About The Centre for Western Mindfulness

The Centre for Western Mindfulness

The Centre for Western Mindfulness exists to make the wisdom of awareness and mindfulness accessible and practical for modern life. We train and support facilitators who guide others to see the subconscious stories shaping their lives and help them reconnect with presence, clarity, and inner freedom. By combining ancient wisdom with contemporary insights, the Centre offers a grounded pathway for personal transformation and mindful service to others.

About the Centre

Who We Are

We are a community devoted to bringing mindfulness into everyday life. We imagine a world where more people live awake: aware of the patterns, the pain, and the conditioning that shape them. From this expanded awareness comes the recognition that we always have a choice. A choice to meet ourselves, others, and the planet with kindness, rather than the habitual reactivity that deepens suffering. This recognition is where freedom from suffering begins.

What We Do

The Centre for Western Mindfulness was founded by Russell Sturgess in 2009 to provide a framework for people to both experience and facilitate the Pathways to Mindfulness (PTM) program. PTM is a structured, mentoring process that makes the inner journey practical and accessible. It helps people notice the stories running their lives, develop clarity, and discover freedom in presence.

At the Centre, we teach people how to facilitate the PTM program when working with clients. These facilitators learn to hold safe space, listen with depth, and guide others gently back to what truly matters: awareness, choice, and loving-kindness.

Meet the Team

Owner & Principal

Russell Sturgess

Russell has devoted over thirty-five years to being a spiritual mentor, author, and educator, leading individuals on a timeless journey toward inner peace while assisting them in incorporating this essence into their everyday lives. He is the founder and principal of The Centre for Western Mindfulness and the creator behind the Pathways to Mindfulness and A Map for Transcendence programs.

Director & Instructor

Tegan Cannell

With over a decade of dedicated experience as a Western Mindfulness Supervisor and PTM Facilitator, Tegan has cultivated a profound understanding of Russell’s Pathways to Mindfulness and A Map for Transcendence programs. Additionally, Tegan holds the position of Director at The Centre for Western Mindfulness, where she actively supports Russell’s vision and mission to foster a more conscious world.

Our Purpose & Invitation

Why We’re Here

The Centre exists to create a pathway for authentic personal transformation.

Because suffering is part of being human, and without awareness it is often avoided or numbed.
Because meaningful change cannot come from quick fixes, but through a commitment to presence.
Because when individuals live with greater awareness, their relationships and communities are enriched.
Because every person deserves the opportunity to live with more clarity, fulfilment and joy.

Are You Ready?

If this vision resonates with you...

If you feel called to support others not through authority, but through your own lived experience…
If you are seeking meaningful work—sometimes challenging, always rewarding…
If you believe that enhanced awareness and living mindfully can transform lives…

…then becoming a PTM Facilitator may be one of the most fulfilling steps you ever take.

Tell Me More

What People Say

"I am eternally grateful for the mentoring I have received from Russell. I have a much better understanding of why I react to the things I do. Russell has given me the tools to consistently respond from a place of love. Love for myself, love for others, and love for the planet. If peace is your highest priority - Russell will help light your path to that peace. Committing to his teachings has been one of the best investments I have made towards self realization. Make the commitment with Russell, you will not be disappointed."