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What is your cancellation policy for group classes?For Zoom Yoga Flow and Yoga Nidra classes (Tuesday and Thursday mornings), please notify us at least 5 hours before class starts so you won't be charged for a missed session. For In-person Meditation classes (Tuesday evenings in Portsmouth), please notify us at least 5 hours before class starts so you won't be charged for a missed session. For classes organized by a third party such as Kittery Community Center or Lizfit, please visit their websites for their cancellation policies.
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What is Instinctive Meditation®?Instinctive Meditation® is a simple and accessible meditation practice that teaches individuals how to connect with their inner self and cultivate inner peace.
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Do you need to ascribe to a set of beliefs to practice Instinctive Meditation®?The practice of Instinctive Meditation® is not dependent on any specific belief system or religion. It is a secular practice that is accessible to anyone regardless of their religious or spiritual background. Whether you are atheist, agnostic, or have a particular faith, you can benefit from the simple and accessible techniques of Instinctive Meditation®. It's also worth noting that no prior experience or knowledge of yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism, or Sanskrit is required to understand and benefit from Instinctive Meditation®. While these traditions may inform and inspire the practice of Instinctive Meditation®, they are not prerequisites for learning or practicing this technique.
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Where should I start if I’m new to Meditation in general or have an existing meditation practice but want to deepen it with skills from Instinctive Meditation?Sign up for 3-5 Private Meditation Coaching Sessions to learn how to access your unique pathways into Instinctive Meditation. These customized sessions provide an ideal way to begin exploring avenues into a meditative state that best suits your nature and needs. Then join an ongoing Meditation & Movement Class found in multiple locations here in the Seacoast. If you are familiar with Instinctive Meditation or prefer to learn in a group setting, sign up for an Introductory Meditation Class. Start with Level I - Find Your Flow, a four-week class that will enable you to experience the freedom and joy of meditating on what you love. Then follow up with Level II - Ride Your Rhythms, also a four-week class to continue your customized explorations, enhance your personal growth, and find ease in riding the rhythms of your own life. Enjoy a sense of community while learning high-impact, customizable skills that improve your overall well-being.
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Why meditation?Instinctive Meditation® has helped people navigate numerous life challenges with tremendous success. If you are dealing with: High stress Anxiety or panic attacks Caregiver burnout Bereavement Chronic or acute pain management Addiction recovery Trouble sleeping Racing thoughts Depression High blood pressure Seasonal affect disorder, etc. Then creating a meaningful meditation practice that uniquely meets your needs can help. Learn to enjoy healing and rest deeper than sleep. Cultivate resilience and poise for navigating tough times. Feel nourished and restored by your practice of self-care and bring more energy to love, work and play.
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What merchandise do you offer?We will soon offer the following "Time for You" Tools: Custom Instinctive Wisdom Journals, Meditation Candles, Essential Oils, Yoga Mats, Mandalas, and Yoga teas.
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Does Instinctive Meditation® need to be done in a seated position, such as the yoga lotus posture?Instinctive Meditation® can be practiced in a variety of positions and settings. It is not limited to the traditional seated lotus posture used in yoga. You can practice Instinctive Meditation® while sitting, standing, walking, swimming, hiking, gardening, or even while listening to music. This versatile practice can be performed with your eyes open or closed and can be done either alone or with a group of like-minded individuals.
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Can I practice Instinctive Meditation® anywhere?Yes, you can practice Instinctive Meditation® anywhere that you feel comfortable and at ease. It can be practiced sitting, standing, walking, or even while engaging in daily activities like gardening or listening to music.
