4 ANYTIME MEDITATIONS
By: Dr. Robert MacDonald, National Director of Healing 1. SIMPLE MEDITATIONUse this quick mindfulness technique to help focus (or refocus), and notice how your energy shifts towards empowered positivity. Take ten seconds to close your eyes. Inhale and exhale. Visualize a color (or a mantra of your choice) – picture it in your mind’s eye. Let it fill you. Then open your eyes. 2. AFTER-WORK RESET: Perfect for your after-work commute, this super-simple meditation helps you reset from the work day.
Read MoreWe’ve all heard it a million times: getting enough sleep helps you lose weight, manage stress, and combats the big bad guys like heart disease and depression. But it’s not always easy to get some solid shut-eye — that’s why we’re hoping this bedtime meditation from our resident mindfulness expert, Robert MacDonald, will do the trick.
Read MoreAmidst today’s bustling societal climate, people are truly beginning to prioritize the quality of their wellbeing. This means that balance, in all aspects of life, is a necessity. When we work out, we put stress on our muscles. In order to fully replenish and get stronger with every workout, you need to recover accordingly. Enter: Exhale Recovery Our newest class, which launches nationally the week of September 16, is designed to revive, restore, and rebalance your body after a tough workout through elements of active stretch, myofascial release therapy, and mindful meditation. And trust us (because we got a sneak peek of the class) — it’s everything you didn’t know you needed. Read on to learn how you can fit Recovery into your routine! What is The Recovery Class? Exhale Recovery is a 50-minute class comprised of myofascial release, active stretching, and meditation designed to integrate, enhance and rebalance the body and the mind. Why should I take this class?
Read MoreEverything you want to know about Exhale’s Floating Meditation, straight from the creator, Elisabeth Halfpapp. Plus, a special Meditation Month offer at the bottom of this post! A weightless surrendering to yourself as you tune out and float effortlessly in a 30-minute guided meditation with your body being held and supported in a silk hammock. The first time I experienced this relaxing, calming effect was at Miraval Arizona (an Exhale’s sister resort) as just the meditative component without the restorative poses. When I developed a similar class for Exhale, I thought the addition of restorative stretches after a breathing meditation in stillness would help the physical body surrender deeper with more relaxed muscles and mind. When the mind is relaxed the body tends to follow, resulting in a deeper stretch. Also with some guided restorative stretches/poses, the transition back to the “real world” was a little easier. Some of the restorative poses inside and out of the silk, while incorporating the silks are: • Savasana • Hip/hamstring stretches • Child’s pose and extended child’s pose variations • Forward folds • Down dog, up dog, and plank variations During the meditation section, gentle rocking is an option, which is enables you to “float” better. Throughout the entire session, breathing is an active focus which helps to detangle the mind. You may start to fall asleep, which is fine, however, we do encourage you stay awake and aware in order to experience the full benefits. You can always sit upright if you tend to fall asleep or feel uncomfortable being cocooned. There is soothing healing music played through your own personal head phones that enables you to also hear the teacher guide you through the meditation while zoning out external noises — a true calming of the senses. Inhale inspiration…Exhale transformation…..equals WELLBEING as we “float’ together! SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: What should I wear? Comfortable workout attire is recommended. Socks are required. Jewelry that will snag the silks should be left at home. What if I’m sensitive to motion? Rocking is optional, but if you’re sensitive to motion we encourage you to opt out. What happens if I fall asleep? Due to the swaddling-like nature of this experience you may fall asleep. However, we encourage you to stay awake in order to experience the full benefits. Sitting in an upright position is an option. Who is this class for? Floating meditation is open to all level; no experience is necessary. Weight limit is 350lbs. So there you have it! No, you don’t need to be an aerial expert. No, you don’t have to be a meditation expect – you just need to give 30 minutes of your time to feel calm, recharged, and a better sense of overall wellbeing. And as a special for National Meditation Month, we’re offering our Chicago Guests FREE Floating Meditation Classes, May 13-19, 2019. Call 312.753.6500 to book your free class
Read MoreIf you are like most people, by the end of winter, you’re feeling a bit run down. To combat this sluggish feeling, keep in mind that change is right around the corner. All around you, nature is on the verge of transformation. Winter’s slow, dormant energy is transforming into springtime’s lively and energetic riot of life! By cultivating mindfulness around the changing of seasons we consciously and intentionally align with that energy. Here is how we can experience that in a simple and repeatable way.
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