CPD06 Mindfulness for a Meaningful Life

This is the course I have developed from the year that changed my life. Amongst challenge and adversity, these practices are where I found my deepest courage and strength. These Meditations and evidenced based practices created meaning and fostered compassion in my life. They are here now in this year long course for all to receive, cultivate and cherish.

Celia Roberts, 2018

Founded in state-of-the-art science and lived experience, mindfulness for a meaningful life offers you a chance of learning proficiency in the teachings that have been personally effective within Celia’s life. Moreover, you will have the opportunity to create deepened embodied meaning within your life.

Spread over the course of the year, and available for entry at anytime, mindfulness for a meaningful life will cultivate an accessible energy of healing, compassion, altruism; ultimately you will come away not only with continued professional development to assist your clients, so too you will attain your own sense of freedom built upon sustained resilience.

2024 schedule

May 3 – Meditations for Pain Relief (Headaches and Physical Pain) with Celia Roberts
May 31 – Master Your Sleep – Conscious Meditative Sleep with Celia Roberts
June 28 – How Your Thoughts Shape Your Digestion with Celia Roberts
July 26 – Trauma is Stored in The Body – Move Your Body Out of the Past with Celia Roberts & Sam Lindsay-German
August 23 – Radical Healing from Illness, Cancer & Other Diseases with Celia Roberts & Sam Lindsay-German
October 4 – Breathwork – A Journey of Superconsciousness States with Alisa Craig & Celia Roberts
November 1 – Somatic Experiencing – Rhythm, Movement & Neuroscience with Claire Stephensen & Celia Roberts & Anita Cassidy Bowman
December 6 – The Science and Practice of Mantra Meditation & Marma Point Sound Healing with Celia Roberts, Tumul Dubey & Anita Cassidy Bowman

Meditations for Pain Relief (Headaches and Physical Pain)

On May 3rd, immerse yourself in a transformative session with Celia Roberts as she presents “Meditations for Pain Relief,” specifically targeting headaches and physical discomfort. Pain, often an incapacitating and overwhelming ordeal, is now gaining clarity through research that underscores the effectiveness of mindfulness and cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). In the Eastern yogic tradition, CBT aligns with the age-old practice of self-enquiry or swadhaya, a discipline rooted in a history spanning over 5000 years.

While research contributes valuable insights into the nature of pain, our upcoming session encourages an experiential learning approach. By collectively reflecting on our personal encounters with pain and moments of ease, we can delve deeper into understanding the nuances of our experiences. This approach prompts us to extract meaningful lessons from our interactions with pain, integrating scientific knowledge when it aids in comprehension. This embodied approach seamlessly aligns with the principles of yogic and Buddhist traditions, offering a holistic perspective on the intricate relationship between mind, body, and pain relief. Join us for an enlightening exploration into the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern understanding, as we seek to alleviate and understand the complexities of physical pain.

• Pain Relief Meditations from Yoga and Buddhism.
• Mindfulness and CBT for effective pain understanding.
• Align with yogic tradition and 5000-year-old self-enquiry.
• Experiential learning: reflect on pain and ease encounters.
• Harmonise science with yogic and Buddhist principles.
• Blend ancient wisdom with modern understanding.
• Explore intricate mind-body pain relief relationships and release the pain and trauma of the past
• Elevate understanding of physical pain, and cultivate holistic well-being.

Master Your Sleep – Conscious Meditative Sleep

On May 31st, join Celia Roberts and Samantha Lindsay-German for “Master Your Sleep – Conscious Meditative Sleep.” This retreat is designed to guide you in transforming your sleeping hours into a valuable resource for deep meditation.

Many of us experience profound insights during the night that should not be overlooked. According to Tibetan yogis, we are truly awake to reality during the night, and asleep to reality in the day. Numerous practices rooted in Eastern traditions, including yoga, view the 8 hours of the night as a precious opportunity to awaken, gain insights, and explore another dimension of reality.

