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Program Offerings You'll Love:
March 27-30
Join a meditation, yoga, and self-discovery retreat with Sarah McLean and Martin Birrittella at Unity Village's new Awaken Center. Connect with your spirit, awaken to your full potential, and renew yourself as you are expertly guided on an essential inner journey to strengthen your soul connection. Meditation instruction in the Simple, Easy, Every Day Meditation Method is included. Visit this link or call (855) 627-0672.
April 13-17
Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, AZ
Sarah McLean facilitates this intimate retreat to help you discover your true essence and the peace accessible in any moment. Fall in love with yourself and your inner landscape, and discover how to live with gratitude and confidence. Call (888)749-2137 or (928)203-8500, or email info@miiamo.com
to make your reservations.
May 9 & 10
Sedona Rouge Resort
Sedona, AZ
Take a personal journey to Sedona - one of the most glorious spots in the world - and delve deeper into the meaning of your life, honor your own story, and find tools to live your full potential. Be charmed by dynamic speakers' personal tales and discover practical tools for transformation. Find out more!
May 28-June 1
Hilton Resort and Spa
Sedona, AZ
Embark on your own hero's journey. Learn practices to help you access your higher self through sacred mythology. Summoning the Sacred is a powerfully transformative program for individuals ready to call in their fuller expression of themselves.
We may seek to be lovers, leaders, adventurers, warriors, or peacemakers. Making archetypal energies work in our own lives is a powerful tool for cultivating the experiences we seek. Find out more.
June 27-29
Teton Valley, Idaho
Discover yourself and your natural, wild creative soul at a 40-acre wildlife sanctuary and retreat center near Grand Teton National Park. Immerse yourself in silence, be present to wildlife and nature's beauty and wonder. With deep meditation practices you'll listen to and trust your own voice. Through expansive writing exercises you'll transcend your inner critic and express yourself from the womb of creativity. Read more here.
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More Great Programs!
Click on the icons for details
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Resources:
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Your task is
not to seek for Love,
but merely to seek and find
all the barriers
within yourself
that you have built
against it.
~ Rumi, 13th Century Sufi mystic & poet
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Happy March!
There are many exciting upcoming programs I'm eager for you to know about, so be sure to check out the articles below and links to the left, and visit my web site for details. And feel free to share the word with your friends by forwarding this newsletter. There are retreat opportunities in amazing locations around the US - and even in England! Simple, Easy, Every Day Meditation is available in person and via Skype with me, or you can find a teacher in the US or Canada here. So wherever you live you can learn to meditate, find and receive support in your practice, or set aside some time to focus on living from your soul center.
Let's meditate together sometime very soon!
With love,
Sarah McLean, Director
McLean Meditation Institute
(982) 204-0067 Call me!
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 Learning to Love Yourself
"Love yourself first and everything falls into line." Lucille Ball, actress and comedienne
Being kind to yourself, taking care of yourself, loving yourself, doesn't always come naturally. In fact, many resist the concept of putting themselves first, because they are brought up to do the opposite: put yourself last and others first.
Becoming aware of how you care (or don't care) for your body, mind, and soul is the first step on the path to self-love. And meditation can help. When your mind quiets, you can see things more clearly. You notice your internal monologue, and those habits of ignoring yourself or disliking some aspect of yourself are uncovered. With awareness and the intention to adopt a kinder, authentic, and more loving and compassionate attitude toward yourself, you can become transformed.
While meditation has long been known for calming the mind, improving focus and attention, and increasing contentment, only recently have researchers proven how it can foster compassion. It turns out that the areas of the brain related to empathy and compassion are more active in those who meditate than in those who don't. And now there's a new area of research: self-compassion, which is a compassionate attitude you direct toward yourself.
To cultivate self-compassion, you have to pay attention to yourself, like you'd expect a good friend to pay attention to you. Get to know yourself and be curious. It's like being on your own team. Maybe you've forgotten your own inner loveliness. When you truly pay attention to yourself, you realize you are not simply your self-image and the roles you take on, the work you do, or the responsibilities you have. Instead, you come to know yourself intimately as a compassionate, wise, kind, aware, and peaceful being.
Excerpted and adapted from WEEK 4 of Sarah's book Soul-Centered: Transform Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation. Order it here.
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 Loving Yourself:
Cultivating
Self Compassion
How we treat ourselves can inform everything we say or do. We have to become aware of it first, we each have to expand our awareness. I've written about really listening to yourself, discovering your intuition, asking yourself what you really want, living in tune with nature, beginning your meditation practice, and remembering to be grateful. But it all comes down to loving one's self - which is often more difficult than it sounds. It takes practice.
