Meditation Archives »

Making Space for Emotion

November 8, 2019 | Yoga

Ever feel like you’re moving at high speed through life, running to keep up with the endless demand of information, social commitments, family, work, text messages, emails (like this one – ha)? Everything we look at seems to have an extra ad, a personalized distraction to pull our focus in a different direction. Some stress is useful, helps us get out of bed or achieve personal goals. Daily levels of negative stress creates a constant state of movement. There is no time to be still, to let what we are feeling or thinking come into focus. Yoga has teachings about how to use movement, breath, and mental focus to make space for what is happening within our minds and emotions. The simple practice of slowing the momentum, taking an hour to pay attention to the body and the breath can help us shift gears to get out of the stress loop. But … Continued

More Self-Compassion, Less Stress

August 3, 2019 | Yoga

I was a corporate burnout. I was working long hours, chained to my desk, fueled by caffeine, fear, and anxiety. For almost fifteen years, I soldiered on until I was on the verge of a mental breakdown. I catastrophized at 2 a.m. every morning, certain I would fail. I binged on sweets. Then I finally took a step to save myself. I went to my first yoga class. I knew I’d found something special. I began to find peace in the combination of movement and breath with yoga. I focused on being mindful, paying attention to my breath and body, on purpose, without judgment. This mindfulness brought focus, calm, and clarity in the moment. Yoga was slowly quieting my “fight or flight” nervous system and boosting my “rest and digest” nervous system.Yoga and Stress ReliefI studied the yoga philosophy of self-compassion. The word for this idea in Sanskrit is ahimsa, or … Continued

How to Notice | Sensory Meditation Exercise

July 8, 2019 | Meditation

During the first Introduction to Meditation class in May, a participant asked the questions: “What is mindfulness? What is meditation? Are they the same? What’s the difference?” Legit! Mindfulness is the way we hope to walk around in the world. Meditation is a tool to help get us there. Since that day, I’ve been thinking a lot about that. How can we walk around more mindfully? How can we begin to notice? There is a sensory meditation exercise that can serve as a gateway to this: Find a comfortable seat in a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. Take a few breaths to settle. Use all the time you need to settle in. No need to rush this. Close your eyes. Now, think of your favorite fruit or vegetable. What does it look like? What color is it? Is it round, oblong, small, large, skinny, fat? Does it have … Continued

Introduction to Meditation

April 22, 2019 | Yoga

Do any of those thoughts ever cross your mind? Oh yeah. And still you crave a greater sense of peace, focus, stillness, in your life.

The Purposeful Pause Experiment

April 22, 2019 | Yoga

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make, the better. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson What if we looked at yoga not as a way to arrange our bodies into specific shapes, but as an experiment in the sensations we feel and how movement, breath and stillness change our energy? With that shift in perspective, yoga becomes much more accessible. Tight hamstrings and inflexibility are no longer “limitations,” only variables in our experiment. Other variables can be added like a strap, a block, a blanket, or adding purposeful pauses to allow us to experiment again. The Purposeful Pause Experiment In our culture, movement is prized over stillness. We are expected to keep moving: faster, forward, onward, upward. Yet living without pauses does not allow us to fully live in the present moment. Yoga is such an important practice for our mental and physical health because it allows us time to pause. … Continued

Watch: Chakra Cleansing

April 9, 2019 | Yoga

Rosa O’Connor guides you through the chakras and explains how emotional imbalances are affected by a blocked chakra. Rosa’s intension is to help the student tap into the physical, mental and emotional realm of the being.Join Rosa on Saturday, May 4 from 2:00 – 3:30pm for a Chakra Cleansing Workshop.

