In today’s hyperconnected world, where the pace of work, family and personal commitments often feels relentless, stress has become an almost universal experience. Yet amid the noise, there are leaders quietly reshaping how we approach well-being. One of them is RCC instructor Ann Deschamps, an educator with over 30 years of experience and a mindfulness practitioner for the past 14.
Ann’s journey into mindfulness wasn’t born from theory; it was forged in the fires of personal challenge. In 2010, navigating a painful divorce and an uncertain future, she found herself searching for answers. “I literally googled ‘present moment awareness’ and began exploring mindfulness meditation and techniques,” Ann recalls. What she discovered wasn’t just relief from temporary stress but an enduring toolkit for navigating life’s inevitable challenges.
“We will all experience pain and difficulty at some point in our lives,” Ann says. “Even if things are going okay now, it’s important to have techniques you can use to handle stress more effectively now and in the future.”
Turning Practice Into Purpose
By 2015, Ann’s passion evolved into purpose. After taking a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, she realized she was called not only to practice mindfulness but to teach it. She immersed herself in advanced training at Brown University complemented by rigorous silent retreats, an essential element for anyone guiding others on the mindfulness path.
“It’s not only about degrees,” she explains. “It’s just as much about experience.” Silent retreats, she notes, offer profound opportunities for reflection, clarity and deepening one’s practice. Participants step away from distractions including phones and even conversation, committing to “noble silence” to allow space for insights that rarely surface in everyday life.
For those curious but hesitant, Ann recommends starting small. Shorter retreats, simple exercises or foundational classes can open the door to deeper practice over time.
Why Mindfulness Matters More Than Ever
What sets Ann’s approach apart is her ability to make mindfulness accessible. She emphasizes that you don’t need a meditation cushion or a quiet room to start. You only need your breath.
“Take a deep breath, let the exhale be longer than the inhale and pause for just a few seconds when you’re moving between tasks,” she advises. “That tiny reset can ground you and regulate your system, so you meet the next moment with clarity instead of overwhelm.”
These micro-practices, woven into daily life, build resilience over time. Just as physical exercise keeps the body fit, mindfulness keeps the mind agile, allowing individuals to navigate both everyday stresses and unforeseen crises with greater ease.
Building Community Through Shared Practice
While individual practice is powerful, Ann believes the real magic happens in community. Her weekly Mindfulness Meditation class at RCC Lake Anne isn’t a lecture series. It’s a space for collective exploration. Participants, ranging from recent graduates to retirees, gather each Wednesday evening for guided meditation, shared discussion and practical exercises they can apply during the week. Ann sees herself less as a traditional teacher and more as a facilitator and partner in practice.
“It’s about building a community where people come together, practice together and support each other,” Ann says.
The Bigger Picture: RCC’s Leadership in Wellness
Ann’s work is part of a broader wellness vision at RCC, which offers a diverse slate of fitness, movement, yoga and wellness classes designed to meet people wherever they are on their journey. Whether someone is looking for physical strength, emotional resilience or mindful presence, RCC is helping shape a healthier and more connected community.
For those ready to explore mindfulness in their own lives, Ann’s Mindfulness Meditation class at RCC Lake Anne offers an inviting entry point. Learn more and register today because in a world full of stress, discovering your calm is a leadership move of its own. RCC also offers a wide variety of fitness, movement, wellness and yoga classes.
