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I led her to the tent, where we got set up on two mats at the front. Suddenly nervous about leading a meditation, I needed the relief that yoga could provide. For the next thirty minutes, I focused on Shae’s voice, going through the poses, and concentrating on my breathing. When she was done, she waved me up.
Her voice soft, she said, “Remi’s going to lead you through a short meditation if you’d like to stay.”
I moved my mat to the front of the group, afraid to look at anyone. I’d never led a group like this before. I’d only done this with Colton.
Taking a deep breath, I called on how I felt in that moment with him, sure and confident of myself and my abilities. If I was able to open Colton up to it, I could do this.
“Meditation improves focus, relaxes you, and has amazing health benefits, but I want you to judge this session by how you feel when we’re done compared with how you feel right now.”
Stealing a glance at the room, everyone had stayed on their mats and waited expectantly for me to begin. Pleased, I said, “Close your eyes, or focus on a spot in front of you. I’ll lead you through a few deep breaths.”
I led them through a simple exercise of counting their breaths, noticing how it felt in their body, and then a few moments of silence to just be. I’d planned a simple uplifting meditation for love and kindness.
“Now, imagine a ball of light over your head, shining brighter and brighter. Let the feeling of that light soak in.” With each instruction, I gave them a few seconds to comply.
“Then expand the light to a loved one or even a friend you’ve had some difficulty with recently. Send them light and love.”
Peeking, everyone’s eyes were closed, and they seemed to be focused on their practice. Then I noticed Colton in the audience. Pleased, I quickly closed my eyes.
“Now, expand your light to anyone in your life or maybe even someone not in your life that you feel needs it.”
After a few more moments of quiet, I gently brought them back to awareness of their bodies and had them open their eyes.
“I hope you enjoyed Shae’s yoga session and the meditation. If you are interested in the practice, you can do it at any time that’s convenient for you or when you need a breather. When you first wake up, after exercise, before bed, even while you’re out for a walk or doing dishes. Take a few deep breaths when you’re feeling anxious or would like to center yourself. You don’t need anything special to do this. The test is if you feel calmer and more relaxed afterward.”
I stood, feeling a little awkward now that it was over. People rose, rolling up the mats, talking quietly with those next to them. A young woman came up to me. “I loved that. I’ve never tried it. I’m usually too busy to take a moment, but it was great. Will you offer more classes?”
I hadn’t thought about offering group meditation classes, but maybe it would be a good segue to one-on-one coaching. Handing her a card for my shop, I said, “I might. I’ll put it on the website if I do.”
She thanked me, and another woman was waiting behind her. “Did you bring your juice? I’ve always wanted to try one.”
“Sorry. I almost forgot.” I opened the large coolers behind us, handing everyone a bottle. It was my contribution to the event, and we figured it made more sense to hand them out here than by the food court.
Shae came over to help. “That was great.”
“I thought so, too. I hope you get more clients for your studio.”
Then we were busy handing out bottles of juice to those who participated in the demonstrations and the crowd that formed.
A few more people asked about meditation and the benefits of the juice. There seemed to be enough interest, so I was thinking a meditation group might just work.
When it cleared out, Colton stood by the edge of the tent.
I smiled and approached him. “Don’t you have work to do?”
“Dexter’s got it handled. I wanted to see you do your thing. You were amazing. Your voice is perfect to lead.”
“You think so?” Personally, I wasn’t a fan of guided meditations. I preferred to do my own thing.
He looked down at me with admiration and respect. “You were amazing.”
Feeling more confident, I added, “A few asked me to host classes. Maybe I’ll talk to Shae about doing it at her studio. I don’t have room at my store.”
“I think you should.”
“It would be a good lead-in to get one-on-one coaching clients. A few women talked to me about their problems while they were in line for juice, telling me they felt better after just one session.”
He lowered his head, talking softer. “I believe it. You helped me.”
