Illuminating Shadow: Exploring the 5 Kleshas Through Mindfulness Practice

Join me for Illuminating Shadow, a 5-week mindfulness series in which we will explore the 5 Kleshas. The 5 Kleshas, taught within various Buddhist and yogic traditions, represent five mental states that can cloud perception. The 5 Kleshas are known as universal hindrances which can afflict all beings and can result in actions or behaviours that do not support our highest values or desires. By shedding light on these five mental states we can illuminate the shadows of our consciousness and bring greater awareness to our lives.

This session is open to anyone who has practiced meditation with me before or those looking for a group to sit with.

Each class will include a short centring practice followed by an introduction to that night's focus and practice. Our formal meditation practice will be 20 minutes long, followed by a brief relaxation practice. Each class will also include time for verbal reflection and questions following practice - because learning is often integrated through conversation.

What type of meditation will we be doing? 

I have studied and practiced various forms of meditation over the last 20 years and tend to work with practices that come from both Buddhist and yogic traditions. I have also studied trauma-informed approaches to mindfulness and teach with this awareness in all of my classes. You do not have to identify as a Buddhist or a yogin to do these practices. I will always aim to explain what we are doing in ways that are simple, safe, and accessible while acknowledging the traditions of practice that I have benefited from.

My approach to practice focuses on these key pillars - 

•  Embodied Presence - meditation is a whole-body practice, not just something we do with the mind; this is the foundation for our practices of mindfulness, the place we start, and the place we return to again and again
• Awakening the Witness - developing mindfulness
• Strengthening Concentration - this is a superpower we learn to train through practice.
• Developing Inquiry - once essential mindfulness & concentration have been established, we can begin the more advanced practice of inquiry. This is where we become deeply aware of our mental/emotional patterning and can start to create new ways of responding to our experience.
• Compassion-Based Practices - mindfulness + compassion are a winning combination that will transform your relationship with yourself, others, and the world around you. For this reason, compassion-based practices are always part of what I teach.

Do I need to sit for meditation practice?

While there is good reason to practice meditation in a seated pose I am more interested in you being comfortable because I don't believe you can gain as much benefit from the practice if you are struggling with your posture. I will provide options for practice which include sitting on a meditation cushion, using a chair, standing, walking, or reclining.

Do I need to have meditation experience to take part? 

No, you do not. I will provide instruction, and we will have room for questions at the end of every class. I aim to offer a class that will be equally beneficial for those with experience and those new to mindfulness practices.

What will I need for class? 

All you need for this class is a relatively quiet place to practice, an hour to yourself, a meditation cushion or chair, and a couple of blankets. Additional props such as yoga bolsters, blocks, or eye pillows can be nice but are not necessary.

Class Details

• Wednesday evenings Jan 17th- Feb 14th at 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm PST
• On Zoom, please attend live if you can. A recording will be made available after class
• Upon signing up, you will get an email sent to you with info about how to join the class

Pricing 

5 Class Session: $80