Who are you guiding?
I have been guiding meditation with a small group of women, most of whom have not meditated before.  The meditation is offered as part of a series of lifestyle classes which include yoga and personal development, and these rotate on an ongoing basis in four-week blocks.  We have 45 minutes to accommodate settling in, Spot Meditations, exercises, a ten-minute guided meditation and a chat afterwards.

What effect has it had on the individuals?
Ten women attended spasmodically over the four weeks. All were enthusiastic about their experience and those who attended every session were eager to do more.  I was moved to see a participant with tears rolling down her cheeks during the silent reciting of the affirmation, “May I be well, May I be happy…” and I was inspired by the level of calm in the room.

What effect has it had on your work and the way you work?
I feel privileged to be able to offer these sessions to women who have had so many negative experiences in their lives. I love guiding the meditation and feeling the scattered energy in the room gradually settle and soften.  I have been working with my own meditation practice for many years now, but without the Lifeflow Guides training would not have had the confidence and skills to seamlessly guide meditation with others. 

Any comments on the Guides training?
I’m sure this training is quite unique in terms of content and quality of instruction: it was informative, good fun and offered many opportunities to practise the techniques. The comprehensive training manual is a wonderful resource for ongoing support after completing the course.

Who are you guiding?
Mostly individuals referred by physiotherapists within the practice – they have been patients with a stress/anxiety component to their pain. I have also been leading a short meditation session at the end of group exercise classes.

Can you describe the effect it has had on the individuals?
So far, all the responses have been very positive – all have noticed an improvement in their pain/headaches as a result of the meditation.  Two notable cases:  one was a musician who became very nervous before performances – his hands were stiffer than he would have liked and he was getting hip and leg pain almost as soon as he started playing.  This was investigated by one of the physios, but it was decided that tension was the main issue.  He immediately responded to the Spot Meditations and began using the CD for longer meditations.  After just one session, and continued home practice and loosening exercises, he was able to play pain-free for up to 20 minutes before the hip pain started (previously it had been immediate) and the tension in his hands also improved. 

The other individual was a very high-achieving student doing year 12.  She had headaches and significant stress with strong physical reactions (she would feel very sick and regularly vomited before tests, musical performances etc).  I taught her the exercises exactly as we were taught on the Guides course (loosening exercises, Spot Meditations and one formal meditation).  She has noticed a dramatic change – less headaches, no vomiting and generally being a much nicer person to be around! 

What effect has it had on your work and the way you work?
It has added a whole new dimension to my work! It is a very enjoyable way to spend time there and I look forward to treatment sessions when I know I will be guiding meditation.  It always leaves me feeling calm and balanced, which is a nice bonus.  As a physio, it's great to be able to offer something a little different for patients with pain and a stress/anxiety component (which let's face it, is most people when they are in pain).

Any comments on the Guides training?
I liked the very clear guidelines and amount of time devoted to practising.  I know my limitations and really do not veer from what was taught in the course.  This gives me the confidence to know that what I am doing is effective and safe.