Meditation
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
– Victor Frankl
The quality of our thoughts determine the quality of our lives. The challenge that we are facing in a world of smartphones, social media, emails and all the other stimuli we are exposed to, is that we have no control or even awareness of what comes into our mind and no control over our thoughts, which are most of the time an unconscious repose to some form of stimulus. What happens most of the time is that we REACT instead of respond. We automatically do things without even being aware of our behaviour or where our actions originate from. As a result we have lost control over that space between stimulus and response. That space where potential lies too create from, to respond from a place of power.
“When we become present and interrupt our conditioned responses to perceived stimuli we have the opportunity to alter patterns and expand our consciousness. Instead of programatic reactivity we empower ourselves with sovereign, informed spontaneity – able to meet arising moments with our creativity genius. We get to climb out of the deep furrow we have carved for ourselves. New horizons emerge. We get a larger view – of ourselves, others, and the environment.”
– Anon
What are the benefits of Meditation?
We meditate to quiet our mind. When the mind is quiet we have the opportunity to become aware – aware of our thoughts, we can start to explore where our thoughts come from and how to alter them. With meditation we create space in our minds to connect with and receive from the Divine. “Meditation offers us this power of presence and observation. A meditative mind is more spacious, considerate, open, and flexible. The more you meditate the less stuck you are in what you know (the past).”
Neuroscientists have done experiments where they exposed a group of non-meditators and a group of meditators to pain. They also created an association to the pain stimulus, i.e a bell rang when the stimulus was delivered.
They placed the individuals in an MRI scanner which can track the pain response area as it lights up in the brain when pain is perceived. The first thing they did was to deliver the pain association – rang the bell. In the non-meditators’ brains the pain response area lit up even though no actual pain were felt. In the group who meditated regularly there was no activity in the pain response area in the brain.
They then took the experiment further exposing both groups to the pain stimulus while in the MRI machine. In both groups the pain response area in the brain lit up. But in the non-meditators that area remained lit up long after the stimulus ended. In the group who meditated regularly the pain area lit up and almost immediately after the stimulus ended, the pain response area went back to non-active again. (Source Mission Joy Movie)
Having a regular meditation practice supports in so many ways. It helps us to be more resilient, to find our balance despite what is happening around us, to quiet our minds, to disconnect from the busyness, so we can hear our inner voice, to find peace within.
Meditation is similar to exercise. Your energetic system adapts best to new behaviour when a consistent pattern is developed. A regular practice will support you to grow your meditation muscle, the more you do it, the easier it will become to quiet your mind, to get to that place of stillness.
Max Meditation System ™
The Max Meditation System ™ is a simple, rewarding method for cultivating mental tranquility!
The Max Meditation System ™ was developed by the founder of the Modern Mystery School, Gudni Gudnason. This system is a complementary blend of ancient methods learned from prominent teachers in India and Tibet, it is designed to truly teach you how to get the most out of your meditation practice.
It is a fusion of ancient techniques of yoga and mind acrobatics, mixed with modern techniques of psychology and NLP, making this the most effective system to reduce your stress and pain, enhance your energy, vitality, well being and so much more.
This system is a wonderful support to the western mind. In the West we struggle to quiet our minds. This system of meditation is a great support for that and is accessible to all levels of meditation experience.
How do you know Max Meditation System ™ is for you?
- High levels of stress
- Struggle to focus
- Low Self Esteem
- Lack of creativity
- You struggle to sleep because your mind does not stop
- You struggle with depression or anxiety
- You are new to meditation
- You have never meditated
- You have experience in meditation and would like to try a different method
- You are yearning for peace within
What happens during Max Meditation System ™?
I offer weekly meditation evenings on a Monday and Thursday at 6:30pm using the Max Meditation System ™ from my practice in Durbanville. This is for small groups of students. Space is limited – please book your seat beforehand.
You will be sitting in a chair. There will be soft ambient music playing and I will guide you through the meditation. A sacred space will be energetically prepared to support you during the meditation. You can come straight from work. There is no need to change into special clothing. Students have explained their experience as very relaxing, a deep sense of rest, feeling rejuvenated and energised the next day.
Reach out to me on WhatsApp to book your seat or to get details for our next meditation evening.
Private Sessions can be arranged on your request.
Benefits of Max Meditation System ™
The benefits of this method of meditation are many, here are some:
- Working with a trained practitioner who will guide you through the process with ease
- Deepening your relaxation through a process designed to soothe your mind
- Addressing the physical, mental, and emotional components of your mental restlessness
- Enhancing spiritual insight and connection by reducing the negative thoughts in your head
- It’s a method accessible to all levels of experience
- It is deeply relaxing and a great “stress buster”
- It is a deep rest and at the same time energising
- Feeling relaxed, positive, better sleep and peace of mind
- Reduction in both physical and emotional pain
- Improved ability to control your thoughts
- Supports focus and increase in clarity of thoughts
- Improved spontaneity and creativity
- A sense of a greater connection to purpose
- Increase in self confidence
- Enhanced levels of energy, strength, vigour
Reach out to me on WhatsApp to book your seat or to get details for our next meditation evening.
What our clients say:
Sanctuary Meditation Class
Sanctuary Meditation is a trusted method for tuning into the wisdom of your soul.
The Sanctuary Meditation is a reliable method to easily and safely expand your consciousness to reach the realm of your own spiritual sanctuary, where you will meet with your Higher Self from whom you can regularly obtain answers to simple, everyday questions, guidance, as well as assistance with life’s challenges and difficult decisions.
This technique is a simple and effective way to access the higher dimensions of your reality and connect to your spirit and inner wisdom. It is a valuable tool to master as it supports you to steer your own ship and become a master of your own destiny!
