Everyone Can Meditate Workshop

Event Recap

On May 21st, from 1 pm to 2 pm, Smart D8 teamed up with Matt Burke, founder of the Magic Minds Podcast and Foundation, to host the ‘Everyone Can Meditate’ workshop in iD8 at The Digital Depot. This event marked the third mental health workshop in honour of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Matt’s aim and intentions in life are to inspire people of all ages to acquire the skills, knowledge, and confidence to improve their own mental and physical health and well-being.

Workshop Highlights

Understanding Mindfulness and Meditation

  • Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of our surroundings and actions, without being overly reactive or overwhelmed.
  • Meditation is an exploration of the present moment, embracing our sensations, emotions, and thoughts to calm the mind.

Practical Tips for Embracing Mindfulness and Meditation

Introducing meditation into your life can be simple with these practical tips:

  1. Focus on physical sensations throughout your body (Body-Centered Meditation);
  2. Concentrate on a question or contradiction (Contemplation);
  3. Focus on a specific emotion, like kindness or happiness (Emotion-Centered Meditation);
  4. Repeat a specific phrase or sound (Mantra Meditation);
  5. Repeat a specific movement (Movement Meditation);
  6. Stay aware of the present moment (Mindfulness Meditation);
  7. Focus on a visual image, either real or imagined (Visual-Based Meditation).

Getting Started

  • Learn what you like: meditate at a time that suits you, whether morning or night.
  • Make time: incorporate meditation into your daily routine.
  • Set the surroundings: choose a quiet, comfortable place.
  • Seek guidance: explore resources and ask for help if needed.

The Healing Power of Sound

What is Sound Healing?

Sound Healing is a therapy combining healing sounds, music, and instruments to enhance well-being. This ancient practice, revered by many cultures, uses sound for both healing and spiritual development. Sound instruments, used by shamans, priests, and healers, have evolved into significant tools for holistic therapy today.

Guided Meditation: A Step-by-Step Journey

What is Guided Meditation?

Guided meditation involves a teacher leading you through the practice, either in person or via digital media. For beginners, guidance from an experienced teacher or digital apps like Headspace can be invaluable.

Visualization: Harnessing the Power of the Mind

What is Visualization?

Visualization is a technique that orients your mind toward your goals, reducing anxiety and boosting motivation. It’s a powerful tool for mental clarity and decision-making, helping you achieve your aspirations.

The Benefits of Meditation and Mindfulness

Regular practice of meditation and mindfulness bring numerous benefits, including:

  1. Reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD;
  2. Enhanced cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills;
  3. Improved emotional resilience and physical health, such as better sleep and heart function;
  4. Reduced activity in the amygdala and strengthened connections in the brain, making us less reactive to stress and better at recovering from it;
  5. Improved memory, attention, and overall happiness.

Workshop Goals

Participants at the workshop engaged in various types of meditation, including breathing exercises, visualization, and guided meditation. The session was educational, practical, and fun, making meditation accessible to everyone.

To watch the video showcasing the best moments from the ‘Everyone Can Meditate’ workshop, please visit this link: https://vimeo.com/949479276?share=copy