For these too are foods, as much needed by the psyche as proper diet is for the body. The mental and spiritual need spiritual food, seeking the quiet,meditation and considering spiritual matters.
Look into that closed room, the empty chamber where brightness is born! Fortune and blessing gather where there is stillness. But if you do not keep still — this is not what is called sitting but racing around.
~ Chuang Tzu, Basic Writings
Meditation:
Meditation is an ancient technique and system of training the mind, body, emotions, and spirit to be calm, centered, focused, relaxed, present, and in harmony with self and others. This practice leads to improved physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, self-discovery, and spiritual fulfillment. In private instruction or class, you will learn and practice basic techniques of concentration, mindfulness, and meditation with primary attention focused on your breath and your body. You will learn how to apply meditation in your daily life with the ultimate goal of self-realization. Class structure and private instruction will include interactive discussion, gentle yoga stretches, and meditation practice.
Benefits:
The practice of meditation calms the mind and emotions and therefore is therapeutic and healing. Meditation improves mindfulness, focus, and concentration; increases awareness, intuition, and insight; enhances energy and creativity; reduces stress, tension, and reactivity; helps to manage anger, fear, panic, anxiety, depression, addictive behavior, and pain; balances blood pressure; strengthens the immune system helping to prevent and heal illness and disease; leads to inner peace, and awakens connection to one’s true self.
Teacher:
Steve Chappell, M.S., E-RYT, has studied and practiced meditation with the Self Realization Fellowship, Ananda Marga Society, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, Siddha Yoga Dham Association, Himalayan Institute of Yoga, The Hard & The Soft Astanga Yoga Institute, Insight Meditation Society, Vipassana Meditation Center, Kwan Um School of Zen, and Gar Drolma Buddhist Center. His approach to meditation is based primarily on mindfulness (Insight) meditation as taught by John Kabat-Zinn, Joseph Goldstein, Jack Kornfield, and S.N. Goenka. He is also influenced by the teachings of Larry Rosenberg, Rebecca Bradshaw, Zen Master Seung Sahn, Daniel Terragno Roshi, Swami Muktananda, Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Rama, H.H. the Dalai Lama, H.E. Garchen Rinpoche, Khenchen Konchog Gyaltshen Rinpoche, Baba Ram Das, Sally Kempton, Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, and others.
Registration:
Classes and private instruction are held at various locations around the area. Please visit the Schedule page of this website for class days, times, fees, and other information. You may also call #937-293-2050 or email IndigenousSpirit@aol.com if you have any questions. New or returning students, please call or email before coming to class and check for cancellations.
Fees:
Fees are offered with a sliding scale based on the principle of Dana. The Buddhist principle of Dana (generosity or giving) means that the teachings are given freely because they are considered priceless. The teacher relies on donations from students for his income and livelihood. Monetary offerings are given from the heart determined by the value of what you believe you have received and/or your ability to pay. You are encouraged to be as generous as you are able.
Equipment and Preparation:
Please wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothes and bring a mat, blanket, or cushion to lie or sit on. Chairs may be used by those who so desire. You may also bring water and a warm wrap or shawl. Try not to eat a heavy meal before class or private instruction. Meditation class and private instruction are open to all skill levels and suitable for any age, ability, experience, religion or religious affiliation. All are welcome.
Private Instruction:
Individual or private Meditation instruction is also available at my location or your site. The fee is a sliding scale based on the principle of Dana (see description above). Fees will be higher at your site due to travel time and related costs. Please call or email Steve for more information and/or appointment.