Shannon van Staden
Co-Founder Mindfulness Journeys
Yoga Teacher | Sound Healer

Shannon van Staden is Co-Founder of Mindfulness Journeys. Shannon is a certified Yoga Alliance Teacher, Crystal Bowl Sound Healer and Chi Nei Tsang Healer. She teaches Hatha, Gentle Flow, Yin and Restorative Yoga. She is passionate about wellbeing, living mindfully, eco travel, good food and learning to play the bass. Born and raised in South Africa, Shannon has lived in London, New York, France and is now based in Brussels. You might find her travelling the globe in search of unique, beautiful places for our retreats.

Dedicated to teaching, care and well being

Shannon practices yoga and meditation daily and has a strong foundation of meditation training. She is enthusiastic to share wellbeing practices to help students feel better. With a background in fashion, styling, interiors and luxury travel, she is especially adept at creating retreat ambiences of style and simplicity. Her experience as a leader of an international retreat centre coupled with her expeditions with National Geographic and management with Singita Luxury Safaris, explains the magic Shannon brings to retreat with fine attention to detail. Our guests needs are never too big or too small.

Lama Brian Hilliard
Co-Founder Mindfulness Journeys
Lead Meditation Teacher

At 18 years old Lama Brian Hilliard received life-changing teachings from the Tibetan master, Chőgyam Trungpa Rinpoche. He completed advanced training seminaries including Ngedon School, Nitartha Institute and Vajradhatu seminaries under Tibetan masters. After many years of study, teaching and training, Lama Brian completed the traditional Tibetan three-year retreat. He has taught meditation in business and retreat centres for over 35 years. Lama Brian teaches beginning and advanced students meditation for everyday life as well as tibetan yoga. He was born in Connecticut, USA and is now based in Europe, having established a retreat centre in Umbria, Italy. Lama Brian is passionate about studying, cooking, enjoys running, playing accordion and ukelele, Italia, yoga and travel.

Teaching Style - Care and Expertise

Lama Brian Hilliard gently and expertly guides beginners and experienced meditators through the steps on the path of meditation. He provides many opportunities to build on strengths and let go of weaknesses. With humour and precision, Lama Brian invites students to explore connection with themselves through gentle and profound guidance. As a group leader he encourages warm and friendly interaction. He creates a safe atmosphere that sparks learning and increases personal enjoyment. Lama Brian places special emphasis on bringing meditation practice into daily life. Students confidently align themselves with new goals and aspirations based on their personal experience from the profound teachings shared by Lama Brian.