VOICES FROM THE COMMUNITY
The Practice in their Words
These reflections come from people I've had the privilege of practicing alongside for several years—through courses, Sangha gatherings, mentoring, retreats, and the changing circumstances of our lives.
Carol Cano, M.A.
Founder, Executive Director and
Lead Teacher of Braided Wisdom
Imee’s fierce heart and commitment to the practice of mindfulness as a practitioner and a teacher is unwavering.
Her ability to take the practice of mindfulness off the cushion and into life is transformative action of right livelihood. It’s always an honor to have such a dedicated spirit on the path to relieving suffering for others, as well as, teaching the value of self-care as a radical and necessary practice of overcoming the challenges of being human at this juncture in history.
Tara Brach, Ph.D.
Psychologist, Author, Meditation Teacher,
co-founder of Insight Meditation Washington D.C.
I am really touched by the deep wounding of Imee's past, and the healing grace of the dharma. Even more, by the shining spirit within her that endured so much, and continues to become more radiant. I trust that wherever she is, she will bring the light of dharma.
Larry Yang
Psychologist, Author, Meditation Teacher,
co-founder of East Bay Meditation Center
Imee is one manifestation of that breadth of the Dharma that we had hoped for. Deep gratitude for her offerings and service on this collective journey to greater freedom for us all.
Gina Sharpe
Meditation Teacher,
co-founder of New York Insight Meditation Center
Thank you for the service you offer and all of the ways in which you will share what has moved and inspired you. To imagine the expanding circles that will benefit is indeed a joy and occasion for celebration.
Rick Hanson, Ph.D.
New York Times Best Selling Author, Psychologist, Meditation Teacher
Imee is truly a special person. She is a deep practitioner with a deep practice.
She is a truly exceptional, wonderful, soulful, wise, conscious being.
Michael de Leon
Mature Student
London, England,
I was fortunate enough to meet Imee about three years ago when I had just completed the Power of Awareness course without a Mentor. It was a new beginning.
Imee invited me warmly into her POA group and has greatly inspired me with her guided meditations, her wisdom, dedication, inspirational and insightful contributions.
It is a privilege to have her in my life and I am thankful to her for enriching it. We have become friends and I value the musical contribution she made at the celebration of my 100th birthday a short while ago.
Hanne van Asten
Mindfulness Teacher and Filmmaker
London, England
Our weekly Sangha — guided and held by Imee — is among the most precious moments of my week. The space Imee creates is one where we all belong, where we can practise together, and share and listen from the heart.
It is always full of warmth and love, embracing life as it is, with all its beauty and its raw edges. From the moment I joined the Sangha, I never wanted to miss a single gathering - even though I have to sometimes - because the wonderful people in it have come to feel like family.
Thank you for everything Imee. True connection is such a gift and you are sharing this with all of us in abundance. You inspire me and I feel blessed to be part of this beautiful Sangha.
Jackie Aguilar
Mindfulness Teacher
United States
Imee was one of my favorite mentors during the Power of Awareness course. Her joyful spirit, warmth, and genuine love for mindfulness inspired me and played an important part in my decision to join the MMTCP. Although she is not my MMTCP mentor, she continues to generously offer support and guidance whenever needed. She also offered our sangha a course on friendship and the foundations of Buddhism, and for those of us who joined, she lovingly continued teaching and guiding us for an entire year. Her sanghas are warm and welcoming, and over time our group has come to feel like a little family. I am deeply grateful for Imee’s kindness, generosity, and the light she continues to bring to my journey.
Wendy Koh
Life Coach, Mindfulness Teacher
Singapore
My two years journey on the Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification programme wouldn’t have been deep, meaningful, powerful, evolutionary, fun if not for Imee’s guidance, mentoring and coaching. She was kind, caring, accepting, generous, masterful in the way she created a safe space for my peers – 6 of us from 6 different countries, background and culture coming together, learning and growing together. We felt a sense of connection and belonging straight away. There was so much open communication, love and laughter in all our sessions. She gave us very clear and direct feedback on areas of improvements. Whenever I experience difficulties and sought her guidance, I’ve never felt judged, and she gracefully guided me to a workable / satisfying outcome. In a nutshell, I am so glad that I chose her as my MMTCP mentor from hundreds of other mentors. In future, I look forward to future engagements and participations with her.
Catherine Hills
Meditation Teacher,
Founder of Mindfulness Australia and Heart Mind Coach
Australia
Imee has been a role model to me as a result of her mentorship as part of my Mindfulness and Meditation Teacher Certification Program experience. Imee is a Dharma teacher and has guided us through the 2 year program with grace, compassion and wisdom. I'm grateful to have found Imee and to be on a journey with her. Her instruction has been clear, practical, kind and it is clear she derives great joy from seeing her students develop. No mud, no lotus.
Alicia Anderson
Meditation Teacher
United States
I feel so lucky to have had Imee as my mentor throughout MMTCP. She's so good at creating a space that feels sacred and protected, where you can really allow yourself to get quiet, and take time to explore the different mindfulness teachings and figure out how to relate to the teaching in your real life, and how you can teach the lesson in a really authentic way. Also, she always has a bright smile on her face and I truly enjoy every moment of her guidance.
Danielle Chandler
Meditation Teacher
United States
I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have had Imee as a mentor during my two-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program, which was a transformative program that was profoundly enriched by Imee's leadership and guidance. From the very first session together, Imee created a safe and nurturing environment allowing everyone in the group to explore our own path with confidence and find our unique voice. She embodies the qualities of mindfulness that she teaches and her stories and insights encouraged us to reflect on our own journeys, deepening our own connection with the practices. Imee's guidance went beyond the curriculum and she fostered a strong sense of community and belonging among the group members. Her feedback was constructive and uplifting and her encouragement has inspired me to share the gift of these teachings with others. Thank you Imee for your unwavering support! Your impact will resonate for years to come!
