Newsletter - November 2009

You can relax even during this hectic time of year...

Learn easy and effective ways to cope with this hectic time of year.

Making the time to look after yourself will make all the difference in how you feel and enjoy yourself. You will also sleep amazingly well.

Join us for the following sessions and four-week courses:

MEDITATION FOR BEGINNERS

• Learn strategies to stress less, minimise thoughts and really relax
• Experience a variety of simple meditations, including focusing on the breath and body, visual and movement meditations, affirmations and creative visualisation

Beginners meditation course in Caulfield

• Course starts: Monday 16 November (4 weeks)
• Time: 6.30pm – 7.45pm
• At: Caulfield School of Yoga (101 Hawthorn Road)

Beginners meditation courses in Surrey Hills

• Course starts: Wednesday 18 November (4 weeks)
• Times: 11am – 12.15pm and 6.30pm – 7.45pm
• At: 470 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills

Beginners meditation course in Doncaster East

• Course starts: Thursday 26 November (3 weeks)
• Time: 8pm - 9.15pm
• At: Contours, Level 2, 42-44 Jackson Court, Doncaster East

Beginners meditation course in Mount Waverley

• Course starts: Saturday 28 November (3 weeks)
• Time: 2pm - 3.15pm
• At: Contours, Shop 1/2 Centreway Mount Waverley

INTERMEDIATE MEDITATION

• Explore meditation using your senses
• Learn how to really relax your body
• Enjoy toning and sound meditations

Intermediate meditation course in Surrey Hills

• Starts: Wednesday 11 November (4 weeks)
• Time: 8pm – 9.15pm
• At: 470 Whitehorse Road , Surrey Hills

Intermediate meditation course in Caulfield

• Join in on Mondays (bookings essential)
• Time: 8pm – 9.15pm
• At: Caulfield School of Yoga (101 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield)

Cost

• $80 (four-week courses) & $60 (three -week course)
• Special offer: 10% discount each if booking with a friend
• Student/card holder concessions

Bookings

• Bookings essential for all courses.
• Phone Eileen (0407 881 285) or go to Contact Us.

Marvellous meditation moments

While sharing my passion for meditation during a series of recent workshops there was also a beautiful exchange of ideas from participants. Thank you to everyone for making these session enjoyable and memorable.

KEW LIBRARY

In my usual fashion of encouraging movement before meditation, it was wonderful to see people, young and old, stretching and swaying to the earthy chants of Oliver Shanti’s Medicine Power. How delightful to observe one participant who was less mobile, staying seated to join in the action.

Everyone was willing to try this concept when they probably imagined that meditation was all about sitting still and quietly. (To reach the point of the stillness, the first step is to have the body really relaxed, though the beat of Oliver Shanti’s music is also effective for meditating using sound or movement.)

The session was memorable in other ways. My preference is for small groups, but 30 people were in the meditation circle and I discovered that big can also be beautiful. The experience sparked people’s interest in meditation, judging by the number of questions, during and after the session. Best of all, participants remarked how relaxed they felt… and that is just the way life should be.

I wish to thank the supportive staff at Kew Library for making the session special – Lisa for her interest, Ria for her creative promotional display and for doing a wonderful job in setting up the room and preparing the refreshments, and Kate for her friendly welcome.

Many thanks also to all the participants for your warmth and enthusiasm.

CONTOURS IN DONCASTER AND MOUNT WAVERLEY

"You covered all aspects in one workshop while other meditation classes I have attended just focus on one approach."

This comment from a participant highlights the comprehensive approach during the two-hour workshop with its focus on relaxed breathing, ‘stress busters’, meditations, relaxation and creative visualisation. (This is the same format as my weekly classes.)

"What you have said has given me a lot to think about."

Aspects that emerged from the Mount Waverley workshop included the importance of taking the time to stop and take a slow and smooth calming breath, as a way of stepping back from a potentially challenging situation. By taking that momentary pause, you will act rather than react to a situation.

Then there is my favourite concept that is so easy. Use the moments when you are waiting in a queue or stopping at the traffic lights, to relax with a sigh or to affirm to yourself to 'relax'. In these instances, you cannot do anything about how long you have to wait. However, you can consider these as precious moments for looking after yourself by letting the breath nourish every cell in your body. In this way, you are also helping to lower any feelings of stress or anxiety.

I also related the idea that when you wake up in the morning, the first thing you must decide, perhaps even before you open your eyes, is: what are you going to choose to be today? Happy? Miserable? Whatever you choose will set the tone for your day.

In response to this a woman who is a practicing Buddhist said that she goes to the mirror and makes herself smile in the morning, by pulling up the sides of her mouth. A similar effect happens if you say 'ee'. These approaches put you in the right frame of mind, whether or not you feel like smiling! Smiling brings about physiological changes, with the release of feel-good chemicals in brain - and according to research these changes in the brain cool your blood - and that make you feel happy.

I wish to thank John and his staff at Contours in Doncaster and Mount Waverley for their support and work behind the scenes in making these workshops possible.

Thank you also to all the participants for coming on the journey with me and for letting me into your lives – as always, it is a privilege.

Is meditation life-changing?

When I was recently asked this question, the answer is a definite YES.

Meditation has brought me peace, understanding and acceptance. In turn, these qualities make life so much easier. Along the way, I have also gained an insight into myself and I constantly tap into feelings of self-awareness.

When reflecting on the past – whether an incident occurred years ago or yesterday – it is too easy to become caught up in blame, anger and the reruns of arguments and hurtful comments.

Through the stillness and healing of meditation, you can come to understand and make peace with the past. For only then can you move on and enjoy the present, which is the most important moment. The present is where you are now.

Of course, it is wonderful to plan for the future and reminisce about the past. However, the key is to enjoying these moments. When the emotions you attribute to your thoughts cause you stress that is the time to come back to the present moment with your breath.

The idea of acceptance is an interesting one. Often people remark that one meditation session was less successful than another. When meditating, it is about accepting the present experience without comparing – or having expectations.

Approach each meditation as if it is the first time that you are doing it – and see what happens. After all, every day you also change in subtle ways because of the experiences from the day before.

Anyone for…

• Feldenkrais: David – 9830 1003
• Reflexology: Jennifer – 0412 220 623
• Spiritual healing: Seneca – 9390 3760
• Yoga: Michel (Caulfield) – 0418 547 894
• Yoga: Michelle (Eltham) – 0409 373 606

All of these practitioners are passionate about their work and dedicated in helping people to achieve optimum health.

Meditation Pathways News

If you would like to receive future editions of the Meditation Pathways Newsletter, please go to Contact Us.

Enjoy your meditation journey
Eileen