An Underestimated Ally to your Health

We may all understand the Universe perpetuates constant change and how we address the change in our lives can affect our well-being from time to time, and day to day.

We are living in tumultuous times politically.  For many, we are living through burdensome times, financially, or, we may be troubled by uneasy relationships, challenging health issues, reoccurring self-doubt, episodes of depression and other mental health challenges such as Anxiety and Stress.

I just wanted point out that a Practice of Mindfulness Meditation can be a wonderful and most helpful tool when your emotions get the better of you, when stress, anxiety, anger, sadness, etc. becomes detrimental to your health.

As human beings, we all experience human emotions that can often dictate the quality of our lives. Mindfulness Meditation teaches us to acknowledge and accept our emotions, but, even more importantly, we learn how to control these emotions before they control us, our behavior and reactions.  Through practice we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions before they can begin take a toll on our health and happiness.

In other words, Mindfulness Meditation Training prevents us from clinging to our thoughts and emotions. We learn to “let them be” before they attack the body’s immune system, creating dis”ease” in our bodies.  Chronic stress and anxiety trigger the body’s fight-or-flight response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline that, over time, cause significant physical harm. Common effects include headaches, muscle tension (neck/back), digestive issues, insomnia, high blood pressure, weakened immune system, and increased risk of heart disease or obesity. 

Mindfulness may hold promise as a potential way to help prevent and treat disease, increase ability to cope with pain and chronic illness, reduce stress in patients and practitioners, foster compassion, improve quality of care and reduce medical errors. -Ludwig & Kabat-Zinn, 2008

We learn to manage our thoughts and emotions through “awareness” and by turning our focus elsewhere.  Perhaps we focus on our breath, we focus on a project, we focus on the outcome we desire, or we simply focus on the those goals we wish to achieve in our life. Or, we simply we tell ourselves with determination that we shall overcome this challenge and move beyond it.

Meditation may be one of the strongest ALLIES your mind, body and spirit will ever encounter..

We can talk about mindfulness or write at length about it, but to truly understand mindfulness, we have to experience it directly.Siegel, Germer, Olendzki 2009

A PERSONAL NEW YEAR’S WISH!

Happy New Year to All!  May 2026 bring you not only much Joy, Happiness and Good Health, may it be a Year of Positive Change.

As pointed out by many of our great philosophers, we have so little (if any) control over the external events and circumstances in our lives. Happiness is a choice and it is dependent on our own thoughts and conditioned reactions to the frequent and inevitable challenges we have faced throughout our lives.

When we experience disappointment or what we often label as “failure”, we tend to over-analyze and blame, we direct negative judgements and self-talk towards others and ourselves. We go into a “funk” or often sink into a depressed state of mind.  So often, when we cling to our own self-declared expectations, we lose sight of the joy and beauty life affords us. We lose faith in the pursuit of our goals not realizing that the goals we set for ourselves are not always fixed.  They are susceptible to change.   When faced with a “let-down”, we have to remember we have a choice.  We can choose to either suffer by clinging to our negative and detrimental emotional reactions or we can choose to find that renewable energy, that resides within us and then, to simply move forward in life with renewed aspirations, dreams and goals.

So, my wish for you this New Year, when the unexpected arises, you find a renewed sense of purpose in your lives. May we remind ourselves that we are here to enjoy life to enjoy and help each other to live with much compassion, with much kindness and respect towards ourselves and others. We must seek personal fulfillment and to move forward in our lives despite our “ups & downs”. This is what rewards us with HAPPINESS and all the joy we need and seek.

The ability to CHANGING our patterns of negative thinking and reacting to our behavioral patterns in the same harmful way over and over again is one of the many benefits of a daily Mindfulness Meditation practice. All it takes is determination and as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day to create the changes you need to find a more positive and productive alliance with your innerself.

 "I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can CHOOSE which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it,"- Groucho Marx

Why Online Mindfulness Meditation Classes Are Perfect for those with “too busy” mindsets

In today’s fast-paced world, where most people are dealing with a busy routine, stress and anxiety have become common health concerns. In this scenario, freeing up some time can be difficulty, especially for non-meditators and those try to learn the technique via books, podcasts, etc. This is where online Mindfulness Meditation classes for beginners come into play, allowing busy individuals to engage in this mindfulness practice with proper guidance and where you can address any difficulties you may be experiencing throughout the six weekly lessons.

If you are someone who wants to practice meditation but you feel overwhelmed by you busy daily routine, here’s why an online session can be a great choice for you.

