TOGETHER
co-meditation as a path to connection
with Heidi Kalyani and Margot van Wolferen
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
BRENÉ BROWN
In this 2.5-hour workshop, we will introduce you to the beautiful practice of co-meditation dyads — a simple yet profound way of feeling seen and heard, of giving and receiving without judgement, of experiencing a deep and transformative sense of resilience, wholeness and belonging.
Through conversation, reflection, mini-practices and demos, we will guide you through the process of this powerful practice, culminating in an opportunity for you to share a full-length dyad with a fellow participant.
Inspired by our studies of iRest yoga nidra, the co-meditation dyads in this workshop offer a welcoming space to explore our thoughts, emotions and sensations, while having a compassionate and open-hearted companion to accompany us on our journey. In this workshop you will have the opportunity to experience both roles: the explorer and the companion.
What is a co-meditation dyad?
In a co-meditation dyad two people, the companion and the explorer, sit together. The companion supports the flow of the practice by offering a set of gentle prompts (which we will provide!) designed to help the explorer meet their experience as it is. These gentle prompts, combined with the compassionate and welcoming presence of the companion, help the explorer feel safe and held while meeting and being with their experience.
Rooted in the non-dual teachings of iRest, the co-meditation practice in this workshop is based on the premise that we are already whole. In a co-meditation practice there’s nothing to fix, change or solve. It’s a way of offering support without the pressure to give advice, interpret, or needing to find the right words. At the same time, it creates a space where the explorer can simply rest in being as they are, knowing that there is nothing about them that needs to be different than it is.
Benefits of co-meditation dyads:
- feel a deep sense of connection, belonging and wholeness
- experience a comforting sense of common humanity
- feel more steady and less overwhelmed in the face of difficult life and world events
- gain access to unshakable inner knowing
- learn a simple, meaningful way to support others
The workshop will include:
- an introduction to the practice of co-meditation dyads
- tips for giving and receiving with openness, curiosity, and a welcoming presence – while sitting together
- time for reflection, mini practices and connecting with each other as a group
- an opportunity to try a dyad with a fellow participant (in a breakout room)
- a printable PDF handout for you to keep
- a short break in the middle (to rest, refuel, pee etc.)
- plus lots of co-regulation and togetherness!
Who is this workshop for?
Hearing the wisdom of our own inner knowing while navigating the intensity of what’s happening around us can be challenging. If you are looking for a supportive practice to help you move deeper into self-inquiry, are feeling anxious, isolated or overwhelmed, or have been struggling with how to support the people you care about, we invite you to join us! Let’s practice co-meditation dyads together!
We welcome anyone who is curious to explore this way of connecting! No previous yoga or meditation experience necessary.
What others have said about the practice:
“After a co-meditation I feel relieved, spacious, sometimes quiet. I often leave with an insight or intention that helps me move forward.”
“I am reminded that I am whole.”
“Bathing in the warm glow of someone else’s attentive presence feels like coming home.”
DETAILS
FRIDAY April 4th, 10am – 12:30pm ADT (Nova Scotia); 3pm – 5:30pm CEST (Europe)
This workshop is held online, through Zoom.
Registration is offered on a sliding scale (approx $35 – $55 CAD).
