Laura Smith Wellbeing

About Laura Smith Wellbeing

Finding Steadiness

With so much stress and uncertainty around us, it’s easy to feel isolated and unmoored.

Now more than ever, we need space to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves, each other, and the world—so we can find equilibrium and move through life with more clarity and compassion.

Wellbeing helps us find balance and stay true to what’s most important.

Approach

I teach meditation and mindfulness. I also offer mentoring and body-centered inquiry services for individuals, workplaces, and groups.

My work is designed to support personal and professional growth, as well as emotional resilience.

I teach with a personalized approach rooted in evidence-based research, proven practices, and various wisdom traditions.

I also incorporate movement and other modalities as additional pathways for discovery.

This dimensional approach can help you find your own North Star—so you can connect with your goals and with the larger meaning and rhythms of life.

Philosophy

Wellbeing means different things to different people.

Here, it's about self-awareness and connection.

By cultivating awareness of your body, thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, you can move through life with more ease and purpose.

Deepening your connection with yourself helps you develop better relationships with others and the world around you.

Wellbeing begins with recognizing and accepting what is true for you, without judgment or comparison.

From there, you can make more intentional choices and respond to challenges with greater skill and resilience.

Services

Individuals

Groups and Classes

Individuals

I help people access their own inner guidance to navigate changes, move through stuck places, and release what no longer serves. Whether you're facing challenges with work, relationships, health, self-worth, grief, or something else, I can help you explore your experience with curiosity and compassion—so you can move forward in a way that feels true to you.

Workplaces

Groups and Classes

Individuals

Mindfulness creates a more humane and dignified work environment. It’s not just about productivity—it’s also about fostering wellbeing in spaces where people spend a significant part of their lives. I offer customized mindfulness training programs, workshops, beginners’ seminars, meditation challenges,

and more.

Groups and Classes

Classes and small groups help people learn to meditate, reduce stress, cultivate compassion, connect with nature, and improve communication. We practice mindfulness, meditation, movement, and creative exercises to explore topics like gratitude, impermanence, aging, perfectionism, and addiction. These offerings foster community and respect diverse ways of learning.

about me

I started meditating in 2005 when my life came unglued and I needed to make some big changes.

It took me a while (okay, years) to develop a mindfulness practice. I was skeptical, defensive, harassed by a fierce inner critic, and convinced I didn’t belong. Anywhere. But I kept showing up.

Over time, I grew more willing to sit with discomfort, to meet myself with kindness, to trust the inner wisdom that emerged. Meditation isn't a magic fix, but it gave me tools to move through life with more insight, resilience and humor.

I spent 30 years in the nonprofit sector, holding senior executive positions and working extensively with federal and state government. I integrated mindfulness into leadership, fundraising and professional development services, and now have 10 years of teaching experience.

I collaborate with other teachers, artists, therapists, researchers and healers to offer diverse perspectives and practices and to create supportive spaces for learning, reflection and growth.

My spouse and I live in Maryland with our two rescue kitties. I write, knit, garden with native plants, stargaze, and watch local wildlife. I love hanging out with family and friends, reading, and going to museums. I want to learn Spanish and dream of camping in every national park.

Certifications & Education

Certified Mindfulness Teacher-Professional Level (CMT-P), issued by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association, 2021-current

Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program (MMTCP), 2019-2021. Senior teachers: Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Mentor: Sebene Selassie (completion of this two-year program qualified me for the CMT-P designation)

Certified Workplace Mindfulness Facilitator (CWMF), issued by Mindful Leader, 2022-current

Guided Embodied Inquiry Teacher Training, 2023-2024. Senior teachers: Stan Eisenstein and Cynthia Wilcox

Trained in basic trauma-informed mindfulness approaches, integrating awareness of safety, choice and regulation. Teacher: David Treleaven

Completed two eight-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) courses and am proficient in applying MBSR foundational concepts and techniques

Member of the MMTCP Alumni Association, 2022-present (for continuing education)

Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), issued by CFRE International, 2005- 2026

Master of Arts, Liberal Studies, Georgetown University (interdisciplinary studies in theology, literature, art and philosophy to explore the question of what it means to live a good life)

Bachelor of Arts, English, University of Minnesota

TESTIMONIALS

Mary w, attorney - Virginia

COLLEEN S, MUSEUM DIRECTOR - MINNESOTA

Melanie L, UX Designer - California

I sporadically tried meditation classes over the years and every time I left one, I had the same thought - I can’t meditate, I don’t understand it and I don’t like it. Laura has done the unthinkable and turned me into a person who regularly meditates and has a deep appreciation for the practice.

Melanie L, UX Designer - California

COLLEEN S, MUSEUM DIRECTOR - MINNESOTA

Melanie L, UX Designer - California

Laura has a soothing voice, is an engaging presenter, and approaches her role with great humility. She’s not some unreachable guru—she’s a fellow traveler on the mindfulness path. This creates a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can feel comfortable exploring and growing from any starting point.

COLLEEN S, MUSEUM DIRECTOR - MINNESOTA

Matt D, Corporate Strategist - Washington, DC

I’ve participated in Laura's classes on seasonal changes—the solstices, the equinoxes, and the New Year. She shares historical and cultural knowledge as a prelude to asking questions about what we need now. She creates a welcoming space—even on Zoom—where everyone feels comfortable. Her guidance has helped to center me during some major life transitions.