Andrew Holecek explains, “Unrecognized thought is the daytime equivalent of falling asleep. Each discursive thought is a mini-daydream. Drifting off into mindless thinking is how we end up sleepwalking through life—and therefore death.” ― Andrew Holecek

How can we align ourselves with this truth and genuinely practise meditation throughout our sleep? Let’s integrate the realms of science and spirituality as we delve into:

• Improve Your Sleep Quality
• Mastering Śavāsana, the corpse pose
• Exploring the Mysteries of Deep Dreamless Sleep
• Understanding the Yoga Sutras on Dreaming and Deep Sleep
• Engaging in Yoga Nidrā: Psychic sleep (day time practice)
• Embracing Dream Yoga: Beyond Lucid Dreaming (night time practice)

Embark on a journey to explore Lucid Dreaming to Dream Yoga with Celia and Sam and unlock the potential to awaken within the dream. Let us make our sleep both conscious and meditative.

How Your Thoughts Shape Your Digestion

Your thoughts shape your digestion. Join Celia Roberts & Samantha Lindsay-German to explore the way you think about food, the way you think about your body, and the way you think about your health, which all have a profound impact on how well your digestive system functions. This is why it’s so important to learn how to meditate all the time and to understand the role that your thoughts play in your digestion.

At our meditation retreat, we will teach you how to use yoga, meditation and Ayurveda to better understand your digestion. We will also provide evidence-based information on how your thoughts can shape your digestion and nurture your body-mind. With this information, you will be able to better support your digestive health through meditation, thought power, mindful eating and other healthy habits.

According to Ayurveda, the science of life, a science which holds the aim of complete and total liberation, no individual should persist or suffer with any digestive disturbance throughout their lifetime. Physical digestion of the body is the initial portal of treatment in Ayurveda, gently followed by mental digestion of the moment in front of us. Any disharmony or disease in the digestive tract is initially brought into balance before treating other levels or layers of disease.

The Aghori yogi reminds us that the power of our digestion or our minds in fact should be so strong that one can digest any heavy metals like mercury without any harm or disturbance. Knowing this, we come to understand that the mind is a powerfully strong aid to our digestive healing and that as modern science shows us: our thoughts shape our digestion.

Pranic power in the lower chakras is also a consideration. This is the flow of energy at the main source of 72,000 nadis, or in modern science our second gut brain, home to 500 million neurons that we can measure thus far. Any disturbances in the flow of prana or Shakti in this region will cause disharmony or disease.

Come and join us for an exciting combination of yogic wisdom and biopsychosocial science combined.

Trauma is Stored in The Body – Move Your Body Out of the Past

Our meditation retreat on the 26th of July will help us release the past and beliefs that the body holds, to help us in elevating our collective consciousness. Celia Roberts, Alisa Craig and Samantha Lidsay-German will combine their wisdom to assist in releasing the past from body and breath. Three powerful teachers unite to bring unity.
This will be a fascinating self-exploratory retreat, noting where our past is stored in our body. It will include acknowledging where we store emotions in our body and you will develop heightened psychosomatic awareness and free your body of the trauma, the memories of the past. We will be looking at six ways to bring unification and harmony through moving meditation. Using a healing life force (Prana, Qi, Chi, Ki) as a solution to liberate yourself from the body and past.

‘Who we are’ is a complex combination of evolution, ancestry, experience, chemistry, chance and the choices we make.

It is now a known scientific fact that trauma is stored in our body. According to the Ancient yoga sutras; our face, body and our posture store the history of our lifetime. Metaphysically and now proven scientifically, our past is stored in our cells, our genes and our DNA. Trauma not only affects our cells, but it changes our body, our gut, our brain wave patterning, our nervous system and our brains.

In this retreat, we will use Ayurvedic, Chinese, Yogic meditation practices & breathwork to explore the way grief and trauma can affect the nervous system, the mind, our muscles, organs and fascia. Furthermore, we will bring presence to body and breath, bringing the freedom of movement and mind into the present. Breathing together, moving together, touch and eye contact with trusted others help us to dissolve the past that lies in our body, even our genes.

This 3-hour workshop will introduce the theory and research behind this evidence-informed meditations for grief, shock and trauma. Join us to find freedom within your heart, acknowledging with deep respect and humility the unbreakable human spirit within.

