Fall Retreat 

“Still Saying You’re FINE?
Saturday, November 5, 2011
9 am – 3 pm (lunch provided)
Investment for the day: $75 (bring a friend and save $10)

See description under RETREATS.

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I was interviewed by a reporter for a local magazine, Dtown, on the art of Meditation. She entitled the article Hohm Sweet Hohm and it appeared in their August 2010 issue. If you happen to be in the Doylestown area, you may have seen it. If not, please visit DTown Magazine (look under Health and Beauty) to get a glimpse of this article and others!

Hohm Sweet Hohm

For some, the antidote to overwhelming stress is food. For others, it might be an hour-long spin class. But more and more of us are turning to a kinder, gentler way to get “it” out of our system. We sat down with local meditation expert Merle Eskowitz, owner of Mind-Body Healing Arts in Bucks County, to learn the ins, outs and ohms of this ancient form of relaxation.

What Me Worry?

Contrary to some beliefs, meditation is a lot more than sitting quietly. “It’s about finding a way to calm the mind, calm the thoughts, relax the body and open the heart,” Eskowitz says. A veteran of the practice, she explains that it also incurs many more benefits than merely finding relaxation. “Meditating helps you achieve a sort of mental clarity, become more alert and make clearer decisions,” Eskowitz adds. And when you’re thinking more clearly, you can better navigate and diffuse feelings of anger and depression.

For many though, the thought of quieting your thoughts seems an impossible task. It just doesn’t come naturally for most. However, many of the meditative arts are predicated upon focusing on a peaceful place, a favorite piece of music, your own heartbeat or employing a mantra. But no matter your method, it’s a process that’s learned and developed over time.

I Think, Therefore I Feel Pretty Good

Aside from mental health, meditation can actually improve your physical health as well, which ultimately helps boost your immune functions, explains Eskowitz. Along with decreasing your chances of getting sick, mediation helps you release tensions in your muscles, decrease blood pressure and achieve deeper and more fulfilling sleep.

But perhaps the most important benefit of meditation, Eskowitz says, is “making a commitment to do something that is related to self-care.” So much of life is “running and doing for others” that taking a few moments of “me-time” is good for one’s spirit. And when your inner self is in a better “place,” you’ll be inspired to find a similar place for your body.

Choosing the right time of day to meditate also affords differing benefits. Eskowitz says that if you have time in the morning, meditation can set the tone for the rest of your day. She also says that if you make time to meditate at night, you can fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling more refreshed.

This Way to the Zen Zone

Not sure if meditation is your bag? It’s for “anyone who has the interest or necessity to relieve stress from their lives, calm their mind and relax their body,” says Eskowitz. And since meditation is about de-stressing, calming and relaxing, don’t pressure yourself into thinking you need to reach yogi status out of the gate. An hour is a good amount of time…eventually, but according to Eskowitz, 10 minutes is a very good start.

If you are moved to try out meditation, Eskowitz recommends first seeking out instruction. Being guided on proper sitting and breathing practices is surely beneficial. Because, Eskowitz explains, meditation is a trinity of posture, deep breathing and allowing thoughts to “come and go.”

Once you’re on your own – or for those of you who are do-it-yourselfers – Eskowitz suggests finding a comfortable and quiet place where you can “give yourself permission to get back into balance.” Silence your phone and rid yourself of any other “obstacles” that may interrupt you. Next, Eskowitz recommends setting the mood, perhaps with candles and soft music. Then find your “spot” on the floor, on a block, on a pillow and, at last, breathe.