New Local Group Helps People Learn The Art Of Mindful Meditation
Story and Photos by Julie Unger
The reverberating hum of a crystal harp danced through the air on Tuesday, June 2, as Yani Daes, founder and CEO of Soham Yoga, walked among a group of 25 people meditating at the South University Learning Commons.
Daes led the group through a guided meditation before the silent meditation took place.
“What is important about meditation is where you give your attention,” she said. “What are you giving your attention to?”
Daes explained that when you’re working on something you enjoy, time passes quickly and seems to disappear because you’re present in the moment. She asked participants to concentrate on their breathing, to be fully involved in what they were doing, and to only think about their breath.
The week of June 2 was the third week for this new Mindful Meditation Club, and its first meeting while partnered with South University in Royal Palm Beach.
“Meditation groups are important because they create a sense of connection and belonging,” said Nickeshia Bullock, South University’s campus director and dean of academic affairs and operations. “They provide a safe and welcoming environment where individuals can step away from the demands of daily life, focus on their well-being, and build meaningful relationships with others who are seeking balance and personal growth.”
Hosting the meditation club at the school was the perfect fit.
“In today’s world, opportunities to slow down, reflect and connect with one another are more valuable than ever. That is one of the reasons I wanted to open our campus space to the meditation group,” Bullock said. “South University is more than a place of learning, it is a part of the community. I believe our campus should serve as a resource where people can come together, learn, grow and support one another. By opening our doors to this group, we are creating opportunities for wellness, connection and community engagement, all of which align with the values we strive to promote both on our campus and throughout the community.”
Denis Eirikis and Michelle Elliott met through social media and co-founded the club together.
Elliott had been interested in starting a meditation group, and the two connected, utilizing Elliott’s HOA clubhouse as the location for the first two sessions.
Eirikis, who has always been drawn to meditation, likens group meditation to the difference between bowling alone and bowling in a fun league.
“This is a place for people who want to meditate to come and meditate,” Eirikis said.
The Mindful Meditation Club is free, and everyone is welcome to join. Meetings take place every Tuesday from 6:20 to 7:30 p.m. at South University’s University Centre (9801 Belvedere Road, Royal Palm Beach), with doors closing at 6:30 p.m.
All experience levels are welcome. Use the south entrance facing Belvedere.
The South University Learning Commons has plenty of comfortable chairs available, and participants are welcome to bring a yoga mat to sit on.
“Group mindful meditation is powerful medicine,” Eirikis said. “Mindful meditation is a simple, evidence-based practice that helps people develop greater awareness of the present moment. Regular practice has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and emotional reactivity, while improving focus, resilience and overall well-being. Many people also find that mindfulness helps them cope more effectively with chronic pain, improve sleep, and respond to life’s challenges with greater calm and clarity.”
Many of the attendees mentioned stress, pain and community as their reason for attending, including cancer survivor Gretchen Prevatt. It was her second time joining for group meditation.
“I like it,” Prevatt said. “When I’m meditating, I do feel relief, which is great because normally I have pain 24-7, even on pain medicines and nerve medication.”
Each week, volunteers will be leading the meditations. To learn more, e-mail kindfulness@aol.com.