Radical Healing from Illness, Cancer & Other Diseases

Embark on a transformative journey at our meditation retreat on August 23rd, focused on “Radical Healing from Illness, Cancer & Other Diseases.” Guided by the profound insights of Doctor Kelly Turner, renowned for her groundbreaking research on spontaneous healing, and inspired by the principles outlined in her book “Radical Hope,” this retreat offers a unique exploration into the concept of exceptional healing and is for ANYONE and EVERYONE wanting to better their health and well-being.

Perfect health and exceptional healing are yogic siddhis (supernatural powers) defined in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in Chapter 3. These states of being are intricately interwoven with both tangible and intangible elements of existence. With dedication to the practice of yoga and the path of purification, the mind-body becomes a vibrant tapestry shaped by our clear consciousness.

Dr. Turner’s research reveals that radical healing transformations, especially in Stage 4 Cancer cases, often follow ten distinct pathways, with only two relating to the physical realm, emphasising dietary choices and supplements. The remaining eight pathways delve into the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.

These factors are:

• Changing Your Diet
• Using Herbs and Supplements
• Taking Control of Your Health
• Following Your Intuition
• Releasing Suppressed Emotions
• Increasing Positive Emotions
• Embracing Social Support
• Deepening Your Spiritual Connection
• Having Strong Reasons for Living
• Radically Changing Your Life

These factors emphasise the importance of addressing not only the physical aspects but also the mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions in the pursuit of holistic well-being and healing.

Participants will not only gain insights from Dr. Turner’s research but will also experientially enjoy meditation practices designed to influence neurochemicals and neurohormones. Unlock the body’s inner pharmacy, affecting cortisol, melatonin, serotonin, dopamine, GABA, glutamate, endocannabinoids, norepinephrine, epinephrine, ACTH, endorphins, and oxytocin. Learn a complete meditation practice to utilise your inner pharmacy for hormonal health, contributing to stunning physical and mental well-being.

This retreat invites you to explore holistic well-being consciously, acknowledging that perfect health involves disentangling from imagined states of mind. It beckons us to relinquish the shackles of the past and break the habit of projecting into an uncertain future, offering a transformative path toward radical healing and resilience.

Breathwork – A Journey into Superconsciousness States

Embark on a transformative journey into the profound realm of breathwork at the “Breathwork – A Journey into Superconsciousness States” retreat on October 4, led by experienced breathwork facilitator Alisa Craig and Senior Meditation teacher Celia Roberts. This immersive experience delves into the transformative potential of conscious breathing, supported by compelling evidence from recent scientific studies. Alisa and Celia, seasoned practitioners in breathwork and meditation respectively, guide participants through evidence-based practices designed to induce superconscious states traditionally described in yoga. This retreat provides practical tools for mental and spiritual elevation, offering a unique opportunity to unlock the transformative power of breathwork.

The superconscious mind, often referred to as the higher self or universal mind, represents a profound level of consciousness transcending our ordinary awareness. In contrast to the conscious and subconscious minds focused on daily activities and memories, the superconscious mind holds infinite wisdom, creativity, and spiritual insight. Accessing this realm requires a shift in perception and exploration beyond the limits of everyday consciousness, providing an avenue for self-realisation and inner transformation. Cultivating a connection with the superconscious mind is a personal journey, facilitated by practices like meditation, visualisation, and breathwork, creating a receptive space for its wisdom to emerge.

Meditation serves as a powerful tool for superconscious exploration, with techniques like transcendental meditation and mindfulness guiding individuals toward higher states of consciousness. Visualisation, another potent method, taps into the power of intention and creative forces within the superconscious. Specific meditation techniques, such as holotropic breathing and alternate nostril breathing, enhance the connection to the superconscious by inducing altered states of consciousness. By consciously manipulating breath, individuals open themselves to subtle realms, promoting emotional healing and accessing the expansive wisdom within the superconscious mind. Join us on October 4 to explore these transformative techniques and embark on a journey into the superconscious through breathwork and meditation.

A Journey into Superconsciousness States

• Led by Alisa Craig and Celia Roberts, experienced facilitators.
• Explore the transformative potential of conscious breathing, backed by evidence.
• Guide into superconscious states with breathwork and meditation practices.
• Dive into the profound realm of superconscious mind exploration.
• Access infinite wisdom, creativity, and spiritual insight within.
• Utilise meditation, visualisation, and breathwork for personal transformation.
• Embark on a meditative journey into the superconscious

Somatic Experiencing – Rhythm, Movement & Neuroscience

Join us for a transformative journey at the “Somatic Experiencing – Rhythm, Movement & Neuroscience” retreat on November 1, led by renowned experts Claire Stephensen, Celia Roberts, and Anita Cassidy Bowman. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of rhythm, movement, and neuroscience as we explore the profound intersections of these elements within the human experience.

