INSPO Fitness Journal October 2017

a way of experiencing life with non-judgemental
awareness of what's happening
right now. Just like life, it is ever-changing.
Meditation doesn't promise to make life free
of trouble, noise or hard work, but it opens
the possibility to be in the midst of all those
things and also be calm.
At Advance Wellness, we have started a
community meditation practice on Thursday
mornings for those wishing to learn how
to meditate. Each month we take a fresh
focus on a different technique or aspect of
meditation.
Meditation is not really something that is
"taught" but people often find it easier to begin
with a formal practice by joining a group
of like-minded people. Likewise to sustain a
meditation practice it is helpful to support
each other.
In October, we'll be exploring meditation
on sound. Using sound such as music, the
ringing of a bell or your own voice is particularly
useful if you find it difficult to concentrate,
have a hard time sitting still and you
feel sensitive to loud noises and bright lights.
Having a pleasant sound to focus on helps
you to recenter by relaxing your system.
In November, we'll be delving into movement
meditation. Bringing awareness and
mindfulness to movement such as walking
and stretching is a powerful way of getting
in touch with yourself and connecting your
mind with your body. How often do you go
through the day without thinking about the
fact that you are siting or walking? How often
do you punch out a set of exercises with your
mind on something else altogether? You
might have even done an injury in a moment
when you let your mind wander away from
what you're actually doing. When you bring
mindfulness to the movement that you're
engaged in it opens the possibility to understand
yourself better and perhaps see things
from a different perspective.
All of you are perfect just as you are... and
there is still room for improvement!.
- Shunryu Suzuki -
Every Thursday we open at 7am and set
aside 45 minutes for the practice of meditation,
which includes a warm up to prepare
your body for sitting or lying still for the
meditation period, the meditation practice
and time for discussion afterwards. These
sessions are open to all by donation only,
there is no formal charge.
As we come into spring, Christmas is
right around the corner and we all know
Meditation is not really
something that is
"taught" but people
often find it easier to
begin with a formal
practice by joining a
group of like-minded
people. Likewise to
sustain a meditation
practice it is helpful to
support each other.
how this can be the busiest, craziest and
most stressful time of year. Hopefully we
will see you on Thursday mornings as we all
learn to become calm amongst the storm
of life.
Until next month, keep well.
JOHN APPEL Director of Advance Physio, John Appel is dedicated to helping everyone
function fully and enjoy everyday life without the restriction of pain.With a Masters in
Physiotherapy, a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology, an Athletic Training degree,
and as a Myofascial Release therapist, he works with a wide range of clients from
professional athletes to chronic fibromyalgia clients. www.advancewellness.nz
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