I’ve never meditated before.  Is this class for me?

Yes.  The class is structured such that everyone can gain something from it, from newbies to seasoned yogis.

What should I bring?

You can bring your own yoga mat/meditation cushion, although we do provide all props (mats, cushions, blankets, etc.) so you really don’t need to bring anything with you.

What should I wear?

Comfortable clothing, such as you might wear to a yoga class.  

What happens during the class?

The class begins with a moment of centering, where we find our breath and begin the transition from our busy workaday world to a quieter space of self-inquiry.  We then spend a few minutes engaging in gentle stretching, followed by a guided relaxation. Then, after a concentration exercise, we move into the actual meditation, which takes place during the last 8-12 minutes of the class. Our meditation will have some sort of object of concentration, as meditation is simply the process of concentrating on an object over an extended period of time.  And so we might use a word phrase, a visualization, or sound as the object of our concentration to help us focus our attention.

Do I have to interact with anyone?

No.  The focus is on you and your internal space.  Although the group is usually friendly and engaging, it is possible to come and go quietly without interruption.

Will meditation conflict with my personal religious beliefs or practices?

No. The purpose of our meditation practice is “to calm the fluctuations of the mind,” which decreases stress and increases our sense of peace and balance. The process we follow is well-established and available to anyone with a ‘mind’ and a ‘body.’  Although references are often made to yoga terminology, the concepts used to guide the class are very much “psychological” in nature and available to anyone, regardless of religious or spiritual orientation.

Is meditation really helpful?  What does the research say about it?

Yes, the research on the positive benefits of meditation is now very well-established.  See here, here and here for more details.

Other questions?  Use our Request an Appointment form to send us a question, or call our main number.