A Taste of Meditation

Free sunsets from Parkdale Yacht Club

A TASTE OF MEDITATION

Not sure what all the fuss is about meditation? 

JOIN US for a 1.5hr introduction to the wonderful practice of Meditation.

The Taste of Meditation class gives you an opportunity to look at some of the key principles of all meditation (the why and the how), learn some short meditative exercises (for instant stress relief) and experience a deeply relaxing guided meditation. There will be some notes to take home as well.

An excellent introduction to the practice of meditation, our approach is practical, straightforward and non-religious; and our classes are conducted sitting on a chair (although you can bring a mat or cushion if you prefer). Taste of Meditation Workshop $30.

THUR 16th FEBRUARY
THUR 23rd FEBRUARY
9.30 - 11.00am

TUE 20th MARCH
6.30-8pm

at Parkdale Yacht Club

Bookings are essential please contact Sarah to register your place
 on 0417 403 714 or info@quietmind.com.au

Meditation Classes Starting Next Week ..

Meditation is a life skill!

I learnt to meditate when I was in my senior year at high school.  I totally 'got it' from the very first class.

It continues to amaze me that there are not more opportunities available for everyone to learn these very gentle, very wonderful and very beneficial practices (from simply watching our breath, to recognising stress and relaxation in our body, to sitting still and embracing silence).

So .. if you have been wondering about meditation .. wondering how to relax and how to tap into that deep calmness within ..

Now is the time!  JOIN US!

EXPLORING MEDITATION

(a 6-Week Beginners Program)

Tue. 7th February (6.30 - 8.00pm) : Parkdale 
~ or ~
Wed. 8th February (6.30 - 8.00pm) : Black Rock

A straightforward, practical and non-religious approach to meditation.

A six week course that provides an opportunity to get ‘into the flow’ of meditation, and gain insight into the benefits found in a regular meditation practice.  Exploring Meditation Program is $175 ($165 each if you book with a friend).

Our six week Exploring Meditation Program looks something like this:

* Week 1 : core meditation principals, the ‘how’ and ‘why’, Body Awareness practices
* Week 2 : the impact of stress, short meditative exercises & longer practices (both invaluable), Breath practices

* Week 3 : the brain, the process of meditation, Mantra and Affirmation practices

* Week 4 : obstacles and antidotes, measuring your progress, Mindfulness practices
* Week 5 : starting your own daily meditation practice, resources, Stillness practices
* Week 6 : going it alone, resources, and more practice!

To REGISTER : info@quietmind.com.au

Om Shanti Shanti (Peace .. Peace)

Sad news this morning that Dr David Simon passed away today.

Co-founder of the Chopra Center, Ayurveda master, and pioneer in the field of mind-body medicine .. and of course, loved friend, colleague, father and husband .. over the years I have spent many hours listening to his meditation instruction and reading his wise words.

From Deepak this morning a few beautiful lines from the poet David called “my beloved Hafiz”:

The Sun Never Says

Even
after
all this time
the sun never says to the earth,
“You owe me.”
Look
what happens
with a love like that —
It lights the whole world.

Words from the Chopra Centre at http://www.chopra.com/files/rememberingdavid.html

Om Shanti Shanti

laughter meditation ... so good .. hahaha!

Innovation in Airports (finally!)

In a 'previous life' I travelled often.  Every time I have had to travel overseas (remembering that Australia is a very long way from Europe and the US) .. I wished for some ‘space’ during stopovers and transfers.

Airports are full of urgency, the drama of goodbye and hello, noise and frenetic activity, tired and anxious travellers .. and of course waiting and .. well waiting!

On many occasions I have asked the Universe: ‘why can’t they provide one room for us to get away .. to find some quiet and meditate?’ .. imagining how fantastic (and beneficial for everyone) it would be.  How hard really? offering one room for weary travellers to step away from the florescent lights, security and piped muzak (and throng of travellers) .. and reconnect with self .. a 15-minute ‘quiet time’.

Today I read that San Francisco International airport has opened up a yoga room and the Berman Reflection Room ‘for harried travellers seeking a moment of peace .. providing a center for quiet self-reflection and meditation’ with dimmed lights (to soothe the spirit), a glass wall (to provide a sound barrier from the noisy terminal) and a Zen rock garden.

Melissa Mizell, design director for Gensler, the architecture firm behind Terminal 2, said in a statement that the room “gives modern travelers a space that fosters and supports quiet and reflection,” (MSNBC reports).