Exploring the Reasons Why Online Meditation Classes are Perfect for Beginners

Easy to Start

Our online guided meditations are simple to follow. An instructor guides you through each step over the course of the six-week training. You don’t need any special skills or experience. All you need is to be “breathing” These classes are designed for beginners to help them understand the technique, the beneficial concept behind a Mindfulness Meditation Practice and how it can lead to less stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and help reduce chronic pain.

No Need to Visit a Studio

You can connect with the instructor from your home. By opting for our meditation classes, you can practice meditation and experience mindfulness without going anywhere. All you need to do is find a relatively quiet space in your home, and an internet-enabled device. Our classes are designed for people who want to engage-in and start a mindfulness practice without having to leave the comfort of their home, yet maintain both the proper and the necessary guidance and instruction throughout their training.

Helps Build a Routine

Doing meditation during recommended times each day can help build a healthy emotional and physically-foundation. By opting for our online Saturday morning GROUP sessions, you can learn how to practice mindfulness meditation and integrate it into your daily life.  Or, you can opt for PRIVATE Sessions that may better fit into your personal schedule during the week.

One Solution for Different Needs

Mindfulness meditation addresses various concerns, such as stress, sleep, focus, anxiety, worry, physical challenges and more. In the online sessions, our instructor will help you learn how to reduce stress with mindfulness meditation that allows you to choose how to elevate your mood and energy levels. If you are looking for an effective and healthy way o deal with most emotional and sometimes challenging issues, this is a great choice.

Achieving Results

Meditation is personal. Your results will depend on your patience, determination and your willpower. And, the amount of time you devote to your practice also has a bearing on how quickly your will realize all the benefits. Mindfulness works, in part, by helping people to become less reactive to their negative thought patterns, to be less self-critical and to be far less non-judgmental towards themselves and others.

In a Nutshell

If you are looking to incorporate mindfulness meditation into your daily routine without disrupting your schedule, our weekly online meditation classes can help. To enroll in our classes, please click on the Zoom class registration link and contact us for more information.

How to Get the Most Out of Group & Personal Mindfulness Meditation Classes and your Personal Practice

Mindfulness meditation is not about sitting in one particular fashion like a statue or forcing the mind to stop thinking. It is more about paying attention and to develop your ability to remained focused over time.  It’s more about being in the moment, and noticing your thoughts without clinging to them. Your thoughts will wander—it’s normal! What matters is bringing them back gently to the object of your focus-the breath!  Whether you are in a group or working one-on-one, there are ways to make the experience deeper and more rewarding.

Here are some tips and instructions to follow for both group & private meditation. Mindfulness meditation benefits every individual, whether you are  school teachers, office workers, business owners, experiencing anxiety, or particular physical or mental challenges. Following these instructions diligently ensures you achieve the most from the practice.  

Getting the most-During Group Meditation Lessons

"Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom."  -Buddha

Guidance and Instructions

An experienced teacher’s guidance at the beginning helps you start your practice with confidence and positive attitude. A teacher helps people know what to expect and allows them to relax into the practice without self-judgement or critique.

Comfort and Setup

Make sure you are sitting in a way that feels good. Chairs, cushions, blankets—use whatever you need. If the body is uncomfortable, the mind will wander even more.

Setting the Tone

Go into your practice as it is a gift to yourself, as an act of kindness you deserve. Everyone is on their own journey and everyone will realize change-some sooner, some later.  Of course, much depends on the amount of time you practice from day to day.

Managing Distractions

There may be sounds, movements, or other distractions that may occur during your practice.  Notice them, “let them be” and then bring focus back to your breath. During our classes, you will learn several techniques that will you deal more effectively with any distractions you may encounter.

Tips for Private Meditation

Start Small and Build Up

Do not push for long sessions right away. Start with five or ten minutes and extend the time as it feels right.

Pick a Time and Place

Find a regular time and a “go t0” quiet place in your home. A consistent routine makes it easier to show up every day and will help you jump start your meditation practice.

Bring Mindfulness Into Daily Life

Practice staying present during simple tasks like eating, walking, or even folding clothes. These little moments increase your focus “muscle”.

Explore Different Techniques

Try the different techniques you will learn throughout the group classes — re: breathing, focusing, body sensations, paying more attention to your thoughts outside your practice, and becoming a better listener.

In the end, mindfulness is about changing your relationship to your thoughts and learning to become less reactive to not only your thoughts, but to the words of others. It is about awareness and the choices you can make before you over-react. With practice, you will start to notice more calm, clarity, and connection to everyday life. 

The Takeaway

If you have the determination and willpower to make positive healthy changes in your life and are willing to dedicate a minimal amount of your day to your physical and mental well-being, join our online mindfulness meditation classes and experience the difference. Contact us to know more about our Zoom classes. You can also follow us on our Meditation Tress Facebook page and google for the latest updates.