meditation
mindful awareness in a group setting
what is meditation?
Meditation is the practice of being with experience in a way that is open, exploratory and accepting. So often our minds are analyzing, strategizing, worrying, judging or resisting. Observing the flow of information within us and around us provides the ability to effectively respond to the difficulties of life. Further, when we openly observe our experience, we begin to feel a sense of gratitude, meaning and connection. With the practice of meditation, we notice our own anxieties and emotions and respond to them skillfully. With consistent practice, we learn how to manage and even delight in the everyday flow of experience.
What makes this class different from other meditation courses?
The processing portion after the guided meditation is what makes this class unique. Group members learn how to put words to their insights and struggles, openly listen to others and feel a sense of deeper connection through shared insights and experiences. Practitioners develop the ability to access a place inside of them of open receptivity that is naturally peaceful, kind, joyful and grateful. This meditation practice profoundly impacts their ability to manage their own feelings and cultivate healthy relationships.
group learning
Our groups are designed to help individuals observe and explore their experience as well as learn and benefit from other participants sharing. This group practice develops the ability to openly listen to the experience of others and feel a sense of connection through shared experiences.
Each group follows a general format of guided meditation focusing on awareness of breath, body, mind and eventually leading to resting as awareness. This meditation is followed by group processing and a short closing meditation. Although there is processing of the meditation experience, this is not a therapy group.
Our groups are held once a week for 1 hour. Each session is $25. The sessions are held through Zoom.
Groups are intentionally kept small to ensure that each member can be heard and there is proper time to process experiences. Each group contains 4-8 participants.
Currently group sessions will be offered on Tuesday at 6pm and Saturday at 10am
Please contact Elijah Howard, LCPC for more information:
elijah@iharts.com
Meditation allows for the open observing and exploration of experience which leads to flexibility, possibility and overall resilience.
The methods utilized in these groups are gathered from current research in neuroscience, mental health and modern, innovative methods of meditation. These groups aim to teach each participant over time a profound sense of awareness right within themselves that they can access throughout their life.
M.S. Pastoral Counseling, LCPC
Elijah Howard
Licensed Clinical Practicing Counselor
Elijah’s approach to therapy is based on creating practical solutions to problems of living. He has a wide range of clinical experience working with parents and children using attachment-based treatment, mentoring and counseling teenagers and treating adults with anxiety and depression.