About
The Dragon Academy
We exist for the people who have tried traditional mindfulness practices and found them difficult to complete or sustain. Those who need to move to think, and those who learn best through movement and play. Our training is in the real world, and we take every moment and movement as chance to train. This is mindfulness grounded in every day experience, designed to allow you to make it work in your context and life.
Our Mission
We’re doing mindfulness differently. Our approach is secular, accessible and rooted in science.. We believe mindfulness should be available to everyone – not just those who can sit still on a cushion. We maintain the integrity of mindfulness based approaches, whilst offering creative and playful ways to learn.
Movement & Creativity
We integrate movement, creativity, and serious play into mindfulness practice - because not everyone learns by sitting still.
Community Wellbeing
We're building a community where people support each other's practice and growth, sharing experiences and learning together.
Accessibility First
We remove barriers to practice - no cushion required, no perfect posture needed. Just you, as you are.
About
Dr Tamara Russell
Tamara’s approach to mindfulness is deeply personal. As someone with ADHD, she found traditional mindfulness practices inaccessible and frustrating. That experience became the foundation for her life’s work: adapting mindfulness for people who don’t fit the traditional mould.
For over 20 years, Tamara has been researching, teaching, and refining mindfulness practices that work in real-world contexts—clinical settings, busy workplaces, schools, and creative communities. Her approach is collaborative, research-informed, and always evolving.
For over 20 years, Tamara has been researching, teaching, and refining mindfulness practices that work in real-world contexts—clinical settings, busy workplaces, schools, and creative communities. Her approach is collaborative, research-informed, and always evolving.
Mindfulness, Done Differently
The Body in Mind Training (BMT) approach was designed for contexts where traditional mindfulness doesn’t fit. BMT combines structure (rooted in mindfulness theory and neuroscience) and flexibility (allowing creativity and innovation). We’ve worked with people in clinical settings, busy organisations, caring roles, education, and creative communities – all places where long, seated practices just don’t work.
Movement & Creativity
Supporting mental health and wellbeing in therapeutic contexts
Organisations
Practical mindfulness for people with demanding schedules
Carers
Self-care practices for those caring for others
Education
Teaching mindfulness to students and educators
Creative Communities
Mindfulness that honors creative expression and play
Neurodivergent
Practices adapted for ADHD and diverse learning styles
How It Works
Getting started is simple. Explore at your own pace, choose what resonates, and connect with community.
Sign into the Sutra Platform
Create your account and access our learning platform where all courses, events, and community resources live.
Explore Free Community Events & Content
Start with our free offerings – community events, introductory content, and taster sessions to get a feel for the approach.
Join Wrigglers Membership
When you’re ready, join our membership community for full access to courses, live sessions, and ongoing support.
Explore Different Ways of Practising
Try different practices, find what works for you, and build a sustainable mindfulness routine that fits your life.
What Makes This Approach Different
Brain-Informed Practices
Our approach is grounded in neuroscience and psychology, designed to work with how your brain actually functions.
Learning Through Movement
We integrate physical movement into practice because many people think and learn better when they're moving.
Creativity & Play
Serious play and creative exploration are central to our approach—learning doesn't have to be solemn.
No Cushion Required
You don't need special equipment or a perfect meditation space. Practice happens in real life, wherever you are.
Supports All Learners
Whether you're a thinking learner or a feeling learner, our practices meet you where you are.
Short & Practical
No hour-long sitting sessions. Our practices are designed to fit into busy, real-world schedules.
The Dragon Way of Life
Being a Dragon Warrior isn’t about perfection – it’s about showing up with intention, curiosity, and gentle persistence. It’s a way of living that honors the connection between body and mind, embraces lifelong learning, and finds practice in everyday moments.
Inner Attitude Over Appearance
It's not about looking the part - it's about cultivating the inner qualities that matter.
Gentle Persistence
Small, consistent steps create lasting transformation. No force required.
Cross-Training Mind, Body, Heart
We train all aspects of ourselves - thinking, feeling, and moving as one.
Everyday Life as Practice
Mindfulness isn't separate from life. It's woven into the fabric of daily living.
Lifelong Learning
There's always more to discover. We stay curious, humble, and open.
Body and Mind as One
We don't separate thinking from feeling, or mind from body. They're inseparable.
The Dragon Way of Life
Real stories from our community
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— Wrigglers Member since 2023