Mindfulness is the Miracle by Which We Restore Ourselves

March 14, 2019 | Mindfulness

Have you noticed that it seems your life is running you instead of you running your life? Are you waking up tired with feelings of anxiety, frustration or dread about what you have to do today? Are you falling into bed exhausted, with racing thoughts and struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Do you often worry about things to come or are rehashing something that happened in the past?If so, you have fallen prey to the stressors of our modern treadmill lives. Most of us are great at doing, but we have forgotten how to be a human being. We are disconnected from our self, who is craving our attention and presence. Most of us are so distracted that practicing mindfulness has become a low priority. Or worse yet, we don’t even know it’s an option for our well-being.If this sounds like you, don’t wait and let an accident … Continued

6 Steps to Begin a Meditation Practice (and why do it)

November 2, 2018 | Yoga Philosophy

Have you heard that you should meditate? There are many potential benefits from meditating like reducing your stress, clearing your mind, feeling less tired, getting happier, etc. Interested, but not sure what this meditation stuff is?The practice of meditation is simple. Find a place to sit or lie down, close your eyes, and focus your attention on one thing (like your breath or sensations or visual aid). Actually practicing meditation is not so easy.Some folks get caught in the “I don’t have time for this” barrier. It feels like you’re doing nothing and there are SO MANY things to do! Some folks sit still and just fall asleep – so you get a nice nap, but no enlightenment.Some people try meditating and get frustrated with the constant chatter of their mind. They feel that they are not good at meditating, so why waste the time.Some people can set aside time … Continued

Expect Obstacles!

October 4, 2018 | Yoga Philosophy

Yoga philosophy is based on the idea of evolution toward mental clarity and reduced suffering. Patanjali described in the Yoga Sutras methods for achieving this goal. Three consecutive sutras (1.30-1.32) describe potential obstacles along the path and how to overcome them.1.30 vyadhi styana samshaya pramada alasya avirati bhranti-darshana alabdha-bhumikatva anavasthitatva chitta vikshepa te antarayahDistractions arise (disease; dullness; doubt; carelessness; laziness; craving; distorted perspective; inability to know the true meaning and purpose of one’s practice; and inability to remain grounded) as obstacles naturally encountered on the path of evolution and self-awareness.1.31 duhkha daurmanasya angam-ejayatva shvasa prashvasah vikshepa sahabhuvaAs a result of encountering the obstacles listed in the previous sutra, four consequences arise: 1) duhkha = mental or physical pain, 2) daumanasya = sadness or dejection, 3) angam-ejayatva = shakiness or restlessness, and 4) shvasa/prashvasah = irregularities in the inhalation/exhalation.1.32 tat pratisedha artham eka tattva abhyasahTo prevent or deal with these nine … Continued

Yoga Nidra | The Philosophy, Benefits & Practice

September 11, 2018 | Yoga

Yoga Nidra is a state of conscious sleeping and is considered as a meditation technique.

Stephen Kenney

00:02 13 Aug 19

I have never been flexible, but in my later years I began to experience pain. Kim's yoga class was just what I needed. Even though there are things I still can't do, just trying them helped me feel better. She's very encouraging and very patient. Don't think you can't do this. Try it!

Rosa O'Connor

18:16 12 Aug 19

Dragonfly 360 is a warm & welcoming place to come to practice yoga. One of the oldest in the city, it has a true vibe of the real and total essence of the ancient discipline. The space is a sanctuary that receives all who arrive with an embrace; new students or seasoned yogis. We are blessed to have this place to gather, to make new friends, to share with old yoga buddies, to laugh and to cry together. With utmost gratitude I say thank you to Melanie and Erin!

Lisa Jackson

18:40 11 Aug 19

Why oh why oh why would Dragonfly 360 fire their very best teacher? Mike Camps Sunday and Wednesday classes were great. Wonderful atmosphere and fantastic music (not the standard yoga gong bells...instead Bruce Springsteen, Santana, Alexi Murdoch, Gary Clark Jr, Mac DeMarco...terrific class and cohesive student group ;this was my “church” on Sunday mornings. He’s been relieved of his classes for no good reason that we know. Ill informed business decision on part of owner/manager. Very disappointed am done with Dragonfly.

Etelka Froymovich

08:28 11 Aug 19

I am very disappointed in the business decision that was made by the studio to part with our favorite teacher. Unique class with wonderful Sunday morning yogies. I was a Sunday morning participant for 14 years. It may been a business decision but it is very poor customer service . As they say all good thinks come to an end .

