MINDFUL BEING

​Meditation and reflection are a part of who we are, a part of our development as humans and a part of our history.  Sometimes though, we may feel like we can’t reach that contemplative space because too many barriers have been put in place, too many distractions come up as we try to meditate.
Your connection is valuable and insightful and you can reclaim that inner awareness and calm.  It may take time to retrain your mind to relax and to reflect beyond judgements but it is possible.  A meditation teacher can help assist you by thoughtful instruction and guidance.  

​Here at the center, no meditation experience is required, but a willingness to explore is a great first step.  During our classes, you are welcome to sit in a chair, on a mat, stand, or even lay down. 
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We offer three unique classes to meet you where you are at today.

Introduction to Meditation
If you have ever felt nervous about starting a practice, joining a community class, or attending a meditation retreat because you weren't sure where to begin, this class offers a judge free zone to learn more and experience the relaxation meditation can bring.

• Briefly talk about the history of meditation. 
• Demystify meditation terms or concepts
• Outline what the meditation will consist of and what you may expect.
• Relax and enjoy a gentle guided meditation from the instructor, to bring a sense of calm presence.
• Afterwards, we will conclude with a short discussion about the experience and ideas to help  support and develop your practice.

 
Mindful Meditation 
At our Mindful Lunch or Evening Meditations, you can embrace meditation as journey to self-discovery and awareness through relaxation and inner reflection. 

• A brief talk to join together and check in with one another.
• Answer any questions on meditations
• Discuss a brief thoughtful or contemplative topic as we begin to set an intention for the meditation.
• Relax into the guided meditation
• Afterwards, we will share in a brief group discussion about the meditation.

Astral Travel Meditation
Beginner or experienced meditators are all welcome to this guided meditation to balance and harmonize oneself, to dissolve the ego a bit, and reconnect to possibly forgotten parts of the self.  A guided meditation for an “out of body” experience, sometimes referred to as “Astral Projection”.  In this class we will:

• Have a brief talk to join together and check in with one another.
• Identify the primary chakras, as the direction of this meditation will be to move your focus through these primary centers.
• Relax into a guided meditation, focusing on breathing, relaxation, and movement with the energy of the subtle body.  Often this can feel as if you are harmonizing your energy and focusing on a deeper connection to your highest self.
• Once you are centered in this awareness and energy, we will use visualization to move you from awareness of the physical body to the etheric body and astral body to connect to your inner wisdom.
• After the meditation, we will share in a brief group discussion about the meditation.    

 
Individual meditation classes are available, we offer all three meditation practices listed above with a personal instructor to guide you gently through meditation.   Please contact us to schedule  time with an instructor.  

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Meditation Teacher - Kerrie Lovins

Today many of us turn to App's to help support our meditation practice.  Apps like Insight Timer help with reminders to make time for your practice, offering a large selection of carefully and thoughtfully created meditations. 

One of the many beneficial features you can find included on Insight Timer's app is the ability to set timers for your own meditation practice, incorporating different bells and sounds for the start and end of your own meditations. 

If Insight Timer is your go-to app, you can find guided meditations from Kerrie Lovins @ Meditation 719 to help support your calm.  You can easily access meditations from your phone or device, when attending class isn't an option.

Support Colorado Springs local artistry and business and follow me on Insight Timer or Instagram for updates when new meditations become available

Start Your Day Right

Enjoy this short guided meditation created by our own meditation teacher, Kerrie Lovins, to bring a cup of calm to your day.

Find a relaxing place to be and press play.

Check out the studio! 

Photography with contemplative meditations "Intimacy" and "Discovery" by Kerrie Lovins

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Learn how to meditate today!

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During meditation it is important to feel comfortable, we offer a calm and quiet space for you to reflect and find inner peace. 

We provide options for seating including: yoga mats, meditation zafu and zabutons, or chairs.

Interested in using noise canceling headphones to have an even deeper meditation experience?  We host special meditations using silent disco headphones to wrap you in an immersive meditative experience.