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What are your Terms & Conditions for Private Coaching Sessions?Waiver for Private Meditation Coaching in Instinctive Meditation™ Terms & Conditions I am not, nor am I holding myself out to be a doctor/physician, nurse, physician’s assistant, advanced practice nurse or any other medical professional (“Medical Provider”), psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, counselor, or social worker (“Mental Health Provider”), registered dietician or licensed nutritionist, or member of the clergy. As a meditation coach, I am not providing health care, medical or nutritional therapy services, or attempting to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any physical, mental or emotional issue, disease or condition. The information provided in or through my Website pertaining to your health or wellness, exercise, relationships, business/career choices, or any other aspect of your life is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provide by your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. You agree and acknowledge that I am not medical advice or mental health advice, or religious advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific health or any medications, herbs or supplements you are currently taking and before implementing any recommendations or suggestions from our Website. Do not start or stop taking any medications without speaking to your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider. If you have or suspect that you have a medical or mental health problem, contact your own Medical Provider or Mental Health Provider promptly. No Guarantees My role is to support and assist you in reaching your own goals, but your success depends primarily on your own effort, motivation, commitment and follow-through. I cannot predict and I do not guarantee that you will attain a particular result, and you accept and understand that results differ for each individual. Each individual’s results depend on his/her unique background, dedication, desire, motivation, action and numerous other factors. You fully agree that there are no guarantees as to the specific outcome or results you can expect from using information you receive on or through these sessions. Assumption of Risk As will all situations, there are sometimes unknown individual risks and circumstances that can arise during meditation sessions that cannot be foreseen that can influence or reduce results. You understand that any mention of any suggestion or recommendation is to be taken at your own risk, with no liability on my part, recognizing that there is a rare chance that illness, injury or even death could result, and you agree to assume all risks. Indemnification and Release of Claims You hereby fully and completely hold harmless, indemnify and release me and any of my agents, consultants, affiliates, joint venture partners, employees, shareholders, directors, staff, team members, or anyone otherwise affiliated with my business or me from any and all causes of action, allegations, audits, claims, damages, or demands whatsoever, in law or equity, that may arise in the past, present or future that is in any way related to my meditation coaching. Expiration, Cancellation, Rescheduling Each package of private coaching sessions has an expiration. All sessions must be completed by the package expiration date. If you need to reschedule a session, it must be done with at least 24 hours notice. There is no guarantee to reschedule missed sessions or sessions canceled within 24 hours.
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Do I need to have prior meditation experience to benefit from Instinctive Meditation®?No, prior meditation experience is not required to benefit from Instinctive Meditation®. The practice is suitable for beginners and experienced meditators alike.
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What services do you offer?Instinctive Wisdom Services: Meditation Offerings Free Initial 15 Minute Consultation, Private Meditation Coaching, Introductory Meditation Classes, Level I - Find Your Flow (4 week class), Level II - Ride Your Rhythms (4-week class), Meditation & Movement Classes. Fitness Offerings Yoga Flow and Yoga Nidra via Zoom, Mind-Body-Soul-Mashup Class, Spin Class. Special Events Shared Meditative Moments, Guided Seasonal Nature Walks, Facilitated Workplace Meditation Sessions, School Meditation Moments, Meditation Retreats. Visit our Classes & Events page for current happenings. Please contact Chrissy chrissy@instinctive-wisdom.com directly to discuss setting up one-time events, or customizing a series of events such as: Shared Meditative Moments - For Parents and Children, Couples or Small Groups Guided Seasonal Nature Walks Facilitated Workplace Meditation Sessions - Lunch & Learns, Retreats, Speaking Events (contact to discuss desired outcomes and rates). School Meditation Moments - for Teachers and Students of all ages (contact to schedule and arrange pricing details). Email Chrissy directly to discuss details. Meditation Retreats - Whether you are looking to alleviate stress, experience healing, overcome challenges more easily, or gain personal insights and growth - Instinctive Wisdom Meditation Retreats will provide the outcomes you crave and will leave you recharged for loving life. Group Retreat - Join us on the Isles of Shoals - in the Summer of 2025. Stay tuned for registration details! Visit our Classes & Events page for current happenings.
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What tools do you recommend?Time for You Tools: Mandalas, The Radiance Sutras, Essential Oils, Yoga Mat The Radiance Sutras is a lively and powerful rendition of the ancient meditation text, called the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. This cherished text was passed down orally for many years before being written down in Kashmir around 800 AD. The classic text details a huge range of human experiences that can serve as doorways for entering a meditative state. Dr. Lorin Roche’s interpretation brings his unique perspective into each of the 112 Sanskrit teachings detailing how to meditate with, embody, practice, and savor each of them. The text is for all people seeking deep richness in their lives in both their inner and outer worlds.
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What Props do you recommend having on hand for classes?For meditation classes, you generally only need access to a comfortable chair, a place to lie down, or one to stand and move in a bit (depending upon weather and your connectivity constraints this can be either inside or outside). For Yoga Flow classes, yoga blocks and a strap are handy. For Yoga Nidra classes, a bolster or some pillows and a blanket will work nicely.
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Meditation & Movement Level II - Ride your RythmnsType: Intro to Meditation | Ride Your Rhythms Instructor: Register and pay online Christine Charest, RYT 500 Certified Instructor When: Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm Location: Spinnaker Point Recreation Center - Portsmouth NH Class Description: This Level II Introductory Class builds on the foundation of Instinctive Meditation® Principles and further deepens your meditation experience. You will learn to identify and honor the many rhythms of life and flow more seamlessly between your awareness of the outer world and your inner experiences. Learn to ride the waves of life with more skill. Refine and further customize your meditation practice with deeper embodied explorations. Collaborate with your life force and the natural world's rhythms to find greater ease in life. Taken back to back, these eight sessions will grant deeper integration of the practices more quickly. *Save $50 by signing up for both the Level I and Level II classes simultaneously. COST: $100 per 4-week class - Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm OR $150 for two 4-week classes - Save $50 by signing up for Level I & Level II at the same time!
