Newsletter - February 2012

Be calm – just meditate!

“I like the person I have become in one hour.”

This comment came from 79 year-old Ilana after her first meditation, at the recent mini-series in Balwyn. She said she felt calmer and more peaceful than usual.

When you take the time to relax your body and sit in quietness, this makes a difference to how you feel about yourself. Such feelings of contentment and calmness will then flow into other aspects of your life.

So give yourself the beautiful gift of meditation at one of our courses starting in February.

Evening meditation courses: these are presented in various suburbs of Melbourne. Meditation for Beginners and Intermediate Meditation courses are in Caulfield, Balwyn and Donvale.

Day meditation course: a Mindfulness Meditation course is being offered in Balwyn.

As always, our class numbers are limited so book early to reserve your place.

EVENING COURSES

Mindfulness Meditation

~ for beginners or if you have meditated before ~

Mindfulness Meditation: Caulfield (only two vacancies)

~ Starts: Monday 6 February, 6.30pm – 7.40pm

~ At: Caulfield School of Yoga (101 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield)

Mindfulness Meditation: Balwyn

~ Starts: Wednesday 8 February, 6.30pm – 7.40pm

~ At: St Columba’s hall, 37 Banool Road, Balwyn

Mindfulness Meditation: Donvale

~ Starts: Thursday 9 February, 6.30pm – 7.30pm

~ Venue: to be advised

Intermediate Meditation

More about Mindfulness Meditation: Caulfield

~ Starts: Monday 6 February, 8pm – 9.10pm

~ At: Caulfield School of Yoga (101 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield)

More about Mindfulness Meditation: Balwyn

~ Starts: Wednesday 8 February, 8pm – 9.10pm

~ At: St Columba’s hall, 37 Banool Road, Balwyn

More about Mindfulness Meditation: Donvale

~ Starts: Thursday 9 February, 8pm – 9.10pm

~ Venue: to be advised

DAY COURSE

Mindfulness Meditation: Balwyn

~ Starts: Monday 13 February, 10am – 11.15am

~ At: St Columba’s hall, 37 Banool Road, Balwyn

More course details

~ Six-week courses

~ Cost: $120

~ Bookings are essential

~ Phone Eileen on 0407 881 285 or go to Contact Us.

Meditation Pathways celebrates Australia Day

Being part of the 2012 Australia Day ‘Our Day Our March’ was amazing, with its vibrant and colourful atmosphere.

And, I was so easily drawn into the excitement, colour and noise. As I opened up to all that was happening, I felt amazingly carefree, just like a kid!

Naturally, I was delighted to be invited by the organisers of the Australia Day celebrations to feature meditation as part of the lifestyle theme at the March on Thursday 26 January.

Thank you to Adriana, Janice, Kathy, Laura and Pam for making the Meditation Pathways entry absolutely stunning. Your kindness, enthusiasm and sense of fun touched my heart, making the event especially memorable for me.  

Strolling past so many people lining the route along Swanston Street to Kings Domain Gardens was another extraordinary experience – to be immersed in a such a lively celebration of the beautiful country in which we are so fortunate to live.

The 77 groups participating in the March highlighted Australia’s cultural diversity and a wide range of community organisations, with themes ranging from multicultural folk dancing to music and fantasy.

Thank you for helping behind the scenes...

~ My devoted and patient husband Tom and daughter Laura for helping to organise the Meditation Pathways entry and for joining me on the day.

~ Valerie, Janet, Lisa, Mel and Sid for sharing their creative ideas

~ David Sherr of Action Premium Products for the beautifully embroidered t-shirts and the team at Sign*A*Rama in Preston for also meeting some rather tight deadlines so Meditation Pathways could step out in style!

What is meditation?

Meditation is a tool for maintaining mental and emotional health.

It involves dipping into brief moments of stillness and allowing them to extend. Moments of stillness occur during that brief pause at the end of an in-breath and again at the end of an out-breath.

However, holding your breath is not ideal. A better alternative is to focus on the gaps between each thought – and over time allowing the gap to extend so you sit in stillness.

You can also bring moments of stillness into your day by focusing on your breath or how your body moves.

