Meditation
Meditation is the courageous process of turning toward ourselves with a lens of openness, compassion and curiosity.
Our Meditation experiences aim to:
Provide an opportunity to pause, rest and recalibrate within the busy demands of life. Our experiences also encourage the space and time for deeper self-reflection and connection with like-minded people.
Who could benefit from a meditation experience?
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Those who are seeking more rest, balance and presence in their lives.
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Anyone experiencing stress or overwhelm regularly
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Those feeling disconnected or burnt out looking for a place to unwind.
Meet Donna O'Connor
Donna is a certified teacher of meditation and a long term client of The Pilates Room. After experiencing first-hand the benefits of a consistent meditation practice, she gained her certification in Awareness Insight Meditation in 2022.
This open monitoring style reveals and explains meditation as a 'process' rather than a technique. Thoughts, emotions and feelings are observed & our experience of life itself becomes the material that we navigate with increased awareness. This practice supports us to move through our lives with more presence and ease.
Donna lives rurally in Karāpiro with her husband and two children. Prior to raising her young family, Donna’s background has been in primary education.
Meditation experiences and courses
Guided Meditation Experience
A guided meditation experience is offered every term within a 6-week block. This experience provides an opportunity to pause, rest and recalibrate your nervous system within the busy demands of life.
Our timetable alternates between online at home and in-person classes held at The Pilates Room Collective. Each week during the meditation experience you can expect a dedicated meditation practice, with content centred on a theme that supports increased awareness, reflection and a deeper connection to self.
Classes are suitable for beginners and those with an existing meditation practice.
Please visit the FAQ's section to learn more about this offering.
Awareness Insight Meditation Course
Awareness Insight Meditation is taught over a cumulative 3-part foundational course. This course equips you with a comprehensive understanding of meditation, along with the tools and knowledge to cultivate a self-sufficient daily practice, or deepen an existing practice.
The course is run several times through the year.
Please visit www.donnaocmeditation.co.nz for further course information and upcoming dates.
Frequently asked questions
What can I expect in each session?
You can expect a theme for each week and a dedicated meditation practice with guidance and content around that theme.
Do we sit in a particular pose during the meditation?
We always sit comfortably with back support. You are encouraged to sit in a way that feels most supportive for your body and individual needs.
How long does the meditation go for?
The guided meditation typically involves 15-20 minutes of guided cues and content, followed by 5-10 minutes of silence and integration.
In-person classes run for 60 mins and allow time for a cup of tea, refreshments and a chance to connect together as a group. Online classes typically run for 30-45 mins depending on the theme and group discussion.
I’m new to meditation. Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes! Welcome. Guided meditation is a great place to start.Our classes are supportive and inclusive. They are also a lovely way to connect with like-minded people.
Do we sit in a particular pose during the meditation?
We always sit comfortably with back support. You are encouraged to sit in a way that feels most supportive for your body and individual needs.
I have a busy mind. I don’t think I can sit still, let alone meditate!
You are not alone. One of the most common misconceptions with meditation is that we need to clear our mind of all thoughts in order to meditate ‘successfully’. Your clever mind is designed to wander, drift, create and problem solve. Meditation enables us to practice observing the material of our minds with more openness and curiosity, naturally encouraging thoughts to pass. You are also guided and supported throughout these classes and have the opportunity to ask any questions.