• Fresh Perspectives
• An Invitation

Why Meditate?

When we want to learn anything new we have to practice to get the full gift of it. This is true whether it’s learning how to play piano, cook a soufflé, learn a language, or simply be present. To be more aware, practice is essential.

The truth is we are not usually aware, or present. We are caught up in thoughts about the past or the future. We plan, worry, blame, and pass judgments on our self and others. We are so busy listening to our thoughts; we barely notice what, or who is right in front of us.

Intentionally setting aside time to meditate, we practice being in the moment. Sitting still, doing yoga, or practicing standing or walking meditation offer gifts for awareness. During our practice time, we cultivate awareness and self-discipline as we forget and then remember to return our focus to the moment whatever we are doing.

As we practice letting thoughts pass through the mind without getting attached to them, we also realize how we attach to thoughts without questioning whether they are true or not. Wondering if our thoughts are true, we can take the time to explore our pain producing thoughts and find freedom from their hold on us.

We may need to explore different meditation traditions to find one that suits us. We can choose from within a religious context like Buddhism, Sufism, and Hinduism, or from groups outside of a formal religion that focus on awareness, awareness, and more awareness. In the end, it is often the teacher that first attracts us, and then shares compassionate guidance, which reminds us of the path we want to be on.

If you want healthy change, a meditation practice can bring it into your life. It can help you learn to be the change you want to see in the world!

Meditation Classes with Padme

Ongoing Polishing Presence

Polishing Presence is now an ongoing Monday evening experience at 5:45pm-7PM at Padme's home in Penfield.

Write a note to yourself to help you remember that you can come to find out how Polishing Presence helps us live with more awareness.

Find a full vision statement for Polishing Presence on Padme's website in the articles listing. Entitled, What is Polishing Presence?, the article should answer most questions you might have.

However, the only way to truly find out what Polishing Presence can mean for you, is to join the group and experience it for yourself. Donation suggested.

Contact Padme when you are coming. Call 234-0800 or email padme@healingwithawareness.com for directions.

New Meditation Classes

Please consider joining Padme at the Center for Health and Well-Being in Gates if you are interested in finding guidance and support for a daily meditation practice:

1. Introduction to Meditation

This class is open to anyone interested in an evening of meditation instruction and meditation experience; whether you have meditated previously or not. You can also explore whether an 8 week class or the Wednesday evening class might be a fit.

Every third Wednesday evening of the month at 7:15Pm-9PM. The next class is this Wednesday 4/19 and the one in May is Wednesday, May 17th. Preregister by calling 317-9007. Fee:$5

2. Meditation for Peaceful Living

Next 8 Week Sessions Begin
Tuesday, May 2 @ 10AM-11AM
Saturday, June 12 @ 10:15AM-11:15AM

This class was designed to offer support and guidance for developing an ongoing daily meditation practice.

The first session includes simple instructions, questions and concerns, as well as sitting time. Each subsequent session includes sitting awareness meditation, a brief talk about awareness, and group meeting time where participants share questions and concerns about their practice.

Every participant receives a scheduled 10 minute private meeting with Padme. The meetings are optional and recommended so that any private concerns may be addressed.

Preregister by calling 317-9007. Fee: $96

3. Wednesday Evening Ongoing Sitting

This class was created to offer an ongoing weekly class for people who have completed the 8 week session. Participants commit to either a six month or year long contract.

Anyone with meditation experience, or who can only take the 8 week course on a weekday evening can call The Center for Health and Well-Being. If you'd like to join us, a new 8 week session begins on the first session of each month.

Call 585 317-9007 for more information.

4. Sunday Morning Sitting
with a
Talk on Personal Relationships

We will sit, walk, listen, and share questions and concerns about how to be more aware in our personal relationships. Bring a desire to go deeper.

Call Padme at 234-0800 or email her with any questions.

Sunday, May 21st, 9AM-Noon.

Fee:$20-$30, participant's choice

Preregister by calling 585 317-9007.

Meditation CDs

If you haven't yet explored Padme's meditation CDs, you can read about them, listen to audio samples, and buy them at www.healingwithawareness.com/cds.htm.

Audio Talks

Listen to one minute talks reminding us about awareness in everyday life. Take a minute and use the side bar to find them.

Individual Meditation Instruction and Guidance

By appointment. Donations only.

Book Notes

Let's Not Call It Meditation is all ready to go except for one piece. I'm waiting for permission from a poet to use quotes for my book. As soon as that issue is resolved, it'll be available through my website and I will put out a special issue of this newsletter to announce it. It could happen any day...so keep your eyes open for an unscheduled bit of news from Healing with Awareness!

Padme's Teaching Schedule