Mindfulness and Meditation
Before I began to learn about and practice meditation, I believed that I could not meditate because I have a very busy mind thanks to a diagnosis of ADD in my early 30's. I learned to meditate several years ago and now have an established daily practice. I have found meditation practice to be amazingly beneficial in my life. It quickly rid pain and lessened anxiety associated with a diagnosed chronic illness (MS). It has improved my focus and concentration, awakened me spiritually and has provided me with an overall wonderful sense of well-being. I believe if meditation can do all that for me then why can't it do the same for others. So, my mission is to offer meditation classes to teach you how simple and easy the practice of meditation can be and how beneficial it can be to your life. Whether you prefer learning and practicing in a small guided class setting or privately 1 on 1 either way is a very useful way to develop the skill and discipline needed to gain the benefits of meditation.
Meditation is a wonderful practice that you can experience anytime, anywhere, and is a great investment in your well-being. If you don't know how to do it don't worry you are not alone and I will help you develop the confidence to practice everyday.
You can book a program for you and a small group of friends or simply attend by yourself.
Learn to Meditate Private Coaching Program
Private Individual Teaching/Coaching Sessions (In-person and/or Online)
If a class setting is not for you. I offer the Simple Easy Every Day (SEED ™) program to an individual or a small group (3 persons). In this 4 week program you will learn the essentials of meditation, misconceptions, benefits, various types of mindfulness and meditation practices.
The program includes:
- Four x 1 hour sessions to fit your schedule
- *Four x 15 minute coaching contacts to support your learning and develop your practice.
- Handouts and Home-practice activities given to develop your practice.
- One-15 minute follow-up contact at 3 months (scheduled before program ends) to help support continued daily practice
- A book is provided to support you with your practice after the program.
- Program Cost: $430.00
*if more than 1 person participating, the cost can be shared however the coaching and follow-up contacts will include all parties, not individual support. Please note 1 book only will be provided.
**this program is Not therapy/counselling. Should clinical therapeutic issues arise during the program, client and teacher will address the issue and determine the best course of care.
Learn to Meditate Simple Easy Every Day (SEED) Meditation.
SEED ™ (Simple Easy Every Day) Meditation Class (General Wellness)
Is it time to get serious about learning to meditate? Each of us has our own reason for wanting to learn. It has been shown that meditation can help anyone reduce stress, increase creativity, increase well-being, enhance focus and concentration, improve sleep, reduce pain and so much more. Whether you are seeking mental, physical, spiritual or emotional balance, or want to feel more fulfilled in general, you can learn the benefits of meditation and mindfulness in this 4 week class. This class will introduce you to a variety of meditation practices ideal for any level-whether a beginning meditator, or someone who wants to get back on track with meditation. This class is held at Heatlhy Directions . Please bring your own mat and blanket. Ages 18 and older.
Learn to Meditate Simple Easy Every Day (SEED) Meditation.
Cost: $139.00 (includes a book) Max 10 Participants
Class Dates & Time: 2021 class times coming soon
To register Click link https://healthy-directions.ca/meditation-classes/
SEED Refresher classes for Graduates who wish to continue building their daily meditation practice
FEE: $74.00 for 7 classes (11.00/class) or $15.00/individual class
Saturdays 1:30-2:30pm 2021 Class dates will be announced soon
To register Click link https://healthy-directions.ca/meditation-classes/
Registration Close: For Learn to Meditate class 3 business days prior to class start date.
Location: Healthy Directions (#226b, 259 Midpark Way SE)
Note:**When registering Please indicate in the comments section, name of class and preferred class date. You will be contacted for formal registration process.
Meditations For Your Grief Class (Therapeutic)
This unique 6 week class offers a variety of trauma- sensitive mindfulness and meditation practices including meditation, music, writing, guided imagery, and more. This class is designed with your unique grief experience in mind and to help ease the difficulties that grief is having on your life. This program is Not a traditional talk therapy support group. This class offers you choice in how to care for your grief. The location is at the Healthy Directions. Please bring your own mat and blanket for comfort. Chairs are available. Maximum 6 participants Appropriate for age 18 and older. Instructor: Elizabeth Hides MSW, RSW, CT, CMMT a Registered Social Worker and Certified Thanatologist and Certified Mindfulness & Meditation Teacher.
Cost: $169.00 (6 weeks)
Class Time: 10:30am to 12:15pm(1.75 hr)
Class Dates: 2021 Dates announced soon
Registration Close: 5 business days before class start date
Location: Healthy Directions (#226b 259 Midpark Way SE)
To Register: https://healthy-directions.ca/meditation-classes/
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train their mind, or induce a mode of consciousness, or to activate an emotional state. It can include practices designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, chi, etc), or develop compassion, love, patience, generosity, and forgiveness. Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years.
There are many different types of meditation, and meditation practices. Some meditations are practiced formally (sitting), while others are practiced while in activity. Some types of meditation include;
Mindfulness, Relaxation Response, Zazen, Insight, Vipassana, Dhyana, Transcendental, Vedic, Tibetan Buddhist, Centering Prayer, Mantra, Trataka, Mandala, Self-Inquiry, Devotional, Energy Awareness, Sufi Dancing, Gratitude, Contemplative and many others.
Benefits of Meditation
Meditation evokes a very deep state of physical rest that helps get rid of stress and enhances healing in the body. There are many evidenced physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to regularly practicing meditation. Here are some proven effects:
Physical
- lowered buildup of plaque in coronary arteries
- decreased chronic pain
- reduced stress and fatigue
- lowered blood pressure
- reduced insomnia
- reduced symptoms of PMS and menopause
- decreased muscle tension and headaches
- balanced blood sugar
- increased neuroplasticity
- increased ‘youth hormone’ DHEA
- improved eating and sleeping habits
- increased healing response
- increased energy
- improved sleep
- improved immune system functioning
Emotional/Psychological
- Great sense of calmness, inner peace and wellbeing
- Higher levels of self-esteem
- Increased mental clarity, memory, creativity and concentration
- Increased attention span and ability to focus on one thing at a time
- Improved decision making skills
- Increased fluid intelligence (IQ)
- Increased self-awareness and self-acceptance
- Improved academic performance
- Improved job satisfaction, performance, efficiency, and productivity
- Improved emotional and mental engagement
- Increased calmness in the face of difficulties
- Enhanced appreciation of life
- Reduced ADHD and ADD symptoms
- Reduced test and performance anxiety
- Decreased nervousness, fear, and anxiety
- Reduced reactivity to stress
- Decreased depression
- Reduced compulsive behaviour
- Decreased need for addictive substances