Introducing Somatic Meditation
A Free Weekly Meditation on Zoom Monday Evenings
Dear Reader,
I haven't posted much lately because I'm focused on a yet-to-be-announced project. Paid subscribers can pause their billing until the autumn if you like.
My free weekly somatic meditation is now on Mondays, 7:45 - 8:15 PM (BST; GMT+1). These guided sessions focus on the body's felt sense, perfect for unwinding after a busy day. With gentle guidance and some silence, you'll find it helps ground your mind, reducing anxiety, stress, and racing thoughts. Despite being on Zoom, you'll mostly have your eyes closed or downcast, we just look at the screen briefly at the start and end, to greet and connect with other. It’s nice to have your screen on so you are a visible member of the circle, but it’s not obligatory.
Many people avoid meditation, thinking it's about not thinking at all. This is not the case, not thinking is virtually impossible! We might go into a more relaxed state but thoughts will be there. Meditation is about developing an ability to be aware of the present moment. We acknowledge our thoughts, then gently and compassionately return our focus to our breath or sensations. Instead of being annoyed that we are thinking, we celebrate the fact that we noticed it. In this way, we can bring our awareness back to our chosen focus.
This practice trains the mind, improves attention span, and enhances our control over where we place our attention. I believe meditation is one of the most vital practices of yoga in the modern age. Here are some benefits of mindfulness meditation that have been verified by research.
Mental Health Benefits
Reduces Stress:
Meditation helps lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. This can lead to a greater sense of calm and relaxation.
Improves Focus and Concentration:
Regular practice enhances the ability to concentrate and maintain attention on tasks, reducing mind-wandering and increasing productivity.
Enhances Emotional Regulation:
Breath meditation helps in recognizing and understanding emotions, leading to better control and response to emotional stimuli.
Decreases Anxiety:
Mindfulness meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders by promoting a state of calm and present-moment awareness.
Improves Mood and Well-being:
It can lead to an overall improvement in mood and an increase in positive emotions and satisfaction with life.
Reduces Symptoms of Depression:
Studies have shown that mindfulness practices can reduce the severity of depressive symptoms and prevent relapse in those who have experienced depression.
Enhances Self-Awareness:
It promotes a deeper understanding of oneself, fostering self-reflection and personal growth.
Physical Health Benefits
Lowers Blood Pressure:
Regular practice can lead to a reduction in blood pressure, contributing to overall cardiovascular health.
Improves Respiratory Function:
Focusing on the breath can enhance lung capacity and efficiency, promoting better respiratory health.
Reduces Pain Perception:
Meditation can alter the perception of pain and increase pain tolerance, often used as a complementary approach in pain management.
Boosts Immune Function:
Mindfulness practices can enhance immune response, making the body more resilient to illnesses.
Improves Sleep Quality:
Breath meditation can lead to better sleep patterns by promoting relaxation and reducing insomnia symptoms.
Cognitive Benefits
Enhances Memory:
Regular meditation practice is linked to improvements in working memory and the ability to recall information.
Increases Creativity:
It can foster creative thinking and problem-solving abilities by allowing the mind to relax and access deeper levels of thought.
Improves Executive Functioning:
This includes better decision-making, problem-solving, and planning skills.
Overall Well-being
Promotes Mind-Body Connection:
Meditation enhances the awareness of the mind-body relationship, promoting holistic health and well-being.
Increases Mindfulness in Daily Life:
It helps in incorporating mindfulness into everyday activities, leading to a more mindful and intentional approach to life.
Encourages a Balanced Perspective:
Regular practice helps in developing a balanced and non-judgmental perspective towards oneself and others, fostering compassion and empathy.
These benefits come with regular practice. It’s free and easy to fit into your daily routine. You can join this meditation this evening by clicking on the button below. It will be so lovely to see you!!
If you’d like to explore some in-person movement meditation, I’m teaching the Monday 1:30pm - 3pm at Union Church. You are very welcome!
…And the Tuesday 7pm Holistic Yoga Ease and Thursday10am HOlistic Yoga General and 6pm Restorative Flow at Shiva Shakti Studio
With love and good wishes,
Julia