In these times of uncertainties, many of us are facing new challenges. Yet during these times, some of the routines and self-care tools we have been using are not available to us. For example, some would use the gyms; some would participate in team sports; and some would go to the spa as ways to help cope with life. What can we do when these are no longer available? In any critical situation, there are always new opportunities that appear. Even during this Covid crisis, there are some unexpected benefits. The air quality has greatly improved in many of the most polluted cities. Wildlife has appeared as the disruption from cars and people has declined. It is as if Mother Earth is taking this quiet time to rejuvenate herself. We too can take this as an opportunity for self-reflection and learning new skills.
During this pandemic, we have learnt ways to protect ourselves against the virus through social distancing, washing our hands frequently, wearing face masks, etc. There is another side which we may not have paid enough attention to, our mental health. We are constantly bombarded with pictures of doom, of worst-case scenarios, news of deaths in the thousands. How do we stay centered and balanced? When we are grounded, we can make better decisions and make better choices for ourselves and for our loved ones. Meditation has long been an effective tool to help us calm our minds along with many other benefits for health and well-being. There are many types of meditation and teachers… Sometimes you may wonder which one should I do? My suggestion is to find a practice that you can incorporate easily in your daily routine.
I am offering a series of 6 meditation sessions where you will learn simple techniques and easy practices with the following goals:
- To develop and strengthen your foundational centers.
The core is often emphasized in physical exercises. Equally, in traditional Chinese Tai Chi and Qi Kung, the energy centers in our abdomen are of great significance. When we have strong foundations, not only do we have better health, but we are also better equipped to deal with all types of situations. We will be more likely able to respond rather than react.
- To balance your emotions using the five elements concept from Traditional Chinese Medicine.
These five elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. They in turn correspond to five key organs in our bodies: liver, heart, spleen, lungs and kidneys. These organs are inherently connected to our emotions. For example, anxiety is related to the heart and anger to the liver. Using sound vibrations and visualization, we can enhance the energy flow in these areas.
- Guided meditation to quiet the mind.
The dates for the meditation sessions are Tuesdays May 12, 19, 26, June 2, 9, 16 from 8-8:45pm. The sessions will be held via Zoom. Click here to sign-up!
Here is the information you need in order to join the Zoom meeting:
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/
Meeting ID: 635 406 8026
Password: 7wh1mP
These free meditation sessions calm you by balancing your energies and thus help you focus better. If you feel any difference in your mind and soul post these sessions, please feel free to support our cause of building green schools. Every donation matters. To donate please click here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/
You will find that these exercises are easy to do and that once learnt, you can apply them on your own. I hope you can join me and experience for yourself.
Written by Pauline Chan