Claire will guide us through an exploration of how rhythm and movement are intricately woven into our bodies and brains. Through somatic awareness, embodiment practices, voice work, music, and engaging interactions, we’ll delve into the realms of chaos, aliveness, attunement, entrainment, and synchrony. This experiential workshop aligns seamlessly with the latest neurobiopsychosocial understandings, offering a playful and dynamic environment that weaves through layers of curiosity, integration, and settledness.

Anita is a magnificent sound healer from the heavenly realms. Anita is Senior Naad Yoga Teacher who will provide rhythm and music and help you to find your own way through your voice, your instrument and your heart.

Celia Roberts will provide you with one-to-one healing support throughout the event.

This workshop is not only informative but also flexible, tailoring itself to the unique learning and experiential desires of the group. Join us for a transformative and interactive experience that promises to deepen your understanding of the profound connections between rhythm, movement, and neuroscience.

• “Somatic Experiencing – Rhythm, Movement & Neuroscience”
• Led by experts Claire Stephensen, Celia Roberts, and Anita Cassidy Bowman.
• Explore rhythm, movement, and neuroscience in a transformative journey.
• Delve into chaos, aliveness, attunement, entrainment, and synchrony realms.
• Claire Stephensen guides somatic awareness, embodiment practices, voice work.
• Anita Cassidy Bowman, a Senior Naad Yoga Teacher, offers heavenly sound healing.
• Celia Roberts provides personalised healing support throughout the event.
• Tailored, flexible workshop deepens understanding of profound connections.

The Science and Practice of Mantra Meditation & Marma Point Sound Healing

Discover the transformative power of Vedic meditation and delve into the Science and Practice of Mantra Meditation & Marma Point Sound Healing on December 6 with Celia Roberts (Ayurveda), Tumul Dubey (Sanskrit) & Anita Cassidy Bowman (Sound Healing).

Vedic meditation harnesses sound, rhythm, and music to unlock a myriad of health and wellness benefits. In this practice, the mantra serves as a focal point, guiding the mind to deep concentration while the sound resonates throughout the sacred areas of the body. Mantra meditation, a concentration technique, involves contemplation on a specific word or phrase.

The research on the use of mantra for mental well-being is extensive and continually expanding. Our minds operate on vibrational patterns rooted in sounds and words. Each word holds associations with emotions, experiences, feelings, and thoughts, grounded in deep memory. The inner voice, governing the mind, further adds meaning to words. Consequently, the serene inner sound achieved through mantra meditation has the potential to bring stillness to the mind. Unlike the inner dialogue and distracting thoughts, the repetition of mantras does not evoke emotional responses; instead, it causes a unidirectional reduced activation of cortical networks leading to a basic state of rest (Berkovich-Ohana et al., 2015).

Mantra also allows us to connect the mind, external and internal speech, and ultimately achieve connection with the environmental and universal sound vibrations. Sound is the vehicle of Transcendence that we will explore for this meditation retreat. Here, we shall use Mantra to facilitate the flow of prana through the marma points, an important tool of marma therapy. Mantras protect marma points, called “kavacha” in Sanskrit and so we use Mantra or sound to heal and protect certain vulnerable areas in the body.

This retreat will introduce you to Mantra Purusha, a daily practice that can be used to implement Mantra and the ancient Sanskrit alphabet into the body’s sound vibration and to heal each marma point.

This Ayurvedic practice can be used to achieve many different goals, such as greater self-awareness, inner peace, spiritual growth, and enlightenment.

The benefits of this kind of mind and sound healing include:

• Decreased pain
• Improved heart health
• Lessened symptoms of depression
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduced PTSD & Trauma
• Deeper and more restorative sleep
• Reduced anxiety and stress
• Stronger vagal tone and heart rate variability — key measures of your resilience to stress.

Do join us for this very special end of year retreat.