MICHELE HÉBERT E-RYT 500
THE INNER PRACTICES OF YOGA:
Raja Yoga Meditation Training
Sessions I and II
Saturday, July 22 10am-12 & 3-6pm (5hrs/credit)
Cost: $195 Workshop I & II Sessions,
Harmonia Members $175, Single Sessions $98
Michele Hébert
THE BRAIN ON MEDITATION: Learning to Meditate
We will explore the latest research on meditation and the brain and practice vedic mantras and chants that are part of the Yogic tradition.
The supportive nature of meditation practice provides for our brain includes:
a slow, steady, and consistent reckoning with enhanced awareness of our realities, and the ability to take a step back, become more objective, more accepting, less judgmental, and less reactive.
On a practical Western Medicine Research level brain studies are showing us that areas of the brain influenced and positively supported, when we establish a meditation practice include:
Anterior Cingulate Cortex: Increased grey matter behind the brain’s frontal lobe, have been associated with such functions as self-regulatory processes, including the ability to monitor attention conflicts, and allow for more cognitive flexibility.
Prefrontal Cortex: Increased grey matter density of the prefrontal lobe, which are primarily responsible for executive functioning such as planning, problem solving, and emotion regulation.
Hippocampus: Increased cortical thickness in the hippocampus has also been noted. The hippocampus part of the limbic system governs learning and memory, and is extraordinarily susceptible to stress and stress-related disorders like depression or PTSD.
PRACTICAL SPIRITUALITY: Develop a deep meditation practice –
Simple daily techniques to enhance your wellbeing.
The ancient spiritual discipline of meditation, the core of many wisdom traditions, has integrated itself into modern life. On one level it is a powerful tool for relieving stress, maintaining health, enhancing brain development and promoting creativity. On a deeper level it is a direct pathway for our evolution as spiritual beings discovering our indwelling divinity.
TECHNIQUES & PRACTICES: How do we get there?
Tension in the physical body holds the mind to the physical. Accumulated stress and tension create stress patterns in the neural pathways of the brain. In this training you will learn to release tension from the physical body (through yoga, chanting, and pranayama) so the mind is free to move inward and learn meditation practices to change the very workings of the brain.
POSITIVE RENEWAL: As Einstein once said - ‘The Greatest Knowledge of All is Experience’
During the weekend you will learn and practice meditation from the Vedic tradition, a classical focus on the breath and mantra, with the breath as the chariot we ride into our innermost center of being.
These workshops will provide practices and insights that elevate and quicken your purposeful evolution of consciousness. The goal is to establish a daily practice that connects you with Spirit and Self that provides greater awareness, consciousness and joy into your daily life experience.
Please bring your mala beads, to the session. Michele will guide you on how best to practice with them.
All levels of ability (beginners to advanced practioners of meditation) welcome - For Yoga Teachers, Yoga Practitioners and Meditators looking to deepen their spiritual practice.