What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
In day to day living, the world rushes in through our senses. As the outside world comes in, it is met by our past experiences, thoughts and emotions which will influence the way we react. Without awareness, we may be reactive or "blind" to our own way of being. Through the practice of Mindfulness we can become aware of our internal states and surroundings. We can learn through meditation to observe our thoughts (not get rid of them) and emotions without judging them and choose to respond rather than react. From a state of being present we can learn to cultivate a greater sense of calm and clarity in daily living. Despite the amazing benefits of meditation some people struggle to create a successful practice expressing uncertainty if they are doing it "right" and unsure how to overcome the challenges such as boredom, restlessness or discomfort. Joining a group and having an experienced teacher can be very beneficial in overcoming challenges.
Our Community
Like minded people sharing a common path.
As a community, we have been practicing together for over ten years. During Covid we went online and our meditation community became even stronger.
Being part of a group can help deepen your practice, provide accountability, and offer a sense of community.
In our group we explore different techniques, share how to handle challenges and engage in inspiring conversations. We are a supportive and encouraging environment and hope you will join us.
When do we meet?
Monday 7 PM Zoom
Tuesday 6:30 PM Studio
Thursday 9:00 AM Zoom
Benefits of Meditation
Physical
Decrease Stress
Make living with Depression Easier
Help with Focus and Memory
Help to manage Anxiety
Improve Sleep
Help with Addiction
Decrease or manage Chronic Pain
Support Chronic illnesses
Emotional
Enhance Self Awareness
Build Self-Confidence
Reduce and Manage Anger
Increase Self-Compassion
Less emotional reactivity
Social
Improve Social Anxiety
Strengthen Relationships
Increase patience
Become more tolerant
Share in community
Spiritual
Alignment with a higher power
Joins beautifully with any religion
Generate Kindness, Compassion
Meditation Leader
Suzanne Accardo, M. Ed.
Suzanne holds a Master's Degree in Education with a concentration in Counseling from Boston University. She is a certified Life Coach through the International Coaching Academy (ICA) and a Grief Recovery Specialist through the Grief Recovery Institute. She is the owner of the The Yoga Place and holds over 1,000 hours in yoga training. She found her way into Meditation on her own and then began to receive formal training in workshops with Pema Chodren, Tara Brach, Jon Kabit Zinn and the MBSR programs. Not so much a "teacher" but rather a fellow student learning and growing everyday through meditation, Suzanne cares deeply about her work and has a special interest in supporting those who are seeking a more spiritual lifestyle. Meditation has played a significant role in her own life and she loves sharing the benefits with others.
Call 717-336-5299 to learn more about mindfulness meditation.
“Training your mind to be in the present moment is the number one key to making healthier choices.”
- Susan Albers
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How do I register for classes?The first step is to create an account. Once you have created an account you may register for classes online. For students who have never been to the studio before we recommend our introductory offer of one month unlimited yoga. This is an inexpensive way to experiment with all our different classes. Our studio uses a software known as MindBody. They offer an App for students which makes signing up for classes, purchasing classes and canceling classes very easy.
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Do I have to register for classes?Yes. For zoom/virtual classes this is the only way to receive a link for class. You must also register online for all “Live” or in person events due to limited space. No walk-ins please.
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How do I bring a guest?Guests are always welcome at the studio. If you would like to bring someone we recommend that you create an account with their name and email address. You may also call (717-336-5299) to register a guest if that is easier for you. Keep in the mind that some classes have limited space and spaces are given to those who are registered in advance.
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What happens if I don’t use my classes within the allotted time I am signed up?All class packages have an expiration of one year. If you have a medical reason please contact the owner Suzanne Accardo 717-336-5299.
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What happens if I need to cancel a Class?When you need to cancel a class we ask that you do it within one hour prior to the start of the class. This will allow others to sign up if there is a waitlist. It’s easy to cancel. Just check into the site online or with the MindBody App and cancel. If you don’t cancel within the one hour window you will be charged for the class.
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Can my classes be transferred or shared with others?Zoom classes may be shared with the household. Live classes cannot be shared. It is also possible to set up your account to pay for someone else. For example, if you have a child that you would like to pay for we can adjust your account so you may do that. The other person still needs to have an account. Just call us at 717-336-5299. This must be done by the studio.
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Weather Cancellation PolicyWhen in person classes or workshops are cancelled due to weather, students receive an email. Cancelled classes are indicated in red in the MindBody schedule. There are no make-ups provided for classes cancelled due to weather.
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Where is the Yoga Place Located?The Yoga Place is located in the lower level of the Bergstrasse Lutheran Church at 9 Hahnstown Road Ephrata. We are conveniently located at the intersection of 222 and 322 at the Ephrata Exit. Life Coaching and Grief Recovery are offered in person at the church location or online via zoom. Yoga Classes are offered online via zoom or in person in the studio.
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Do you have Beginners Yoga?From time to time we offer beginners yoga classes or workshops but we do not have an ongoing beginner’s yoga class. Our Gentle yoga class or Gentle Chair Yoga are excellent choices for beginners.
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Does The Yoga Place offer Children’s Yoga?At this time, we do not have yoga classes for children. We do however offer Private yoga sessions for children. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
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Do you offer beginner yoga classes?We do not offer classes just for beginners. We do however have new people almost daily. All of our teachers are certified and well trained. They are excellent at incorporating new students into the classroom. If you feel you would be more comfortable beginning slowly we recommend the gentle classes or even a private session.
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What Class Should I begin with?If you have no physical restrictions and currently exercise you can take any of our classes. If you are uncomfortable about being new to yoga you may be more comfortable with a Gentle or Peaceful Yoga Class. If you have physical restrictions such as being unable to bear weight on your knees or wrists you may prefer to begin with Relax and Restore. If you are looking for one on one attention and need specific modifications for poses you may prefer to start with a Private Session with one of our certified yoga instructors.
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What should I bring to the studio?An open mind and the willingness to let go of tension!! You will need a yoga mat. Pilates and other types of gym mats do not work as well. Yoga mats prevent your feet from sliding and they are the perfect length. Yoga mats range in length, thickness and price. Please do not bring cell phones into yoga room. All phones must be turned off.
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How to Sign Up for Online Yoga ClassesWe’re partnering with FitGrid (a fitness technology company) and Zoom (an online live-streaming service) to live-stream your favorite classes. Here’s how it works: Sign into your MINDBODY account (link in header & footer) and ensure that your email address is correct, and that you’ve opted in to receive emails from us. Set your email account so that messages from “hello@fitgrid.com” always arrive in your inbox, and are never marked as spam. Here’s a guide for how to do this in for several popular email domains. View our class schedule online the same way you always do. Sign up for any class with “VIRTUAL” in the name and check out normally. You’ll receive a confirmation email from FitGrid soon after. Once you’re within 60 minutes of the class’ scheduled start time, you’ll receive another email from FitGrid with a unique link to access the live stream. Not seeing the email? Search your spam and promotions folders. Look for subject lines containing the phrase “live-stream link”. Make sure you are in a place with a good internet connection–otherwise, the stream may skip! Click your unique link a few minutes before class is scheduled to start. If you have the Zoom application on your device already, you’ll join immediately. If you do not have the Zoom application on your device, you’ll be prompted to download it.
ADDRESS
The Yoga Place
9 Hahnstown Road, Ephrata PA 17522
© Copyright 2024. The Yoga Place. All Rights Reserved