MEDITATION
FOR STRESS REDUCTION
In recent years, numerous research studies on meditation have been done with the results indicating that meditation offers both physical and emotional benefits. At its core, meditation lowers the stress responses: heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. When our physical stress levels are lower, our bodies are more relaxed, we heal better.
Meditation was also shown to decrease activity in the fear centers of our brain, help manage chronic pain, and aid in cancer treatment.
As a result of our reduced stress levels, we are calmer, kinder, and get along with others better. We handle life’s agitations better. Ultimately we are happier.
From a corporate standpoint, firms as diverse as Google, Apple, General Mills, Aetna and Target have seen the benefits of providing meditation classes for their employees. Participants from all levels of the corporate environment have reported a reduction in work-related stress and saw an improvement in focus and productivity.
THE MEDITATIONS
The classes will focus on the specific meditation techniques that decrease stress: mindfulness meditation practices such as breathe and awareness practice, walking meditation, and movement.
Geared for the work environment, the hour and half weekly sessions, presented over a six-to-eight-week period, would introduce the participants to breath meditation, walking meditation, the body scan, seated yoga and movement, as well as mindfulness techniques. In each individual class we would spend time learning about a technique, practicing it and discussing the experience. The participants would be encouraged to practice on their own daily. One day introductory sessions of one to two hours are also available.
I have been a yoga and meditation practitioner for nearly twenty years. Having experienced firsthand the many benefits of meditation, in 2004 I decided to deepen my practice and embark on the study of various methods and styles of mediation. Since then, I have participated in numerous short retreats, attended a two-month silent retreat in Burma as well as a six-month silent retreat in New England, working with various teachers and guides in Asia and the United States.
I have found meditation to be extremely helpful in both my personal and professional life. I am less reactive and better able to control my emotions. I don’t get mad or lash out as quickly as I used to; when I do feel anger or frustration, I am able to quickly notice these feelings and then decide how to best react. I am also less stressed and can control my anxiety when faced with difficult or challenging situations. Overall, because of meditation, I experience more peace and joy, have a better outlook on life and am more focused at work.
As a strong believer in the power of meditation and its ability to transform lives, I want to share what I have learned, especially the practice of mindfulness meditation, to help people find their inner peace and improve their lives. To introduce meditation to a broad audience, I have created the television show "Radiance" and developed a series of public workshops. While the purpose of the TV show is to introduce viewers to a wide variety of practices from a wide variety of traditions, the workshops are designed to provide an introduction to the practice of mindful meditation.
Outside of my experience in meditation, I have worked in the nonprofit and business sectors in areas of technology, education and professional development.
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CONTACT
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