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What is Find Your Flow?This Level I Introductory Meditation Class explores various embodied meditation practices and helps you begin to identify your preferred methods of accessing the body’s natural healing/restorative state. Find your bliss! No prior meditation experience is necessary. Learn the principles of Instinctive Meditation® in which there is no need to sit still, close your eyes, or empty your head. Let your body and mind enjoy its own unique and natural fluidity. *Save $50 by signing up for both the Level I and Level II classes simultaneously. COST: $100 per 4-week class OR $150 for two 4-week classes - Save $50 by signing up for Level I & Level II at the same time!
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What are the Intro Meditation Classes | Level I - Find your Flow?Intro Meditation Classes | Level I - Find your Flow Type: Intro to Meditation | Find your Flow Instructor: Register and pay online Christine Charest, RYT 500 Certified Instructor When: Thursday 5:00 pm- 6:00 Location: Spinnaker Point Recreation Center - Portsmouth NH Class Description: This Level I Introductory Meditation Class explores various embodied meditation practices and helps you begin to identify your preferred methods of accessing the body’s natural healing/restorative state. Find your bliss! No prior meditation experience is necessary. Learn the principles of Instinctive Meditation® in which there is no need to sit still, close your eyes, or empty your head. Let your body and mind enjoy its own unique and natural fluidity. *Save $50 by signing up for both the Level I and Level II classes simultaneously. COST: $100 per 4-week class OR $150 for two 4-week classes - Save $50 by signing up for Level I & Level II at the same time! BOOK NOW!
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What can I expect from Gentle Yoga/Pilates?ZOOM: Gentle Yoga/Pilates Group Classes Type: Gentle Yoga/Pilates Group Classes Instructor: Register and pay online Christine Charest, RYT 500 Certified Instructor When: Tuesday 9:00-10:00 am Location: ZOOM Class Description: A gentle mix of Kripalu-style Yoga and Stott Pilates that includes a combination of both vinyasa flow, static asanas/postures, pilates strengthening moves, and meditative prompts throughout. Harder strengthening options and easier modifications are offered to accommodate both advanced and beginner-level participants. Please dress comfortably and have any needed props handy such as a mat, straps or blocks, etc. Purchase a 5-Class Pass here and Save! COST OF ZOOM CLASSES Drop-ins: $20/class 5-Class Pass: $80 (Save $20 - one free class!) 10-Class Pass: $160 (Save $40 - two free classes) BOOK NOW!
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ZOOM: Gentle Yoga/Pilates Group ClassesZOOM: Gentle Yoga Nidra Group Classes Instructor: Register and pay online Christine Charest, RYT 500 Certified Instructor When: Thursday 9:00-10:00 am Location: ZOOM Class Description: A peaceful and restorative yoga practice that explores rejuvenating postures more deeply and invites the body into a more meditative state for a complete mind-body reset. Instinctive Meditation® reflections are offered. Please have your props on hand such as your mat, bolsters, blocks, blankets, and straps. COST OF ZOOM CLASSES Purchase a 5-Class Pass and Save! COST OF ZOOM CLASSES Drop-ins: $20/class 5-Class Pass: $80 (Save $20 - one free class!) 10-Class Pass: $160 (Save $40 - two free classes) Classes generally begin and end with a meditative reflection.
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What is Mind-Body-Soul Mashup?Type: Mind-Body-Soul Mashup Instructor: Register and pay online Christine Charest, RYT 500 Certified Instructor When: Upcoming Wednesdays from 10-11 am Location: The Movement Market, 165 State Street, Kittery, ME Class Description: A joyful, invigorating, and ever-changing workout for the mind, body, and soul. A great way to keep your head and heart active and feeling aligned throughout the week. Enjoy a fun mix of Pilates, Tai Chi, Strength training, Cardio, Dance, Stretching, and Instinctive Meditation®. Nourish your whole self! Upcoming Wednesdays from 10-11 am - Held at The Movement Market, 165 State Street, Kittery, ME Starting in April of 2024 COST: Drop-ins $15 per class Save by Purchasing a 5-Class Pack for $50. Beginning April 3, 2024, on Wednesdays - 10:00-11:00 am
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