What is meditation really?

What happens when we turn within, and focus on the very processes of life?

In this course we’ll delve into the many practices and theories of this very old contemplative art. We’ll look at it from both ancient and modern perspectives, incorporating instructions from Indian wisdom traditions and insights from contemporary neuroscience.

How might meditation alter our reactivity?

How might it rewire neural connections?

How can such an internal and private experience re-pattern our social lives?

How can these practices be therapeutic?

“For whom might they be therapeutic?

We’ll also look at why meditation can be intimidating for some, difficult for many, and perhaps completely inappropriate for others. Throughout our time together, we’ll intersperse dialogue and sharing stories and experiences with practice

This interdisciplinary, non-denominational 4 day retreat style training will introduce the basic playing field and experience of meditation: what it has been in various times and places, and what it can be for different people today. We’ll use practical resources from vipassana, Tibetan, and Vedic/Vedantic orientations, comparing their methods and objectives. We’ll use theoretical resources from cognitive science and neuroscience, as well as clinical psychology and psychoanalysis in order to create individualized therapeutic practices for clients and students. The first half will focus on theory and practice and the second half will focus on leading meditation.

Upon the completion of the class room portion there will be two follow up online sessions (5HRS) via our webbex meeting platform to discuss:

• Personal Practise
• Guiding and facilitating meditation groups and classes.
• Resources

In addition to the 4 day retreat style course and  two online meetings each student will be responsible for keeping a meditation log and journal as well as recording and submitting audio guided meditation scripts. There will also be several required readings for this program.

Learning Outcomes

• Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the three basic models of mediation: open awareness, focused attention, analytical progression. Applications and contraindications for each.
• Studnets will gain an in-depth knowledge of yoga psychology and how it applies to meditation.
• Students will understand “Conversational Method” in meditation: how external communication strategies apply to the internal dialogues of meditation.
• Students will understand and demonstrate the ability to direct “organization of posture” and the contraindications for crossed legs.
• Students will gain knowledge of considerations of timing and dosage and demonstrate the ability to apply timing and dosage based on individual client needs.

Instructor:

Matthew Remski

Date and Schedule

Thursday September 15th 5:30pm-9:30pm

Friday September 16th  through Sunday September 18th 8:00am-6:00pm (lunch, tea and snacks provided)

Online Sessions: October 6th and November 10th 6:00pm-8:30pm (these can be attended live or they are also recorded)

Meditation journal, writing assignmnet and recordings must be received to be granted the 50HR Certificate

Investment

$800 plus GST

A deposit is required to hold your spot. Deposits are not refundable. Cancelations up to 30 days prior to the event may be issued a credit with Empowered Yoga to be used towards a different program. Unfortunately we are unable to issue a credit or refund the deposit within 30 days of the event. Certificates of completion may be issued upon the successful completion of the requirements above. Once a certificate is issued students may be eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance as an RYT. For more info, contact us at info@empoweredyoga.ca