Nina Bogdan
Meditation Teacher
United States
For two years, I had the privilege of being mentored by Imee, and I am deeply grateful for her wisdom, humor, and authenticity.
She guided with kindness, met me with clarity, and made learning feel natural and transformative.
Imee has a rare gift for making ancient wisdom feel both accessible and deeply personal.
Her ability to weave humor into deep teachings made the path feel less like hard work and more like an adventure—one where even the stumbles were worth smiling about.
Her mentorship wasn’t just about mindfulness—it was about embodying it in everyday life. With warmth and realness, she created space for growth, turning challenges into opportunities for insight.
Her presence, both grounding and inspiring, continues to shape my journey.
Thank you Imee!
PRACTICING TOGETHER OVER TIME
Years of practice.
Across countries. In community.
Some of these friendships in practice have continued for years—across countries, time zones, changing circumstances, and the ordinary unfolding of our lives.
“If you have the opportunity
to learn with Imee,
you should grab it
with both hands.”
Katja
England, UK
"Imee is one of the warmest, most wise and insightful teachers I have known. Her kindness and generosity have helped me so much over the years on my path towards peace and I am ever grateful for her presence in my life. If you have the opportunity to learn with Imee, you should grab it with both hands!"
What can I say about Imee Contreras? Imee is not only a deeply devoted practitioner—she embodies what she teaches. She lives by the principles of protecting life, generosity, wise stewardship of her energy, honesty, and being mindful of what she takes into her mind and body. Her teaching is grounded in this foundation of ethics, not simply as something to understand, but as something to live. She has spent years in deep practice, retreat, study, and training with monks, physicians, scientists, and teachers. She brings an extraordinarily stable presence to her work, along with a depth of wisdom that is difficult to put into words. But I can only truly speak from my own direct experience. Imee has guided me through some of the most difficult and transformative seasons of my life: divorce, depression, chronic illness, loss and death, new relationships, new beginnings, and endings. Through all of it, she has held space for me with extraordinary care, steadiness, honesty, and wisdom—continually guiding me back toward the possibility of freedom and the path of liberation. Imee doesn’t simply teach mindfulness. She lives it. I am eternally grateful for her presence in my life, for her wisdom, and for all that she offers to this world. Jose Perez Florida, USA
Imee’s wisdom and insights into the Dharma and the teachings have been truly remarkable and profoundly transformative for me. I am grateful to have met Imee in person and shared lunch with her. It was an awesome experience for me; and gave me an even deeper appreciation of her authenticity. Imee is the real deal. I am also proud of my Filipino roots. Thank you to Imee for sharing stories of the resilience, wisdom and warmth of our Filipino culture with our sangha community. Lilibeth Merrilees VIC, Australia
I've had the good fortune of knowing Imee as both a personal mentor and community facilitator for over three years now. What stands out most is her balance: she holds the Dhamma with real depth and yet always finds a way to weave it into the practical, everyday parts of life. You can feel her knowledge and experience of the Dhamma in how she answers a question or offers guidance. She holds our community with genuine warmth and care, but she's never afraid to name what isn't working or to help us repair things if there's a rupture. That combination of tenderness and honesty is rare, and it's part of what makes the Sangha feel like a safe place to grow. On a personal level, Imee feels like a friend, but also a steady, wise presence I know I can turn to when life gets messy and I need guidance on the path. Chitra India
Having sat with Imee's online Sangha for over 3 years, I experience Imee's teachings as shining with generosity, warmth, humor and above all, care. Her heartfelt presence offers a space that holds joy and grief equally, creating room for it all, which has offered me a bright light in some tumultuous times. She welcomes everyone, while gently creating a space for our community to grow and evolve as it will, without asking it to become something specific. Her light touch and easy laugh belie the depth and layers inside her teachings-- just keep listening! Kate R Maine, USA
Imee brings deep presence and her vibrant, loving heart to every interaction. She facilitates in a way that helps people to feel safe and valued just the way they are and enables them to connect with their hearts and with each other. Imee skillfully brings the dharma to life in our everyday experiences whilst also supporting people to explore and express their own growing awareness. Jane Backhouse Australia
Imee teaches the dharma in a way that is easy to understand and connect with. She has a spontaneous and playful presence allowing for ease, yet her guided meditations can touch and heal deeply. Evelyn Sweden
I joined Imee lead sangha when I was in Power of Awareness course 3 years ago and deeply touched by such alive and solid mindful practice. We witness each other and support each other. Sherry China
I have been fortunate to have Imee as one of my most important mentors on my continuing path to awakening. She is a truly gifted and highly skilled mindfulness meditation facilitator and teacher. Besides having a deep understanding of the Dharma, Imee has that remarkable and rare combination of authenticity, presence, practical wisdom, inclusiveness and loving kindness. Alex Australia
I met Imee as a mentor on The Power of Awareness course, and have been with her since. I so enjoy Imee’s deep wisdom in her dharma teachings, her guiding prompts that open our hearts and minds gently, so we gain new perspectives of our inner workings, outer actions, relationships with others. Meet suffering with compassion. Her touch is warm, light, graceful, and creates in our group gatherings a nurturing space that opens a door for me to connect with my authentic, wiser, caring self in my daily life. It gifts me a real felt sense of belonging, trust and joy. Imee brings a steady practice to us, to commit to love ourselves, all beings, Gaia, be touched. Petra England, UK