Or you may choose to bring your attention to something from nature, perhaps a sunset, the glistening of the sun on water, the vastness of the night sky, wispy clouds, a tree that is particularly eye-catching or the scent of a rose. The opportunities are limitless – only requiring you to notice the beauty of nature and be willing to slow down and stop.

Of course, your mind is not used to taking a backseat and allowing you to stop or rest in stillness. Your unconscious mind has many reasons why you should not be still.

The same applies when you are trying to establish a meditation practice. Your mind may produce a list of things that you must do right now or ideas that sound much more tempting, like sleeping in a little longer rather than doing an early morning meditation.

To create a meditation practice, you have to enjoy what you are doing and know why you wish to bring meditation into your life.

For me the answer is quite simple – I want to feel calm, content and thoughtful… just as I did yesterday so I flow through life, even the challenging moments.

Of course, there may be days when you just don’t feel like doing your meditation practice – and that is okay too.

However, if you leave your practice for too long, you will become aware of a slight twinge or edge to yourself that will inevitably compound. And, sometimes that is the impetus for deciding that you prefer to live in the softness that meditation brings to your body and mind.

Ten meditative tips so you keep 'your cool'

When the temperatures soar, you can keep cool… in a meditative way.

Tip 1

Each time, you have a cool drink, really feel the water on your tongue and at your throat. The coolness will linger longer.

Tip 2

Open the fridge door – and smile! Smiling leads to physiological changes in the brain that cool the blood and, in turn, this makes you feel happier. Research has shown that contact with cold air also promotes the same happiness effect.

Tip 3

When you have a shower, really feel the water soothing your skin. Releasing tightness from your body helps to quieten your mind.

Tip 4

If you are sitting in front of a fan or air-conditioner allow your whole body to just sink into the sensations of the flowing air. Being focused on sensations leaves no room for negative chatting from your mind. 

Tip 5

Dabble your feet in water – enjoy the sensations. Then move your toes up and down slowly, at least 10 times. This simple movement helps to relax your body, inside and out

Tip 6

Get up a little earlier in the morning when the air is slightly cooler. Stretch or move your body in any way that feels good for you. Then with each breath, welcome the cool air. This is a gentle but invigorating way to start the day.

Tip 7

When you wake up in the morning, tell yourself that it is going to be a good day – and it will be. Being positive in how you think, makes a difference to how you act

Tip 8

Look at pictures of snow-capped mountains and people living in sub-zero temperatures. Then consider which lifestyle you would prefer all the time.

Tip 9

Do something you enjoy – you may like listening to music, singing, watching a comedy show or taking photos. Even when it is hot, you can find ways to feel good about yourself.

Tip 10

Lie down in the most comfortable spot in your home. Drape a cool towel across your abdomen and place your hands on top. Focus on your abdomen rising as you breathe in and falling as you breathe out. Creating a relaxed breath brings ease to your body and mind.

Special places in Melbourne

Creative cards and New Age books

Check out Awakenings Card & Bookshop for its imaginative range of contemporary and traditional cards. Awakenings also stock books and CDs that nurture your mind, body and soul. It is a perfect place for gifts.

Try a free yoga class

Wondered what Hatha Yoga is all about? Then try a free class with Lauren on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Caulfield School of Yoga.

Hatha yoga is ideal for improving physical health, and bringing harmony and balance to the body, mind and soul. 

For bookings, contact Lauren on 0438 254 266.

Michel from the Caulfield School of Yoga, has been sharing her passion for yoga for almost 30 years. Phone Michel on 0403 939 666 for details about her day classes.

The Caufield School of Yoga is at 101 Hawthorn Road, Caulfield.

Meditation Pathways gift voucher

Give the beautiful gift of meditation.

This is ideal for family or friends keen to discover the health and wellbeing benefits of meditation for the first time or if they wish to continue the meditation journey.

For more details, phone Eileen 0407 881 285 or go to Contact Us

Simple ideas to inspire you

For weekly hints about stress-free living and simple ways to journey to health and wellbeing, follow Meditation Pathways on Facebook.

Please click on the link below and ‘like’ my page and please pass on this link to your friends who wish to enjoy optimum health and wellbeing

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Meditation-Pathways/169174019804403

Meditation Pathways News

If this is the first time that you have read the Meditation Pathways newsletter and you would like to receive future editions, please go to Contact Us.

Enjoy your meditation journey
Eileen