Programs

ABOUT MEDITATION

Meditation helps us to bring our awareness back to center in the principle of consciousness. Instead of focusing our attention in object and be drawn outward, we can use an object that can help us go in our consciousness, This object is the breath. The breath is where body mind and spirit meet.

Chakras are subtle energy centers which mediate the experience of consciousness and control our mental propensities. Becoming aware of our chakras we can use them to shift our meditation to a deeper level.

ABOUT GROUP CLASSES

Classes are provided to allow beginners to learn about fundamentals of meditation, and experienced meditators to deepen their practice. Class themes include breath awareness, mindfulness, visualization, mantra, meditation for healing, Yoga Nidra, and chakra awareness.

PERSONAL INSTRUCTION

Chris Simmonds offers advanced personal instruction in the meditation techniques of Sahaj Yoga from the spiritual lineage of Shrii Shrii Anandamurti.

Chris is an ordained teacher within this lineage and a member of the international AnandaSeva Organization.

Individuals receive a mantra and a personalized technique suited to their own entitative rhythm and depth of experience. There is no charge for receiving instruction in the tradition of the lineage.

CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

BREATH AND MINDFULNESS

Yoga, stretching and breathing exercises will allow us to become centered, grounded and aware of our body at a more subtle level. This will be the basis for exploring the practice of Mindfulness: being a still witness to all of the thoughts, emotions and sensations which flow through us.

This Mindfulness practice can be brought into our daily lives as a routine centering practice to keep us balanced throughout our busy days.

YOGA NIDRA-PROFOUND RELAXATION

Sometimes referred to as Yogic Sleep, Yoga Nidra involves progressively relaxing parts of the body following inner energy pathways. The dreamlike state of profound relaxation will be used to journey to aspects of our inner self where a wellspring of peace and wisdom dwells.

BREATH AND MANTRA

This week we will explore how using a mantra can provide a focus for mindful attention and allow our intuition and subtle senses to deepen.

MEDITATION FOR HEALING

By bringing our mindful attention to parts of ourselves where we are experiencing tension or pain we can learn to open blocked energy pathways and promote self-healing.

CHANTING, TONING AND SACRED SOUND

Sound is the most subtle sense. Through simple toning and chanting exercises we will explore the shift in our inner awareness created through sound.

CHAKRA MEDITATION

SEEKING THE INNER GUIDE

The Higher Self is available for to all of us. This meditation will take us to a place of peace and wisdom; a place from which we can move forward with balance and serenity.

HEART OPENING MEDITATION

Opening the heart to love and compassion for self and others brings joy and energy to our spiritual journey.

A MUSICAL MEDITATION & CELEBRATION

Let us move together, let us sing together,
Let us come to know our minds together,
Let us share like sages of the past, that all people may enjoy the universe,
Let our hearts be inseparable, as to truly know one another, we become one.

Using this verse of the Rig Veda as our theme, we will move, chant and meditate together to experience our unity and interconnectedness.