Gemma Chandan is a senior Finance professional who has worked in various industries and multicultural environments. It was several years ago when she faced burnout, stress and anxiety that led her to explore methods of managing well-being. It was a mix of regular meditation practice and yoga that led her to recovery. It was the benefits of a changed outlook in managing day-to-day life stress that led her to commit to sharing the practice for collective wellbeing. She is a qualified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher having undergone a 2-year program. Gemma self-identifies as Queer and a Person of Colour. She aspires to create a container of courage and care for all communities nurturing resilient well-being.
An Interview with Gemma
What do you enjoy about working at Swinburne?
The diversity! Every time I have been on campus, my experience has been beautifully different. First time I visited the Multi Faith Centre was on Harmony Day. The warmth of diverse cultures filled my heart. Hygge event in May was so much fun. There is something happening all the time creating a wonderful sense of community and belonging.
What are some of your best memories of Swinburne or some of your greatest achievements here?
One of my best memories is the Hygee event that the Student Life team ran in May. Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish concept used to describe a way of thinking and approach to life, and the appreciation of the special moments that come as a part of this. The Node was transformed into Hygee Haven with chill out spaces with gratitude board, mindful colouring and areas to chat & connect. We ran our first mindfulness session at this event. It was wonderful to see students pause from the day to day and connect with their breath.
What are you doing outside of work that we might also enjoy?
I love my morning walking meditation followed by chai and journalling before I start the day. On the weekends you will find me building Lego with my girls. I have my own botanical garden lego set waiting to be created. I have just finished listening to Susan Cain’s book Bittersweet. It is a beautiful book about our collective truth of longing based on the premise where there is dark, there is light. When I am not doing any of the ‘usual stuff’, you will find me bird and tree watching.
Gemma runs mindfulness sessions and is available for 1 on 1 bookings too. Mindfulness sessions run online on Fridays at 2pm during semester. Click here to see upcoming mindfulness sessions or to book in a meeting with her.
