This week, I had the opportunity to try the Meditation Bar in Austin, Texas. This was a unique experience to me, one that I didn’t quite know what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised and how good I felt walking out of our 30 minute session. I was much more calm than I was walking in. It definitely opened my eyes to a whole new experience and gave me much more respect to the practice of meditation.
A few weeks ago I was invited to try out the Meditation Bar with a group of fellow bloggers here in Austin. I immediately jumped at the chance because the thought of clearing my mind was very attractive. As a busy mom and blogger, my mind is on GO from the moment my eyes open til they droop close at night. So anything that can give me peace is desperately needed.
But as the date got closer, I became nervous to go. And in a moment of weakness, almost came up with the excuse that I was “too busy” to make it. After spending the previous day in Tax Hell, I knew I needed to try it. But what exactly would I be walking into?
Meditation Bar
The Meditation Bar is a play on words. Bar being the place to meet up to relax, as they are “serving up meditation”, and a place of peace & quiet. Meditation makes people happier, healthier, and more creative. It’s not religious-based and is non-secular. But the power of meditating together is the key of the Meditation Bar:
The power of the group is what happens when energy comes together…scientifically known as synthesis. When you meditate with others, the simple reaction of clearing your mind not only creates a phenomena that lifts you but lifts those around you.
The Meditation Bar offers different kinds of classes to attend based on what you are looking for to get out of your meditation. Some classes incorporate bowls (the sound is so relaxing) and aromatherapy. Some classes are designed to focus on your creativity. And there is even a class for busy, yet frazzled moms – sounds just up my alley!
Meditation Bar: What to Expect
The actual meditation classes happen in a dimly-lit room with pillows and chairs to sit comfortably in. You do not have to wear any special yoga outfits to meditate, you just come as you are and leave your shoes, purse and cell phones (especially your cell phones) out of the room.
And while the setting was lovely and serene, in my mind, I was doubting that I could actually stop my thoughts and meditate. However, once the instructor had us take a few really deep breaths, I found myself easily letting go and relaxing.
The 30 minute session involved us closing our eyes, listening to the direction of the instructor, and allowing yourself to clear out the thoughts that clutter your mind. Once relaxed, I found myself thinking about things that I never allow myself to think about – and that is where you wanted to be. But instead of pushing them away, I allowed the thoughts to flow. I’m not going to lie and say the random tasks didn’t come to mind (yes, I actually thought about what I was cooking for dinner at one point) but as the instructor said, I didn’t hold on to them and focused on my breathing to get back to that meditative state.
It felt like time flew by, and when it was over, I really felt so much more calm. Walking in, I had received a bothersome email that was on the top of my mind until the session started. Once the class was over, I wasn’t even thinking about the email. Instead of wanting to rush home to get back to work, I wanted to stay and visit with some of my friends, even going to lunch with a few of them. If one 30 minute session can change my day and attitude so much, I can only imagine what regular meditation practice can do for my overall mindset, health, and being.
Meditation Bar Details
The Meditation Bar offers regular classes with a weekly schedule. You reserve a spot in a class online and show up about 15 minutes before hand. They offer a monthly membership or you can pay per class. If you want to give it a try, they have an Introductory Offer – $30 for 3 classes. This allows you to try all the different classes they offer.
Additionally, the Meditation Bar has a lot of outreach programs that are impressive. They are working with several private & public schools in the Austin area to help teachers understand the power of meditation. They have a goal to teach 100 teachers how to meditation by June. And they are working with Austin Mayor Steve Adler to declare Austin as the “Most Mindful City in America.”
I was doubtful going in. But walked away with a whole new appreciation for meditation. I believe it can be very helpful for so many people.
To learn more about the Meditation Bar, click here.
Disclosure: I was invited to try a class at the Meditation Bar. I was not compensated for this article. All opinions are my own.