Come check out the art!  We believe in inspiring creativity and contemplation.  We partner with local talented artists to create a welcoming environment.

Oil on Canvas "Lucid" and "Big Data 5.3" by  
BILL STONE GALLEY

STARTING TO MEDITATE

HONORING TIME FOR MEDITATION

When you first start, it might seem challenging to devote the time to a meditation practice, but the rewards are well worth the investment. 
Setting aside time is your first step; are you more of a morning person or a night owl?  Choose a time that suits your style to have an active meditation.  These practices include journaling, focusing on energy, introducing motivational mantras, or mindful reflection.  By setting aside 10 minutes in your morning or evening you can start your practice and let it evolve from there. 

BEGINNING TO MEDITATE

Once you have your time set aside, consider a regular place to sit and meditate.  One that is comfortable to you and offers you some quiet space.  There is no need to start from a perfect position, sit comfortable as you are beginning your practice, even if that means laying down.  As you grow in your practice  you will likely find yourself experimenting with how positioning affects your meditation.  

Next, choose a style of meditation you would like to try.  There are many types of meditations, perhaps you want to start with a breathing exercise like "box breathing" or maybe you are interested in a more reflective mindful meditation.  In this type of meditation, you would  introduce a gentle thought, poem, or reflection to sit with.  

WHAT TO EXPECT 

Often times we have visions of this perfect meditative state, as if by simply breathing we will find this amazing calm.  Sometimes yes, that will be the experience, but sometimes no.  If you are like most of us, it will take time to develop your practice.  The mind will resist.   And other times you may touch very deeply held emotions, these can be joyous or difficult.  Always honor your self and what you are ready to explore.  If it is uncomfortable, switch course and shift your attention to a sensation or person that brings you comfort.  

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

When you journal or meditate, remember to hold yourself with kindness and compassion.  Often times judgment is the minds response to calming down.  Words like: "you can't", "this won't work for me", or "this is nonsense" can stand in your way to a peaceful meditation.  Consider setting up a sign if your mind is resisting, one that says you will be taking a break from these thoughts but you will return shortly.  Another strategy is letting the voice play out in the background, as if it is on a tv in another room, and bring yourself attention to your breath, a sensation, or an awareness of the peaceful place you are sitting in.    

Honoring your meditation practice in whatever form it takes will give you room to grow and expand.  The benefits to a practice are enormous, and your mindful attention is a powerful tool to move you in the direction that supports your success and well being. 

Mindful Meditation Practice

As Thich Nhat Hanh , Zen Master and Vietnamese Monk describes it, "Meditation is a kind of energy that we generate when we bring our mind back to the body and get in touch with what is going on in the present moment, within us, and around us."   Throughout time, meditation has evolved and different practices have emerged.   Mindful Breathing and Sitting Meditations are very common practices that are easy to begin with.  

Mindful breathing is an awareness of the in breath and the outbreath, grounding oneself in the present moment.  Without judgment or control of the breath, rather noticing it, and flowing with your breath naturally .  

Seated meditations are a way to reconnect to this natural breathing, to restore our bodies, our outlook, and present moment awareness through noticing what is.  How do you feel, without distracting yourself from those feelings and not judging the feelings.   The power of your attention can bring healing and calm in the ways your inner wisdom and knowingness can assist.  But we first must listen.  

We are here to support your practice

Service	Duration	​Investment	When
Introduction to Meditation	1.5 hours	$15	Dates vary, see class schedule Wednesday classes 5:30pm - 7:00pm Saturday classes 10:00am - 11:30am
Personal Meditation Coach Services	1 hour	$25	Contact us to request a time that fits into your schedule .
Astral Travel Meditation	1 hour	$15	Select Saturday's 10:00am to 11:00am
Excel Mindfully Workshop	2.5 hours	$75	​January 26, 2023, more classes coming soon!  ​
Art Tour & Meditation	1.5 hours	$25	By Appointment only, contact us for available times Thurs., Fri., & Sat.

Check our Classes page for specific dates and times.