Meditation is an age old practice that has been around for thousands of years. The word meditation comes from the latin root mederi which mean "to heal". We are living in a culture that has lost it's connection to the intelligence of our bodies, hearts and intuitive guidance systems. We are bombarded with external stimulation leaving us feeling exhausted, overwhelmed and disconnected from our true selves, center and power within.

So WHAT can we do?

It is important for us to create a safe and healing space to remember how to BE without any doing involved. We are human BEINGS not human DOINGS . When we take the time to breathe and cultivate stillness within, we allow our bodies to turn on the relaxation response and tune into present moment awareness. When we become present, we allow ourselves to drop the stories of past and future that can cloud our vision. As Lao Tzu said,

“If you are depressed you are living in the past.

If you are anxious you are living in the future.
If you are at peace you are living in the present."

∞ MEDITATION & THE BRAIN ∞

Scientists used to think the brain reached its peak in adulthood and then started to decrease in function later in life. Now the term neuroplasticity has been coined and exciting new research is showing that the brain is constantly changing and growing with every new experience that we have. It is up to us what kind of shape our brain is in.

So WHAT does this have to do with meditation?

Recent studies at UCLA School of Medicine are showing "that daily meditators had more gray matter in regions of the brain that are important for attention, emotion regulation, and mental flexibility. Increased gray matter typically makes an area of the brain more efficient or powerful at processing information. Luders (Researcher in the Department of Neurology ) believes that the increased gray matter in the meditators’ brains should make them better at controlling their attention, managing their emotions, and making mindful choices" (McGonical, Kelly. "Learn: This is Your Brain On Meditation").

PHYSICAL BENEFITS of meditation

• Lowers high blood pressure
• Lowers the levels of blood lactate, reducing anxiety attacks
• Decreases tension-related pain, such as, tension headaches, ulcers, insomnia, muscle and joint problems
• Increases serotonin production that improves mood and behavior
• Improves the immune system
• Increases the energy level, as you gain an inner source of energy

MENTAL BENEFITS of Meditation

• Anxiety decreases
• Emotional stability improves
• Creativity increases
• Happiness increases
• Intuition develops
• Gain clarity and peace of mind 
• Problems become smaller
• Meditation sharpens the mind by increasing focus and expands through relaxation
• A sharp mind without expansion causes tension, anger and frustration
• An expanded consciousness without sharpness can lead to lack of action/progress
• The balance of a sharp mind and an expanded consciousness brings perfection*

*Source: Art of Living. "Benefits of Meditation"

Katherine is a meditation teacher and life coach who is interested in helping her clients become more grounded and centered within themselves through breathing, meditation and relaxation techniques. Once this foundation is established within, the benefits are endless. Switching from victim mode to empowerment mode causes a monumental shift in our lives. We begin to change and transform into a higher vision of ourselves as we become aware of the fears and perceived limitations we need to rewire and release. This type of work allows us to believe in something greater as we uncover our potential and tap into our deep reserves of power, peace and love within ourselves.

∞ Life Coaching ∞

~ Feel a deeper connection to your true self

~ Establish a meditation practice that works for you

~ Feel greater joy / love / compassion for yourself as you practice living more in the Present moment and less in the Past and Future

~ Be less reactive and more responsive

~ Get clear about what you want and align yourself with your inner power

~ Tap into your intuition

~ Feel more Empowered and less of a victim so you can make the changes you need to live a more authentic life that is true to you.

Katherine uses intuitive coaching methods to understand her client's current life situation and helps them to gain clarity and have a broader perspective about what they want and need in their lives. She incorporates specific relaxing background music, the deep and resonant sounds of the Native American frame drum as well as the expansive and healing vibrations from her crystal bowl to deepen her clients experience of reconnection.

∞ 30 minutes / 45 minutes Minute Clarity Session

What do you need in your life right now? Spend some time with Katherine gaining clarity about your current situation.

∞ 30 minute Lunch Hour Meditation

Can't find time to meditate at home? Experience the benefits of meditation during your work day and come home feeling more relaxed and at peace within.

∞ 45 minute / 1 hour Meditation Session

Brand new to meditation? This is a perfect way for you to get familiar with some of the basic techniques, vocabulary and practices to get you well on your way to having a daily practice for yourself that aligns with your needs.

∞ 1 hour - 1.5 hour Coaching with combo of Meditation, Centering & Breathing exercises along with Life Coaching.

∞ Individual Drumming Experience 45 minutes / 1 hour (@ the studio)

New to drumming but not ready to be in a group setting? Katherine will guide you through an experience of learning the basics of playing the hand drum as well as teach African & Caribbean rhythms that allow you to explore your own innate sense of musicality in a safe and sacred space.

∞ Drumming & Meditation Experience 45 minutes / 1 hour

For questions or to book a session with Katherine, send her an email at beginwithin88@gmail.com.