[nabs-l] non-credit meditation class

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi Jessica,

I took meditation twice at my local recreation center.  Each time was a 
three month period, about the same length as a semester.
Yes meditation techniques can be visual.  It can have a visual component but 
doesn't have to; it depends on the instructor.  Talk to them before class 
and find out their teaching style.
Most meditation techniques involve nonvisual mental concentration such as 
breathing slowly, thinking or saying a word called a mantra, chanting, 
stretching, and generally focus on inner relaxation.
I have some tunnel vision so have seen images and if I had trouble I 
substituted another sense.  The visual
component was when we did imagery.  You were  supposed to visualize an image 
that the instructor told you.  It was to simulate a mental trip.  Even this 
imagery incorporated other senses but it was pretty visual.  You were asked 
to imagine walking through woods or forests or taking a tour of someplace 
remote and envision a guide.

But as someone else said its primarily nonvisual.  The instructor will 
likely play soothing music while you relax.
Practicing meditation should reduce stress.  Since you can't see the 
instructor, my advice is to sit in the first row near the instructor.  Ask 
him/her to describe any motions they do.  I hope you are comfortable being 
hands on.  The instructor may show you moves with your permission; they 
usually don't touch participants.  There are a few simple hand moves they 
can show you if they are not described adaquately.  After the instructor 
demonstrates they can come over and show you if needed.  These motions are 
simple if used at all so nothing to worry about.
For instance one involved making hand circles. Another was placing your 
hands above your head to do something.  The stretching was usually at the 
beginning and involved things like shoulder shruggs, rotating your upper 
torso to stretch the spine, butterfly stretch for the inner thighs, flexing 
the back and more.
Your instructor may even be generous and show you some things before class.
Meditation varies widely from instructor to instructor.  My instructor did 
various things so I imagine a different instructor can even do more.
Once you find out the teaching style and some techniques they do you may 
have more questions.

There is a particular position borrowed from yoga you will sit in most of 
the class.  Its a crossed leg position like you probably did in kindergarten 
called easy pose.  Ask the instructor to show you and describe this. 
Typically you sit this way still and only your hands or upper torso move.  I 
hope sitting still is relaxing for you because meditation involves sitting 
still and quiet.

I hope you enjoy the class.  Just talk to the instructor before hand.  Wear 
loose comfortable clothes to class.
Don't wear jewelry since this may be distracting.  Try to come sort of 
relaxed already.
Your throat may get dry from all the breathing so you may want to bring a 
water bottle.  My instructor recommends drinking water after class.

Everyone has a first class sometime so don't be too nervous.  I bet a 
majority of the class will be new and not have done meditation before.

Good luck.
Ashley


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jessica" <jw927 at comcast.net>
To: <nabs-l at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Tuesday, June 30, 2009 5:25 PM
Subject: [nabs-l] non-credit meditation class


> Hi everyone.  I hope everyone is having a nice summer.  Ok, I am 
> considering taking a non-credit meditation class in July.  My questions 
> are:  is meditation visual?  Meaning are the meditation techniques visual? 
> If so, how should I go about taking the class?  Please help me because I 
> am wanting to take this class to hopefully reduce my stress level.  thank 
> you
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