Group coming Fall 2024:

Most people who have tried meditation know that it isn’t easy. Sometimes in silent practices the voice of our inner critic is amplified, memories from the past resurface, wheels of anxieties about the future spin and underlying emotional challenges can feel unavoidable. 

Am I doing this right? 

Why can’t I just stop thinking about that?

I just want to find a training/teacher to meet my needs.

I used to be able to meditate more, but then…

This thing happened on retreat…


The teacher/student relationship is so unique and can be a mirror to other relationships in our lives. Our interest in meditation may not be shared with those closest to us. Insights we experience in meditation can affect our relationships. And, relationships really matter.

This group facilitates discussion of the impact of eastern meditation practices within a trauma-sensitive western support group therapy model. Group therapy offers a HIPAA-compliant space, a professional commitment to privacy, which can be hard to find in traditional meditation spaces or when practicing online. As meditators in the US, we straddle this east-west relationship, and this group also offers an invitation to process the complexities of this cross-cultural context.

  • Address anxiety, mood changes, life transitions, physical, mental and emotional challenges from and during meditation practice.

  • Focus on emotional digestion, relational health and nervous system regulation skills.

  • Explore the role of personal boundaries, teacher/student dynamics and the complexities of cross-cultural practice.

BIPOC/LGBTQI+ folks and beginner meditators are welcomed.

Sliding Scale rates: $90 - $30 per session.

Online via Zoom for Healthcare. For California residents only.

For questions or to express interest in registering Contact Lia via this website or via email: connect@akhilanda.org.

FAQs

  • No, this group will not be about sharing or endorsing any specific practice, including mindfulness. The focus is on developing skills to regulate your nervous system, listen deeply to your direct experience and to receive support from others.

  • Some exposure to practicing meditation in any eastern tradition is all that is needed, whether this is online, in person, on an app, or retreats. Beginner’s mind is wonderful.

  • Yes. There is no expectation that you try to meditate daily. If you would like to meditate more, it can be helpful to share and process with others the barriers you feel in your practice. Sometimes it also may be important to take a break from practices to recalibrate.

  • The group is capped at 6 participants to ensure enough time for sharing for all.

  • The rate per session is either $90, $60 or $30 and group members are encouraged to pay the amount they can afford. The chosen amount during intake will determine the total cost for the participant attending all 6 sessions, i.e., $180 for $30/session. The cost of this group will be charged prior to the start of group, and a payment plan is available if needed.

  • I’d be happy to talk more about the group with you. Please submit a request to schedule a free consultation on the Contact tab to discuss more.