What is Western Mindfulness?
Western Mindfulness is an approach to conscious, love-centred living grounded in ancient Western wisdom. Between the 12th and 14th centuries, those who lived these teachings were known as bon hommes and bonnes femmes —“the good men and good women”— not as an official title, but because of the unconditional love they embodied.
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At its heart, this wisdom points to what is often called Christ consciousness, not as a religious doctrine, but as a universal state of awareness rooted in love, presence, and unity. Free from the dogma of any religion, it carries a timeless message about the nature of human suffering and our capacity to be free from it.
It reveals that suffering arises through unconscious identification with thought and separation, and it illuminates a practical path toward freedom through awareness, compassion, and conscious living.
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About the Centre
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The Centre for Western Mindfulness was founded by Russell Sturgess in 2009 to offer modern adaptations of this love-centred philosophy through clear, practical frameworks that support inner healing and transformation. At the heart of the Centre’s work is its signature program, Pathways to Mindfulness (PTM).
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Today, the Centre is led by Russell’s daughter, Tegan Cannell, who brings a deep respect for the philosophy and over a decade of experience learning, teaching, and embodying conscious presence.
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Our mission is to support the transformation of human consciousness by training and supporting PTM Facilitators who embody and share the lived experience of mindfulness and awareness.
Through this work, we seek to contribute to a critical mass of people living with greater clarity, compassion, and responsibility, creating a natural ripple effect of healing through families, communities, and society. ​​
Pathways to Mindfulness
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Pathways to Mindfulness (PTM) is a structured and accessible process that supports people to enhance awareness and live mindfully, rather than simply understand mindfulness conceptually. Through guided inquiry and observation, participants learn to recognise the unconscious stories shaping their lives, develop greater clarity, and rediscover a sense of freedom that arises through presence and awareness. Read more >
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PTM Facilitator Training
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Alongside individual transformation, the Centre also trains people to facilitate the Pathways to Mindfulness program in their own work with clients. PTM Facilitators learn how to hold safe, attuned space, listen deeply, and gently guide others back to what truly matters: awareness, conscious choice, and loving-kindness. The emphasis is not on fixing or advising, but on supporting others to reconnect with their own inner intelligence and capacity for insight. Read more >​
About the Founder
​Russell Sturgess is a renowned speaker, thought leader, and industry expert who has been captivating audiences worldwide for more than 30 years. For the past two decades, he has dedicated himself as a spiritual mentor, author, and educator — showing others how to discover inner peace and freedom from suffering by awakening to their true nature.
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From his teens, Russell demonstrated an understanding of agape (unconditional love) that defied his age. Drawing on a lifetime of study, practice, and direct experience, his work weaves together ancient wisdom traditions, Western mysticism, and practical tools for conscious living. His teachings offer a grounded, compassionate map for navigating the soul’s journey from egoic suffering to inner peace and spiritual freedom.
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Russell’s approach is not only intellectual but deeply transformational. Those who work with him often describe a sense of clarity, grace, and “coming home” through his guidance. With gentle yet penetrating insight, he creates space for people to see through the illusions of the ego and reconnect with the essence of who they truly are.
Alongside this, Russell brings more than 50 years of experience as a physical healer, specialising in Bowen Therapy, Osteopathic Massage, and Reflexology.
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