Matt D, Corporate Strategist - Washington, DC

Laura’s curiosity draws people in, encouraging them to learn and grow alongside her. Her classes are well researched, with both educational and practical elements. Her approach is casual, though clearly very organized. While she sets intentions for each session, she adjusts to the "feel" of the class.

Mark S, Public Art Manager - California

Matt D, Corporate Strategist - Washington, DC

Mark S, Public Art Manager - California

Through Laura's guided meditation classes I have developed a gratitude and calmness that I can introduce into any stressful work week.

MB, Therapist - Virginia

Matt D, Corporate Strategist - Washington, DC

Mark S, Public Art Manager - California

I have attended Laura's meditation classes for nearly a year. Her depth of knowledge, cross-cultural/historical perspectives and gentle spirit make it a time I look forward to each season. I leave each session feeling grounded, connected and uplifted to myself, the group and Spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

1. What is mindfulness, and how can it help me?
Mindfulness is the evidence-based practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress, increase self-awareness, strengthen focus, improve emotional regulation, and promote wellbeing.

2. Are mindfulness and meditation the same thing?

No. Mindfulness is about being present and aware of what’s happening in any given moment without judgment or commentary. You can practice mindfulness anytime, anywhere—while walking, eating, working, even while talking. It’s about being more aware of whatever you’re doing.

Meditation is intentional practice designed to cultivate mindfulness. Through meditation, you develop the capacity to observe your thoughts, emotions, and sensations with clarity and curiosity and without judgment. (Getting off your own back is so important.) Meditation practices enhance the ability to be present and aware in daily life.

3. What is somatic inquiry?

Somatic inquiry, also called body-centered inquiry, connects mind and body to explore emotions and beliefs held within. By tuning into physical sensations and the 'felt sense,' we can access subconscious patterns that shape our lives. In one-on-one sessions, I help people connect with their inner guidance to explore and unwind areas where they feel stuck. This practice can be deeply healing and insightful.

4. Is meditation suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! Meditation is for everyone, regardless of experience level. I offer personalized sessions that help beginners develop the skills needed to integrate mindfulness into their daily lives.

5. What can I expect during a session?
You can expect a combination of guided mindfulness practices, body awareness exercises, and time for discussion and reflection. Sessions are tailored to your goals: stress reduction, personal growth, spiritual exploration, emotional balance, pain management, or whatever you would like to work on.

6. How long does it take to experience the benefits of mindfulness and meditation?
Some people feel ease right away, but the full benefits—such as improved focus, reduced stress, more compassion, more equanimity—become more evident with consistent practice over time.

Workplace Mindfulness FAQs

1. How can mindfulness benefit my workplace?
Mindfulness helps employees navigate stress by providing tools to manage overwhelm, set boundaries and respond rather than react. It helps people reclaim focus and presence in a distracted world, improving work and wellbeing, and reducing burnout. A mindful workplace encourages flexible thinking, leading to better decision-making and more innovation without demanding overwork or perfectionism.

A humane workplace is a space for growth as well as labor—an environment where people can learn, experiment, collaborate, and evolve. Mindfulness supports this by cultivating inquiry, purpose, accountability, and respect for self and others.

2. How can mindfulness improve workplace communication and team dynamics?
Mindfulness fosters active listening, emotional intelligence, empathy, self-regulation, and self-awareness—key skills that support human dignity, better interactions, and more collaborative relationships.

3. What types of workplace programs do you offer?

I offer customized mindfulness programs, including introductory seminars, regular group meditation sessions, stress management workshops, and individual mentoring tailored to the needs of your workplace. I’ll work with you to develop programs or services that fit your budget and help you achieve desired outcomes.

4. Can these practices be done virtually for remote teams?
Yes! Virtual mindfulness sessions and workshops are just as impactful as in-person sessions. These can be scheduled to fit your needs.

5. How much time do workplace mindfulness sessions take?
I offer flexible options, including short 10-20 minute mindfulness breaks, longer 60-minute sessions, or ongoing workshops and trainings. The length is customizable based on your schedule and goals.

FAQs for Individuals

1. Can I receive one-on-one mentoring or sessions?
Yes! I offer personalized one-on-one sessions to address your specific needs, whether you're looking for stress management, emotional balance or healing, or a deeper exploration of your mind-body connection. Sessions are typically 60 minutes, scheduled virtually at a time that works for you.

2. How do I know if this service is right for me?
If you'd like to explore ways to reduce stress, improve mental clarity, manage pain, or cultivate greater self-awareness, working with me could be a great fit. A free consultation will help you determine if this approach aligns with your goals.

2. Is mindfulness practice the same as therapy?
No. Mindfulness practices are good for mental health, but are not the same as psychotherapy and don't replace it. I can help you determine if you need more support and offer referrals.

4. I want to do this, but I am SO busy. Can I really make this a part of my daily life?
Yes! I teach simple practices that can easily become part of daily life. Even just a few moments of mindfulness can help shift your perspective, ease stress, and bring a sense of steadiness to your day. Give it a try, see what it's like!