Relaxation & Meditation Workshop

1753 Northwind Boulevard,Libertyville IL 60048

21 August, 2022

Description

Now more than ever, we need to turn inward to our inner resources to stay grounded and peaceful. As we already know, we are in a unique and challenging time. Many of us want to remain calm and feel peaceful even when there is an abundance of known and unknown stress around us. As we gather, Susan will spend some time making sure everyone is as comfortable as possible physically. It is important to support your body for the practice. Once this is achieved, Susan will lead a guided body relaxation to help you become more deeply relaxed in your physical body. Following the relaxation, we will practice an attention exercise called deep listening to the bell. This practice will help the mind inhabit the same space as the physical body and not flee to some possible outcome in the future or some event in the past. When we listen to the bell, we entrain the mind to focus on the present moment. This can be a wonderful precursor to the meditation practice. Following the deep listening to the bell, we will practice mindfulness meditation. A brief overview of this meditation will be shared before we begin. Susan will offer gentle prompts throughout the practice to keep your attention focused on your breath. When you practice mindfulness meditation, you strengthen the connection between your mind and breath –fully inhabiting the present moment. This strengthens your ability to be more fully present for each moment of your life on the cushion and off. Time permitting, Susan will lead you through the practice of Metta Meditation/Lovingkindness Meditation. When we do this, we increase our ability to be more compassionate and forgiving with ourselves and others. Cost: $40. Susan has a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Northwestern University, and she completed a year-long deep study in Meditation Teacher Training. She continues to study at Touching Earth Mindfulness Center in Chicago.