Methods
VOICE AND BREATH WORK
The breath is one of the most important things we have. It is the bridge between body and mind, and it carries the voice and sound of who we are. I actively work on getting to know the voice, and using it as a tool to let go of tension and find the center within ourselves. You don't have to have a "pretty" voice to use it, or for it to have a transformative effect on us. It is a very natural part of our body, and it is used far too little consciously. Becoming comfortable with your own voice, and expressing sound, helps us challenge ourselves, and what we are without language, without words. It can create a deep connection with the body, and we can work on standing in our own power. The vibrations of our own and each other's voices are also transformative and calming for us, and help us let the central nervous system regulate itself. Working with the voice in groups or alone is a good method for increasing calm or getting in touch with ourselves, and the emotions we may need to let go of or allow ourselves to have contact with.
Mindful creativity
Mindful creativity is a combination of different creative outlet forms. In addition to the use of voice as mentioned above, we also use writing and drawing. Mindful Creativity It is a technique that can help us let go of negative thoughts, and to become more aware of self-judgment, and to accept thoughts we do not like. This is also a method for increasing compassion and love for ourselves and others, by working with antidotes to the negative thoughts, for example by acknowledging positive aspects of ourself, or validating ourselves. The goal is not beautiful writing, singing or drawing, but to be as honest as we can with ourselves. This is a practice of becoming aware of what is happening within us, when we express ourselves with and without words.
Tibetan 5 element practices
Tibetan 5 Element Practice is a combination of Tibetan 5 Element Yoga (Lu Jong), breathing techniques (Tsa Lung), Massage (Kum Nye), meditation (5 Element Meditation) and relaxation exercises (5 Element Relaxation Exercises). These methods are thousands of years old. This is an ancient system, and part of a wisdom tradition from Tibet, compiled and adapted for the West by the eminent Tibetan doctor, Buddhist teacher and master Tulku Lobsang Rinpoche. (https://tulkulobsang.org/en/)
Mantra
Mantra recitation and visualization is used as needed, and based on the topic, teaching, or group. We can both recite together, and each one separately, based on which teaching period we are in, or what we wish to work with individually within ourselves. We also sing together if desired. I also have some theory about the mantras, and also sing or and play instruments for students during relaxation.
