We exercise our bodies through walking,
running, swimming, going to the gym, Pilates, etc. We all know the
benefits of physical exercise, we see the results in how we look and
how our clothes fit. We feel the results in increased energy and
strength. But true health is not merely a physical condition. Health is complete well being and balance, physically, mentally, and emotionally.
But how do we exercise, strengthen and increase our mental and emotional energy?
The answer has been around and practiced by
many cultures for over 5000 years. It encompasses a wide range of
spiritual, mental and emotional practices and can lead one to the
achievement of a higher state of consciousness, increased focus,
creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more peaceful, calm and
relaxed state of mind. The answer is meditation.
However, with the hectic pace and stress of today’s society, many feel
tense and anxious. It often seems that there is too much to do and not
enough time to do it. Our stress and fatigue leads to feelings of
discontent, irritation and aggravation. Stress has even been shown to
have negative effects on our physical health. We keep ourselves frazzled and
busy, creating the illusion that there is no time to stop and
relax. But meditation actually gives you more time by helping to create
a calm, peaceful state of mind and increased focus. Meditation can help
you to rise above your stress, and replace it with a sense of balance
and stillness. Meditation can also help in overcoming negative thought
patterns, bringing enlightenment through awareness of thoughts and
positive self-talk.
What is meditation and how does one achieve it?
According to Wikipedia, “Meditation is the art
of mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the
conditioned ‘thinking’ mind into a deeper state of relaxation or
awareness.” But again, for those who have never been taught, how does one reach that state of mind and how do we recognize it when we get there?
Just as when we were children, learning to ride a bike, or read and
write, what seemed to come so easily to those around us was completely
foreign to us. We had learned each of these practices and over time,
perfected it in our own, unique way. It’s unfortunate that in Western
society we are not taught as children to tap into this amazingly
powerful gift that we were all born with, this gift that is stored in
the subconscious mind of each and every one of us. Luckily, it’s never too late! It is my goal to inspire all to learn and practice this timeless art.
If you can daydream, you can meditate! The state of mind that one reaches in meditation is the exact state of mind as in hypnosis, and everyone can be hypnotized - see Q&A.
I have put together a step-by-step series to help bring knowledge and
peace of mind to all who wish to achieve meditation, and even help to
motivate you to take the time to meditate daily. Studies show that
spending just 5-20 minutes meditating each day can help to decrease your stress
levels, thereby healing your body and mind, and achieve levels of peace
and relaxation you never before thought possible.
Before the sessions begin, I will go over what to expect, what not
to expect, and any questions or concerns will be addressed so that
everyone gets the most out of their program. I like to create a relaxed
atmosphere and allow each person to sit or lie in whatever comfortable
position feels right to them. Meditation and enlightenment is as individual as we are, and what works for some may not work for all.
Because of this, I typically avoid much of the dogma and rules that may
not apply to all people. I work with you to structure a program to meet your unique goals and motivations.
Both personal and group programs are available to meet the unique
financial and emotional needs of each individual, as well as beginner,
intermediate and advanced programs to help move you along a path to
personal enlightenment and spiritual growth.
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