Serenity Now: Meditation & Yoga Teacher Page Heenan’s Guide to Meditating at Home
There’s no better time to meditate than right now. A few days into Coronavirus semi-lockdown mode, it’s not just the physical limitations that threaten our lifestyle, but perhaps more crucially, it’s our emotional mindset that takes the hardest hit. We were crushed to temporarily close our doors, especially when so many of our clients were still eager to show up to class. As much as defeatist mentality seems a well suited reaction to the type of unprecedented intimidation COVID-19 has ignited, what we actually need right now is, quite simply, positive vibes.
Page Heenan, Meditation and Yoga teacher at The Corner Studio, likens social distancing—this sort of removal from our life as we know it—to what we do in meditation. According to Page, “We remove everything on the outside, we eliminate distractions—and it can be frightening. We are habituated to staying busy. We are not accustomed to the quiet. It can be hard at first, but then we access our pattern of thinking and we can change the way we respond.” In reference to the current state of affairs, Page adds, “We will remember how we responded, how we felt, and the more thoughtful and positive our reflection, the better off we’ll be.”
At The Corner Studio, Meditation Monday and Meditation by Candlelight on Wednesdays are both excellent classes to experience a guided meditation in a group setting. But meditation can be an equally powerful experience at home—solo or alongside loved ones in your household. Here, Page’s tips on how in these times of unease we can access a deeper calm.
How can meditation help us right now?
In this particular moment of uncertainty and anxiety, science tells us that meditation can genuinely help. We can use it to build resilience and find a sense of calm. Right now, things are changing so quickly and happening so fast that meditation can steady us, and may help us act from a place of kindness and compassion. This is an important time that we will certainly remember and we want to make choices and act on them using our strongest, best self. Meditation helps us connect to that.
What are some ways to meditate at home as a family?
First of all, I love this idea! One of the reasons we have meditation classes at The Corner Studio is that meditating in-person, with a group, is special. When a group meditates together, the effects and connections are amplified and to experience that as a family is amazing. It also helps set your kids up with good habits.
If the kids are really young, I would have them lie on their backs and put a favorite toy or stuffed animal on their belly and take some deep breaths. Having them experience the special object rise and fall is a good way to get them to connect with their bodies and breath working together.
For older kids or adults, a family meditation can be as simple as sitting in a circle, closing your eyes, and repeating some phrases that have meaning. ‘May we be happy. May we be healthy. May be love each other.’ You can make up your own phrases. The important thing is to do it together.
Where is the best place to meditate at home?
It’s nice to have a cushion to sit on and a special place in your home for practice. It acts as reminder or call to sit and meditate.
When is the best time to meditate?
Having a particular time of day that you set aside to meditate will help you actually do it. I like to meditate first thing in the morning and set an intention for my day. That way, if stress creeps in, I can reconnect with my morning practice and go from there.
In general, it’s beneficial to meditate before a meal, either before breakfast or before dinner. This helps you feel a little lighter and sit up a little straighter. You can breathe well. Your body isn’t busy digesting, which can be a distraction.
Do you need any props to meditate or to enhance the experience?
One of the best things about meditation is that you don’t need anything special—just yourself! If you can spend some time focusing on your breath, you are meditating. Just find a comfortable seat, close your eyes, and notice your breath. If a thought comes, gently guide your attention back to the breath. And if noises are present, it’s okay! Just notice the distraction, allow it to fade, and come back to your practice
Are there resources available for guided at-home meditation?
Yes! Having a trained guide is beneficial. A group practice led by an instructor not only promotes a ‘collective calm,’ as individuals tend to hold energy for those around them, but it also helps keep your mind from wandering.
I will be posting some meditations on my own Instagram @inner.space.studio as well as @thecornerstudiogp.
You can also download a free app called Insight Timer, which is the best app for meditation, in my opinion. These are cueing meditation uploads from well qualified teachers around the world.
Here are links to my guided meditations:
While The Corner Studio is closed temporarily to promote social distancing in this time of crisis, we want to stay connected with all of you. Keep checking our Instagram for news and updates and to get a head’s up on new Blog posts! We look forward to reconnecting in person when the time is right. Stay well, everyone! #SeeYouAtTheCorner