This is a special ONE DAY EVENT of 3 Gems Meditation, focusing on AWAKENING YOUR CHANNEL OF JOY!
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Meditation is a systematic process that leads you from outside to inside—from the environment around you to the clarity, wisdom, & power of your own mind.
Meditation relaxes the nervous system, calms the senses, and focuses the mind. In meditation, body, breath, and mental states become integrated into one continuous process. This lessens energy leaks, disturbances, & dullness, and enhances perception, discernment, & radiance.
Additionally, when we lean into the vitality that the root of why meditation works, we can expand beyond individual benefits & start to experience how meditation expands our capacity & worldview, helping us see and be with compassion into the inter-relation of people, peace, and the planet.
Simply put, you make the world a better place as you become happier within.
In 3 Gems Meditation, we explore profound yoga philosophy foundations through the light of THREE gems each session, to better understand and harness the innate power of your mind & potentials for peace.
In this special day of 3 Gems, you'll explore the CENTRAL CHANNEL, and how to access it by using balance in the physical body, breath, and mind.
You'll learn about and FEEL two opposing channels of energy in the body, and learn how to shift your own energy currents by observing nostril dominance and working asymmetrical yoga postures and twists.
Asana (yogic stretches) and pranayama (breath extension) are powerful means to activate the sushumna nadi, the central channel which unites opposing forces AND carries primordial pools of JOY. Awakening this central channel fosters the elusive balance of the body-mind and breath, plus the overall sensation of aliveness that is both the foundation and goal of meditation.
You'll also practice a gentle breath exercise to cultivate this balance, PLUS lesser-known tantric breathing methods to clear away subtle congestion of the energetic body.
DOORS OPEN AN HOUR EARLY FOR INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS! Prior to the group instruction, each student receives a one-on-one energetic check-in with your teacher, Virginia. This individualized attention gives you time and support to ground, get really present, and see and be seen. This is called a "Gating Ceremony," and it helps you focus your mind, leave behind burdensome thoughts and tension, and, instead, gather your energies to focus on & nurture your well-being. It is a rare opportunity to really connect with an empathic person highly trained in holding space; in a hectic world that is often structured for disconnection, this is often a remedy. Plus, it makes the rest of our collective time together more potent!
Group practice then opens with a sacred Sanskrit mantra to foster togetherness. You'll be provided the English translation, so your heart and mind understand how we mark time and place to honor and refine our efforts, and welcome peaceful, shared, and rich practice.
Then, you'll be guided through brief discussion of the subtle energy channels in the body, including the important role of the Sushumna Nadi, the central energy channel. We then begin standing and do very simple movements and stretches to release tension in the body.
For those with restricted mobility OR those healing from illness or injuries, modified postures will also be provided in a chair.
This session includes practical guidance for a comfortable & steady meditation, including how to:
- Prepare the body and mind for meditation;
- Choose a sitting posture that’s just right for you;
- Practice smooth, relaxed breathing, and awareness of the flow of the breath;
- Using focus & vibration to provide a focus and resting place for the mind;
- Observe yourself and the thoughts that arise as you meditate; and
- Truly take the time and space to notice how you feel before, during, and after meditation.
In this unique day of guidance and direct experience, you will receive guidance in ancient philosophy, made EASY yet still accessing the deeper dimensions of yoga.
This one-day event of 3 Gems Meditation will invite you into practical ways meditation AND inner reflection improve your overall well-being and help you calm, clear, and empower the mind.
Particular attention will be given to mindfulness, or the ability to observe yourself and STAY PRESENT, and concentration, the ability to rest your mind in its soft yet potent focus.
You will be guided through the 5 essential steps of Meditation:
1. Stillness - including how to make your meditation seat COMFORTABLE;
2. Relaxed and Effortless Breathing;
3. Systematic Relaxation while seated;
4. Breath Awareness at the Nostrils; and
5. Resting Awareness in the Sound of a Mantra.
We will also practice breath training to strengthen the diaphragm. This can be done seated or lying down, and often uses a weight on the abdomen. We will also work with breath awareness to ensure that you are breathing diaphragmatically. You'll play with the 5 essential qualities of optimal diaphragmatic breathing: smooth, deep, even, continuous, and quiet.
Then, we move into guided relaxation. This is an essential step that is often overlooked or not fully appreciated. Relaxation will occur as you lie on your yoga mat, using blankets, bolsters and other props as needed to ensure your comfort and support. Relaxation practices are traditional, systematic, and step-by-step methods. They are done lying down because this allows you to fully relax the body, soften nervous agitation, and quietly calm the mind.
Precise techniques are used to shift your attention from the outer world to your own body and become aware of the flow of your breath through the tantric techniques of 61-points relaxation (Sithila Karani). This particular method brings balance and energy to vital points in the body, to foster awareness and healing.
You relax your body, breathing, nervous system, senses, and mind.
Meditation is sequential practice, with order and form. Understanding the process makes it more reliable and effective. But we all live busy and often harried lives. Understanding the "why" and lovely traditions of generations of meditators who have come before us, AND how yoga meditation must adapt to contemporary times, you also gain INSPIRATION. It is inspiration that will fuel your continued practice, making new habits to awaken your highest self and brightest happiness.
Come learn how to relax your body and breath, focus your mind, and sit resting in a place of stillness inside yourself, supported each week by THREE gems of practical yet profound insights.
With this deep dive into meditation techniques AND philosophy, you will have the tools you need to discover your own inner sanctuary.
At the end of our 90 minutes together, we will close our sacred circle, in order for you to learn how to take these improved states with you throughout your days. Your teacher, Virginia, will be available after sessions to answer questions, or simply to provide inspiration, encouragement, conversation, and – of course! – immense gratitude.
Gentle reminder to BRING A YOGA MAT: Yoga mats are REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE SESSIONS. Chairs, blankets, pillows, bolsters, hand weights, and other props will be provided.
Looking forward to seeing you. I am so blessed and delighted to be able to bring yoga meditation to our little neck of the beautiful woods; it could not happen without you, so thank you from my innermost heart.
In service,
Virginia Hill
AHA Yoga Meditation Teacher,
Awakening Magic Mentor;
Transformational Coach
*
