Meditation: 101 What is it?
There are many styles of meditation but also misconceptions. Some initially think meditation is about stopping the thoughts; but nothing could be further from the truth. Others have tried to meditate with a phone application but admit they don’t use them as much as they should. Some are simply told to meditate but that is it. They aren’t aware of different types and that one may not be helpful… in fact could be more harmful. Finally is it normal to explore mediation for one reason and start to explore other types and see the benefits expand in the daily life.
Lets dispel the myth
Meditation is not about avoidance; rather it is about being with right now. This may be now with the stress, worry or noisy conditions. Right now may not be pleasant for everyone; ie someone who is dealing with trauma won’t be able to mentally differentiate now vs the past/future, so you should look for an experienced instructor.
Being with now may be directing to breath, sounds, words or touch (mantra/mudra) awareness all around you (mindfulness) or lead methods like Yoga Nidra and Sound Bath.
Paige teaches various tools, styles and techniques. Her background and experience is therapeutic studies therefore the meditation is also guided this way. Therapeutic sound or meditation is different than simply being given instruction as to ‘how to meditate’ o going to sleep with some gentle music.
She has a depth of knowledge of the science behind the process and designs the plan of care around this. In many cases she isn’t directly explaining process this, however the depth of classical practice and modern science, that includes awareness of the brain waves, neurological function and trauma training, means she can offer a safe experience so if someone experiences a trigger she can guide that person carefully.
She has years of experience helping those who are dealing with isolation, insomnia, sleep imbalances and chronic anxiety.
Meditations Paige is Certified in:
*Yoga Nidra: The word Yoga Nidra means Connective Rest. This is a guided meditation that will work various brain waves and allow you to rest the mind and body just as if you were receiving REM Sleep. She is trained to understand safe steps to help guide people carefully into this deep rest carefully and make sure that they are safely guided out of their deep state of rest. Often told that her voice has a way of relaxing people. Paige has spent years understanding ways to guide students safely with her comforting tone, pitch and speed.
*Mindfulness Meditation: An interesting word because it is not so much about the mind as it is to improve our awareness. There are many tools and ways to be mindful. This practice can lift energy and improve focus so you become able to focus more. No matter where you decide to focus often mindfulness starts with noticing your senses; Touch, Sound, Sight, Smell and Taste. You learn how to be aware of now and when you drift you refresh or start over.
*Sound Bowl/Bath Mediation: Paiges has a variety Crystal and Metal bowls, chimes, Handpan Drum, and a 34” inch Professional Gong. The sounds have different pitch and tones. She has long studied music and combined with her trainings for mediation she has spent years in adapting an understanding of the use of pitch, tone and vibration so she can safely guide those during practice. There is no wrong way to practice style – you lay back and listen. Many report a feeling of floating or lightness. The sounds often correlate to the chakras – starting with the musical scale C, D, E,F, G, A, B – can include natural, sharp and flat tones. Pitches may be low to high.
*Metta Mediation: This is a word that means Loving Kindness. There is a mantra used – ie words used that you repeat. The words or mantras can be different are often for the same purpose. The practice is to offer the mantra to ourselves, teachers, those we love, those we like, those we don’t know and those we may have had a falling out with. Lastly to the entire world. This practice is helpful to notice any of the areas that are blocking, avoiding or pushing away. Just to notice, witness and observe. By seeing a shuttle shift we may change habits or let go of resistance.
*Mudra and/or Mantra: The use of touch sense and/or words. Mudra’s is feeling; most often the use of fingers touching. To bring attention to the felt place within us. There are beliefs that certain energies are effected by the specific Mudra. Even if this is not your belief, there is a lot that bringing your attention too may help with focus and concentration. Mantra’s are a word or words that you repeat. The repeating of the practice again and again helps us to concentrate but the meditation practice really occurs when we pause and notice where we may have drifted and refresh the practice and return to concentration. These practices can be combined together.
*Listening/Co-Listening: Learn how to improve our ability to listen to each other. This is a helpful technique that Paige often uses in groups and offices. It vocalizes the Mindful Mediation practice by having one party spend time with the phrase “I feel” or “I am aware of” and repeat it over and over for a specified time. The other party is the listener. The point as the speaker is to learn to express awareness without having to explain, justify or blame. This is being done while one or others are listening. The listening party is working on listening only. Not responding with verbal or non-verbal communication. After a time parties switch roles. This practice allows us to really understand how we block ourselves from truly holding space for each other. Through this practice communication and clear response is improved.
