Free Meditations at The Mindful Cup Studio's "Open House"

FAQs

• Who did you study with?

  I am an accredited meditation teacher with The Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness, and a member of the Meditation Association of Australia.

  I am under the guidance of a Meditation Australia mentor, with ethical and professional guidelines.
  
  I am fully insured as a meditation teacher.

  As a child, I accompanied my grandmother when she chanted Sutras at Buddhist temples. Compassionate, secular meditation and mindfulness practices have helped me navigate life. I will remain a constant student.

• What kind of meditation is this?

  There are 2 main meditation techniques offered:

  1) Live guided meditations

  These are live guided meditations that invite rest. These are non-religious but are informed by the deep philosophies of different spiritual practices around the world.

  These method are taught by the Australian Centre for Meditation and Mindfulness. It is evidence-based, inviting a gentle focus on the 5 senses: Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste and Touch. Various techniques may be used, such as guided gentle attention on the breath and body, calming affirmations, guided visualisation or kinesthetic methods with other senses.

  Flexible invitational language is used, not forced. This compassionate meditation offers the mind a place to rest outside busy thoughts with kind equanimity. This is not a rigid practice, but one that invites empathy and rest.

  
  2) Tea meditations

  The tea meditation is an attentive mindfulness method that allows you to rest deeper into the 5 Senses when stillness may be too much. Through the brewing of tea using the Chinese Gong Fu Cha practice, the scent, flavour, colour and taste of the leaf are extracted through mindful movements.

  The sound of water, the scent of the tea, the colour of the infusion, the warmth of the cups and leaves, the flavour of the brew. The mind may seek rest in this sensory exploration.

  Through both practices, you may mindfully empty and fill your cup.

• Is this beginner friendly?

  Yes, beginners are welcome! This type of meditation is open to all levels. Due to the invitational language, it is open to all.

  Meditation is not the act of controlling, but of remembering.

  Our minds are naturally thinking of things to keep us secure. It is normal for our minds to wander. So this method is being compassionate with one's mind - not forcing focus. Just remembering to be kind to our minds, and remembering to breathe, to be present.

  The concept of a "Beginner's Mind" is actually really valuable - to look at the experience with compassionate curiosity. Experience it with an open heart, not trying to achieve anything. Just be. There is no "right" way to meditate; just being present with your breath is enough. Simply turning up is the first step.

• Will the meditation be on the floor?

  Yes, the guided meditation and tea meditations will be practised on the carpeted floor. Meditation cushion seats are provided for up to 8 guests. Please do bring blankets or your own cushion if you wish to nestle deeper into comfort.

  Should you have any difficulty sitting on the floor, please advise me at least 24 hours in advance so I can arrange additional seating.

• What is the price?

  The Open House is free.

  It is a way to introduce myself, share, invite and give back to the community.

  The energy exchange is your feedback and, if you wish, a Google review.

  
  I volunteered at the Lifeline store in Dee Why for 5 years, and I met some lovely people at that gorgeous shop. That store has since closed, but that experience showed that a place that gave time, welcome & comfort for everyone was very much needed.

  As a new business, I'll do my best to balance the commercial needs of a viable business with some free community offerings. This is the intentional opening of The Mindful Cup studio.

  So this event is freely given.

• I can't make this week, will you be holding any other free sessions?

  The Open House is the intentional opening of The Mindful Cup meditation studio.
  
  Where and when possible, I will try to host free online guided meditations for sleep. These are held online, so you may nestle in the comfort of your own home.

  Please follow me on Instagram @the.mindful.cup or join my mailing list for future free events.
  Website: https://www.themindfulcup.com.au/

  Email: rest@themindfulcup.com.au

• I'm not ready to meditate but I have some questions and would like to see the space. Can I still come?

  Yes, you can absolutely come during the "Open House" week. :)
  

  Feel free to come outside of those session hours. Non-session hours are 9:30 am - 12 noon, 2 pm - 5:30 pm.
  

  Depending on how the bookings go, there may be days where those session times are empty, so you can come in and have a chat.

  After this week, I'll be in the studio most days, so please pop in if there is no session and say g'day.
  
  You can find more information about The Mindful Cup here:
  Website: https://www.themindfulcup.com.au/

  Email: rest@themindfulcup.com.au

  You can also follow me on Instagram @the.mindful.cup or join my mailing list for future free events.

• What if I want to attend only the guided meditation or just the tea meditation? Do I have to attend both sessions?

  You can attend whichever session you prefer. Perhaps you are interested in only the Guided Meditations or only the Tea Meditations? That's perfectly fine. It is not a prerequisite to join both sessions. You may join whichever session you prefer or book both a guided meditation and a tea meditation.
  
  Remember when booking that the Guided Meditations are 45 minutes and Tea Meditations are 1 hour, so you select the right one for you. :)

  
  If you are unable to make a session, please do let me know with as much time as possible so another person may take your seat.

• How long will each meditation take?

  
  Guided Meditation - approximately 45 minutes.
  The live guided meditations run for 40 minutes. This includes:

  5-10 minutes for guests to settle into the space, making comfortable adjustments to their body position. Introducing the technique.

  20 minutes for the live guidance.

  5-10 minutes for the closure, attuning back to the rest of the day and any questions. Cleaning of space to reset for the next meditation.

  Tea Meditation - approximately 60 minutes.

  The tea meditations run for 50 minutes. This includes:

  5-10 minutes for guests to settle into the space. Introduction to the technique, structure and tea house guidelines.

  30 minutes for the live tea meditation, held in Noble Silence.

  5-10 minutes for community sharing and questions. Attuning back to the day. Cleaning of space to reset for the next meditation.

  If you are attending both sessions (one after the other), it will total approx. 2 hours. This allows for arrivals, questions after each session and cleaning of the space to reset for the next session.

• When are your regular classes?

  Class schedules are coming soon. I'm getting feedback from the community, working out the booking apps for the website and hope to be up in a few weeks!

  Join my mailing list for updates on classes. Events are brewing soon!

  You can find more information about The Mindful Cup on my website: https://www.themindfulcup.com.au/

  Other ways to stay in touch:

  Email: rest@themindfulcup.com.au

  Instagram: @the.mindful.cup

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themindfulcup.Australia

• What do I need to bring?

  The sessions are practised on the floor. Meditation cushions are provided.
  
  The body temperature may cool due to inactivity, so you may wish to bring your own blanket, warm socks, and a scarf.

  Loose and comfortable clothing is recommended. There will be no physical movement, but comfort is key.

  You may like to bring your own bottle of water. Warm water is recommended.

• How should I prepare for a meditation or tea meditation?

  For both Guided Meditations and Mindful Tea Meditations:

  Wear comfortable clothing. Stay warm. Bring a scarf, warm socks, a blanket.

  You may like to arrive 10 minutes before the start time to use the bathroom or familiarise yourself with the location.

  Allow yourself to be present with your breath, be gentle with your awareness, and speak kindly to yourself.

  Tea Meditation:

  A light meal is recommended before having tea first thing in the morning.