“The whole theme .. was adding back a sense of humanity to travel,” said Charles Schuler, SFO’s associate deputy director of communications and marketing. “Adding a yoga room seemed like a natural extension.”

Ahmen!

clear starlit sky ..

I am down the coast at the moment.  Besides the fantastic beaches and crystal clear blue water .. last night we sat on the balcony and watched the magnificent blanket of stars above us.

In the city .. you don't really see stars like that!

We need to get outside of the chaos of the busy city lights and the glare of millions of people's lives ... to truly see the stars. 

Just like meditation.  We need to clear away the noise, the random thoughts, the crazy-speak we have playing on reply in our minds .. step away from that .. and you gain a clarity of mind that is breathtaking .. like the stars.

"we are the beings who came spinning out of nothing-ness, sprinkling stars like dust!" Rumi

Deepak Chopra is currently in India for the Jaipur Literature Festival.  He quoted this Rumi wisdom during an address about doing less - to accomplish more.  After last nights star show, his thoughts really resonated this morning.

"Do as nature does - less ..  if you do nothing, you accomplish everything," he stated. "Trying hard, as Oscar Wilde said, is the last refuge of the failure."

Instead, focus on the four levels of experience - being, feeling, thinking, doing. "To experience being, let's be silent for a moment," said the guru - and a thousand people sat in a hush. "When you become aware of that silence, that's being,".

"Feeling is love, equanimity and joy. Thinking is creative action. And doing is raj-yoga, karma-yoga, gyan-yoga."

And what about daily stress?

"Stress happens when you look to others for your identity," Chopra answered. "My message is, just take it easy! Understand who the heck you are - how magnificent you are!

"When you go beyond the banality of everyday experience and see the huge, magnificent backdrop to life, you will never be stressed."

We will be watching the stars again tonight .. hopefully I can shown my daughter a shooting star!

Let's Explore Meditation together ..

Over the last few months of 2011, I sought out some feedback from those attending meditation classes to see if I could find out what else I might be able to do/provide to assist them in starting a regular meditation practice.  I passionately believe that meditation is a life skill that everyone should learn .. with quite amazing short term and long term benefits gained from stillness and quiet (mind and body).

The most consistent feedback I received was .. that everyone wanted more time to practice in a group/class setting.

I totally get this. The group experience is very supportive and nourishing when we are learning something new .. there is an opportunity to share experiences, ask questions (even asking them again and again until you find your  answer), the time is already scheduled in our diary (so we have persmission to stop and meditate) .. and there is someone to guide us (at least part of the way) ..

So I have now expanded the Exploring Meditation program to six weeks (previously it was five) to allow for more 'space' and 'time' for practice.  I am resisting the urge to include more detail in preference for more .. flow.  

So, if you are keen to learn more about meditation .. and get lots of practical experience in a supportive group environment .. JOIN US!

EXPLORING MEDITATION

(a 6-Week Beginners Program)

Tue. 7th February (6.30 - 8.00pm) : Parkdale 
~ or ~
Wed. 8th February (6.30 - 8.00pm) : Black Rock
Meditation is an amazingly effective life skill that enhances our sense of wellbeing and provides us with practical techniques to manage stress and find balance. Meditation is also quite simple to learn and this unique program is designed to explore a number of simple and widely practiced meditation techniques – so you find the best practice for you!  

This is a straightforward, practical and non-religious approach to meditation ~ which is also great fun! Meeting regularly once a week across six weeks provides us with an opportunity to get ‘into the flow’ of meditation, and gain an insight to the benefits found in a regular meditation practice. We provide handouts each week also, so that you can build your own Meditation Workbook. No special requirements for class other than an intention to learn more about meditation. LIMITED TO TWELVE PARTICIPANTS. Exploring Meditation Program is $175 ($165 each if you book with a friend).

Our six week Exploring Meditation Program looks something like this:

* Week 1 : core meditation principals, the ‘how’ and ‘why’, Body Awareness practices
* Week 2 : the impact of stress, short meditative exercises & longer practices (both invaluable), Breath practices

* Week 3 : the brain, the process of meditation, Mantra and Affirmation practices

* Week 4 : obstacles and antidotes, measuring your progress, Mindfulness practices
* Week 5 : starting your own daily meditation practice, resources, Stillness practices
* Week 6 : going it alone, resources, and more practice!

If you would like more information or to book a place : info@quietmind.com.au