There is a Buddhist meditation practice known as Loving Kindness (you don't have to be Buddhist to do it). It has the immediate benefit of sweetening and changing old habituated negative patterns of mind. In this simple practice, one begins with truly experiencing love for themselves, and from there, one meditates on kindness to others.
It goes like this:
Sit down and relax your body. Give yourself three slow, deep breaths through your nose and then let your breath return to a natural rhythm.
Bring your attention to your heart center. Gently place your hand there if you like.
Take some time to cultivate a warm and gentle feeling for yourself.
Silently say some sweet things to yourself, with a sense of sincerity, kindness and warmth.
Notice how your heart and mind respond. There is no need to hurry.
Experience your heart slowly fill with the warmth and bliss of your own loving intention.
After you give yourself the attention, you can then have the same intention for all beings to be well and free from suffering.
Keep your eyes closed for a few minutes and enjoy for a few moments your state of being.
Take three breaths through your nose, deeper than normal, and come back to yourself and the environment you are sitting in.
The more I practice Loving Kindness, the more I learn to know myself as a person capable of warmth, of sweetness, of love and a peaceful response to life. I trust myself more and have more to give. Each act of kindness to others then becomes an act of gentleness to myself and to my own spirit.
Excerpted and adapted. Read the entire article here.
Bonus!
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Creative Soul:
A Women's Meditation & Writing Retreat
June 6-8
June 27-29
For many, writing is a spiritual practice. A single moment of inspiration can seem like a timeless eternity. The same is true of meditation. For those who practice meditation, life is often transformed physically, spiritually, and emotionally. This intimate weekend retreat is ideal for any woman looking to awaken her authentic voice and creativity. You'll be immersed in expansive writing practices that awaken your imaginings. You'll attend to stillness with meditation and experience deep presence with mindfulness practices. You'll learn to listen to and trust your inner voice and express yourself from your creative soul. All women are welcome regardless of writing and meditation experience. Learn more about the retreat here or call (928) 204-0067.
"My intention was to honor myself on a weekend and to create a meaningful new spiritual experience. What I came away with was the most incredible, transformational experience of my life."
~ Julie B.
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Learning to Meditate is Simple and Easy
 Learn an effective meditation technique to help you discover how to live a more creative, fulfilling and happy life. Develop an unshakable sense of peace - no matter what the world "out there" is up to. Learn the Simple, Easy, Every Day Meditation Method.
The practices of meditation that you'll learn in the SEED Meditation Method are powerful, yet simple to do, and easy to keep doing. They include:
- Balancing Breath Technique
- Body Awareness Technique
- Breath Awareness Meditation
- Heart-Centered Breath
- Self-Inquiry Practice
- Silent Sound (mantra) Meditation
- Mindfulness Practices
- Peacefinder Practices
Classes are held regularly in Sedona, Arizona at the McLean Meditation Center. Upcoming sessions are April 6, May 11, and May 17. For a complete list of dates check out the online calendar or call (928) 204-0067. If you can't attend in Sedona, find an MMI Certified Meditation Teacher near you.
NEW for 2014!
Learn virtually to meditate!
March 23, 24 Wherever you are
Part 1: Sunday, March 23 at 11 am Pacific time
Part 2: Monday, March 24 at 5 pm Pacific time
From the comfort of your own home you can take the Simple, Easy, Every Day Meditation Class via teleseminar with Sarah McLean! It's taught in a 2-session program, each 1.5 hours in length. Call in and attend via Skype or phone. Classes are recorded, so if you can't make either of the calls you can listen at your convenience. Limited to 10 people. Call (928) 204-0067.
"The benefits of meditation are many for me...I am a much more sound being throughout my days and am able to accomplish so much more than before. It's the best 'medicine' I know....EVERY DAY."
~ Victoria, Phoenix, AZ
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Become a Certified Meditation Teacher
Are you a therapist, counseling professional, educator, life coach, executive, manager, healer, yoga teacher, or simply someone who wants to deepen the work you're already doing in the world? Are you are committed to being a guide for others, called to serve a greater cause? Then the McLean Meditation Institute Teacher Certification Program is designed for you.
Its 200 hour professional training course in the theory, science, and practice of meditation begins with self-paced study and instruction via a virtual classroom. This distance learning program is followed by seven transformational days in an intimate retreat setting in the red rocks of Sedona, Arizona led by world-class experts in meditation, mindfulness, contemplative practices, yoga, Ayurveda, energy, sound healing, and earth wisdom. Here you'll be nourished by and immersed in:
- Daily meditation practices and expanded awareness
- Gentle yoga practices and pranayama for purification
- Community and connection with others on a similar path of awakening
- Ceremonial experiences for transformation
- Wisdom from ancient traditions
You will be certified to deliver effective and powerful meditation instruction to your clients, patients, family, and your community. Admissions are rolling, so you can apply anytime and get started. You'll soon be ready to attend an upcoming training intensive in May (almost full), July, or November. Call (928) 204-0067, or click here to find out how you can become a certified meditation teacher.
