals is to open a Self-help Center for children. A place where they can practice mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and develop their minds to achieve confidence, assertiveness and real happiness in life.
MM: Is there anything else that you would like to mention?
VM: Yes, my company is going through a makeover at the moment. We will be launching my new Youtube show “Mindful V”. New logo, new look. And I am creating a series of new videos for children 6 to 12 years old.
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To learn more about Veronica, follow her on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@VeronicaMoya