How do you know a Sanctuary Meditation class is for you?
- You are doubting your inner voice and are seeking answers from outside
- You have heard about your Higher Self and would like to explore this further
- You are in search of clarity and answers about your life
- You are longing for a deeper connection even though you may not quite know what that looks like
- You have done the Empower Thyself class and would like to hone your skills in the Sanctuary Meditation method
What happens in a Sanctuary Meditation class?
In this class I will guide you to follow a series of steps that will open and expand the chakras and easily ascend through the dimensions of reality. You will be guided to access your Sanctuary and to meet with your Higher Self. There will be an opportunity for journaling.
With the guided practice led by a certified teacher, you will be able to take this technique home with you so that you can access the wisdom of your Higher Self whenever you need it!
You will be seated in a chair and wearing comfortable clothes is recommended. The duration of the class is approximately 2 – 3 hours.
The Class is for small groups of students. Private classes can be arranged.
There is no pre-requisite for this class but having a Life Activation will support you in becoming proficient in this method.
Reach out to me to find out when this class will next be on the schedule.
Some of the benefits of the Sanctuary Meditation class:
This method is a foundational practice that can be used daily or as often as needed.
For the experienced or beginner meditation practitioner, this approach will deepen your personal reflection and give you access to an intense sense of connectivity with the spirit and soul knowledge you possess within yourself.
- Find your own unique spiritual sanctuary, the safest place to connect to spiritual realms
- Have the profound opportunity to meet your Higher Self (the highest and best version of you)
- Deepen your spiritual connection
- Get clarity and personal insights as you need them
- Receive messages and guidance to guide you through life and your personal journey
What our clients say:
“Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”
– Prince Gautama Siddharta (also known as the Buddha), 563-483 BC
Meditation for the Workplace
What are you as a corporate institution doing to support the mental and emotional well-being of your most valuable asset, i.e your staff? Would you try something new for your staff if it can lower their stress levels, enhance productivity and improve corporate culture? Introducing a meditation practice in the workplace can be a cost effective way to support your staff and to enhance their effectiveness.
When I started my work in 2011 the idea of meditation was a foreign concept to the mainstream population. It was mainly associated with eastern spiritual practice. There was a lot of fear and misconception around meditation. As the consciousness of humanity expanded, and scientific research were done about the medical and neurological benefits of meditation, the concept of meditation became more desirable to explore and with the likes of Oprah Winfrey and others talking publicly about the practice of meditation, it had now become an important aspect of mental and emotional health in all aspects of life.
Today meditation in the workplace is a valuable support system to employees implemented by big corporations such as Apple, Google, Yahoo, Nike to mention a few. These corporates understand that time spent meditating means balanced, focused and happy workers who get things done.
There are numerous articles in Forbes magazine about the benefits and successful implementation of meditation in the workplace. Here are some extracts:
“One of the most unexpectedly rewarding practices in my life has been the practice of meditation. The benefits have been equally pronounced in my personal and professional lives. I had expected the former; I picked up the practice primarily because I was feeling the spillover effect of work stress. I had largely unforeseen the latter.
Many people who don’t meditate write the practice off as New Age hoo-ha. And you can’t blame them. But after almost two years of consistent practice, I found meditation to simply be a mental model like any other, but one that comes through daily practice. The practice focuses on key principles and the consistency turns those principles into second nature. Every decision and action you take becomes more and more rooted in those principles.” – Stephanie Denning
“Research at companies like Google, Aetna and Intel have shown that increasing mindfulness” (which can be derived through the practice of meditation) “in the workplace can decrease stress levels while improving focus, thoughtfulness, decision-making abilities and overall well-being. Mindfulness gives employees permission and space to think — to be present — leading to mental and self-awareness. In addition, mindfulness can reduce emotional exhaustion, increase openness to new ideas and develop compassion and empathy. – Yolanda Lau
“Meditation can bring boosted creativity, more time, and sharper priorities, but it’s far beyond a productivity hack for entrepreneurs trying to squeeze more out of each day. Meditation can create more complete people who can appreciate the absurdness of life and business, feel more aligned with their work, and connected to everyone who crosses their path. When this leads to reduced stress, a lighter-hearted way of being and more successful business endeavours, it will have been well worth making the effort to commit to a regular practice.” – Jodie Cook
How do you know that meditation in the workplace can support your staff?
- Staff are working under constant pressure and are stressed out
- Recurring conflict amongst staff members
- Staff are suffering from chronic illness, i.e heart disease, high blood pressure, depression and anxiety
- Dysfunctional teams
- Drop in productivity
- Increase in absenteeism
- Poor staff retention
- Drop in sales coming from sales staff
How can we help you?
Marda has extensive experience in the practice and teaching of meditation. Coming from a previously corporate background and having worked in the highly stressful financial services sector she has a direct experience of how regular meditation has improved her productivity and ability to deal with work stress.
Marda can tailor make a program to support your staff with meditation; ideally providing a regular weekly meditation slot for staff or provide them with guidance on the basics of meditation and how to practice meditation in their own time.
I can also provide meditation slots during corporate team building or retreats.
I also offer private meditation sessions for executives in the comfort of their office.
Contact Marda for a consultation to discuss your company’s needs and for a tailor made solution for you.
Benefits of meditation in the workplace:
- Increase performance & productivity
- Improved relationships between staff members
- Increase awareness
- Increase concentration & creativity
- Better collaboration between team members
- Reduction of negativity in the workplace
Improve confidence - Reduction in absenteeism
- Less conflict amongst staff members
- Improved negotiation skills
- Increase in sales
- Better decision making
- Better staff retention