Julia Whiteker

20:02 08 Aug 19

I have been going to Dragonfly 360 (and All People as it was know previously) for eight years. My absolutely favorite yoga teacher has been teaching classes there for ten years and his Sunday morning class is a touchstone in my life. I literally learned to how to relax my muscles and accept my body in that class. Today I learned that the studio has decided to fire that teacher. I'm so upset and confused. The class was almost always full. They said it was a business decision. I'm heartbroken.

Susan Holewinski

20:28 14 Jul 19

Dr. Melanie and her staff are so pleasant and helpful. She uses science to support your nutritional needs. The yoga teachers are sensitive the the students' needs. I always look forward to visiting the calm and serene environment of Dragonfly 360.

Angie Garrett

23:19 15 Mar 19

I go to Dragonfly 360 Yoga & Wellness for both naturopathic services with Dr. Melanie and acupuncture with Sara. They are both amazing at what they do and they seem to be genuinely interested in helping you feel better.

Kelsey Gmelich

18:20 15 Mar 19

I would highly recommend Dr. Melanie to anyone looking to find out the root cause(s) of their health struggles and treat them holistically. Dr. Melanie actually listens to you (which you don't often find in a doc) and runs testing to determine exactly where to start and what imbalances to address. I have felt terrible for the past 5 years and my doctors never listened-they did some minor testing and never went in depth to really find out what was going on. Dr. Melanie is different- she doesn't just give you a quick fix band-aid, she really tries to heal the root causes of your health issues. She has helped me balance my hormones, heal my digestion, and we are now working on my adrenals. My cycles are regular again and I no longer have depression/anxiety now that my hormones are balanced and I feel so much better. If no one else will listen to you when you say you don't feel well/right, go to Dr. Melanie. You know your body better than anyone, so don't hesitate to take a proactive stance and work with someone who cares.

tyler rich

18:29 14 Mar 19

DragonFly 360 has been a great help for me personally. I have used their NAET (allergy elimination) therapy it was great to help me tolerate and be able to eat foods that i had some reactivity with, i have also had success with their acupuncture and zero balancing services. The staff is always personal and professional. Thank you Dr. Melanie and your whole staff!

Lisa Mayer

03:12 10 Aug 18

This place has changed my life. I've had to avoid casein (milk) for over two years because I would wake up with trouble breathing. Not only did the NAET treatments (you can find articles on them on psychology today as well as the NAET website) cure me of my milk intolerance, Dr. Melanie also recommended all natural remedies to help my body heal. She has truly been the answer to our prayers that I would heal from food intolerances. If you're suffering like I was, you don't have to. Take a chance on her. Thank you, Dr. Melanie!

semhar dagnew

08:32 29 Jun 18

I am so happy l found you doctor, you have been an answer to my problem’s . My next would be to bring my kids to you!

Roxanne Smith

14:46 17 Mar 18

I am happy to write a review for Dr. Melanie because what she does is so amazing. I have been going to her about twice a month for a few years for NAET treatments. My many allergies are now gone and as a singer/performer she and I have discovered that her treatments clear up my voice!--stress and emotions affect my ability to sing my best and I rely on Dr. Melanie as my "voice whisperer" lol. I will come in with raspiness in my voice and every time I leave her office my voice is clear as a bell. It's truly amazing--often she uses NAET for emotions and finds the hidden cause that is always a surprise and a physical relief. I highly recommend her for improving your health in ways you can't even imagine.

Cynthia Lantigua

23:25 21 Aug 17

"Dr. Melanie is amazing, she doesn't try to rush through an appointment in 15 minutes, you feel like you have her undivided attention. She also demonstrates an exceptional understanding of nutrition and how the different vitamins, electrolytes, etc. affect your body and presents options to correct through either diet changes or supplements or both. She appears very competent in other naturopathic treatments as well. Her use of NAET therapy on me made me a believer! The results were immediate and something I could see myself! (I would never have believed it had I not tried it myself.) My husband is now seeing her as well for GI problems and general fatigue."

Krista Wright

16:54 28 Feb 17

I could not be more pleased with the choice I made to practice yoga at Dragonfly 360. There are classes for every level, the instructors are knowledgable, attentive, and sensitive, and the atmosphere is warm and inclusive. Most importantly to me, the integration of spiritual practice is a strong component of the classes. You will be affirmed in mind, body, and spirit by your practice at Dragonfly 360.

Meditation