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 Honoring Yourself Retreat
April 13-17
Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort
Sedona, Arizona
Join Sarah McLean at Mii amo Spa at Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, voted the #1 Destination Spa of the Year by Travel & Leisure magazine.
Sarah facilitates this intimate retreat to help you discover your true essence and the peace accessible in every moment. Fall in love with yourself and your inner landscape, discover how to live with gratitude and confidence, and learn to see yourself through loving eyes. Learn more here. Call (888) 749-2137 or (928) 203-8500 or email: info@miiamo.com to make your reservations.
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 Woman Arising: Awakened, Engaged, Inspired
May 9 & 10 at the Sedona Rouge Resort & Spa
Sedona, Arizona
Woman Arising is a dynamic and empowering boutique women's conference featuring inspirational women presenters in the awe-inspiring red rocks of Sedona, Arizona.
The dynamic presenters will lead you in enriching self-awareness interchanges and practices designed to deepen your appreciation for your own life and your own journey.
You'll discover how to:
- Find comfort, confidence, and strength
- Continue to awaken to your passion, power, and presence
- Connect to the wisdom that lies within you
- Find your authentic voice and express yourself honestly
- Enhance your well being
- Appreciate your life unfolding perfectly
- Celebrate the woman you are: free, authentic, compassionate, creative, expressive, powerful, and intuitive
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Summoning the Sacred Workshop
with Deepak Chopra, Jean Houston, and Sarah McLean
 May 28-June 1Hilton Resort & Spa
Sedona, Arizona
Join Deepak Chopra, Jean Houston, and Sarah McLean for Summoning the Sacred Workshop in the enchanting red rock desert of Sedona, Arizona. This is an intimate workshop created exclusively for those who are ready to open to new levels of spiritual wisdom. Together, we will explore the science and mythology of archetypes: powerful energies within literature, history, mythology, and religion that personify our deepest yearnings, most meaningful life experiences, and core identities. Participants in Summoning the Sacred will:- Learn how archetypes can support and guide you towards actualizing your dreams and wishes
- Identify your own "Hero's Journey" as a vehicle for personal transformation
- Advance or begin your yoga and pranayama (breathing) practices
- Learn or deepen your practice of Primordial Sound Meditation
- Practice a special chakra-centered yoga designed specifically for the Summoning the Sacred course
- Develop greater awareness, inner peace, and balance in life
Call (888) 736-6895 to reserve your space or click here to find out more and enroll.
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Creative Soul: A Writing Retreat for Women
 Earthfire InsituteTeton Valley, Idaho
June 27-29
Be part of a very special retreat at Earthfire Institute, a 40-acre wildlife sanctuary located just west of Grand Teton National Park.
Sarah McLean will be joined by the founder of Earthfire, Dr. Susan Eirich, a passionate woman who dedicates her life to creating a new model of relating to nature through the voices of the rescued wildlife under her care. Susan will share many profound stories that will deepen your understanding of wild animals, and help you forge a richer relationship with these wonderful creatures.
It's important to understand that Earthfire is focused first and foremost on animals. There are many places for humans to go for healing, reflection, and connecting with nature, but not many places that focus on the depth of who the animals are and how that awareness motivates each of us to help save them... for all our sakes. Each guest is asked to enter into a sacred contract of her own choosing to give back to the animals in return for the opportunity of being with them. Find out more. Call (208) 456-0926 or email Earthfire to register. |
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MMI was founded in 2006 by best-selling Hay House author Sarah McLean who has been teaching ancient and contemporary wisdom for 20 years. Known for creating an environment for deep personal transformation, Sarah headed up programs for Deepak Chopra's Center for Wellbeing, spent years as a trainee in a Zen Buddhist Center, and has traveled much of the world seeking and sharing the secrets of meditation. Author of the book, Soul-Centered: Transforming Your Life in 8 Weeks with Meditation (Hay House) and the forthcoming book, Love & the Power of Attention, Sarah considers herself an American Transcendentalist. She invites you to visit the McLean Meditation Center, home of MMI, in the heart of Sedona, Arizona, 411 State Route 179 #8, Sun-Sat 1-5 pm, or connect online at www.McLeanMeditation.com.
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