Claire Lane: Talking meditation, mindfulness and yoga!
Sometimes in the crazy swirl of life, it feels like there is no time to stop. But that is just what meditation Master and Yogi, Claire Lane, teaches people to do. She chats to RACHEL RADITSEBE about how the practice of regular meditation can create positive change in one’s life.
How did you get into meditation and mindfulness?
I was captivated by the philosophy of Taoism and Buddhism from an early age and learnt that one of the key aspects to living a healthy and happy life is discovering that potential is one of the fundamental characteristics within us. Buddhism places great emphasis on the mind and the practice of meditation a fundamental tool in strengthening the mind.
Mindfulness seems to be all the rage right now, but why do it? Why meditate?
Meditation trains the mind to create a state of mind. It is the art of training the mind to maintain a concentrated state. It is developing the ability to maintain a positive state of mind and not a negative state of mind. Mindfulness is a state of mind that you create through the practice of meditation. Meditation develops a state of mind, mindful of its thoughts. Mindfulness is the ability for the mind to recognise (to be mindful of) its thoughts. Am I angry? Or am I worried? Why am I angry? Why am I worried? What can I do to stop myself from being angry? How can I learn to control myself and not worry?
How does meditation create this state of mind mindful of its thoughts?
Meditation strengthens your mind to create a constant , single focused positive state of mind. You start to train your mind to become more and more aware of what you are thinking, how you are reacting and why you react in this way. The mind is the root of everything! It is a very valuable tool in creating positive change in your life!
Can you tell us more about your business?
I have been a practicing Meditation Master, Spiritual Teacher, Reiki Master and Holistic Nutrition Coach for 21 years. I provide students a guide to simple wisdom aimed towards personal reflection and self-acceptance. My guide is holistic and includes meditation program, healthy eating plan, energy therapy and yoga. This holistic view is a foundation to live life and discover who you are. As a Master I place great emphasis on the mind and teach students to learn still reflection to gain insight and wisdom into their lives – to promote genuineness, longevity, health, vitality, spontaneity, transformation and happiness.
What inspired you to become a teacher?
I have always hoped that I could impact other people to empower themselves. Our greatest tool is the ability to liberate our minds from negative thoughts, negative actions and ultimately a negative life.
What have you noticed about your clients’ challenges?
Stress is our greatest challenge and learning to cope with stress is our greatest shortcoming. However learning to manage our stress becomes our greatest tool.
Your Client’s list include businesses. What obstacles do businesses face?
A competitive job market encourages employees to work harder and longer, demanding larger workloads than ever before. These added workplace pressures lead to stress and anxiety that affect how individuals make decisions and perform tasks both in and out of the office. Smart companies, both large and small, have been working hard to implement in-office programs that help employees to deal with stress, anxiety and workplace pressures. Cultivating positive work environments, many employers have experienced huge workplace improvements thanks to meditation programs.
How does the practice of meditation make someone feel?
Meditation is the true practice of peace. In stillness and silence of meditation, you get a glimpse and return to that deep inner nature that you have so long ago lost sight of amid the busyness and distraction of your mind. It is extraordinary that our minds cannot stay still for longer than a few moments without grasping to distraction. Because meditation allows your mind to relax, you start to develop the ability to ‘look within’ and recognize your own potential. You start to recognize your self-worth, your self-confidence, self-respect and self-love and how through regular practice you can change your life positively, forever! It gives you a tool to use every day to empower your mind and empower yourself!
For someone just starting out, what do you recommend they do?
Having a set of basic guidelines can be helpful. Be mindful on the following throughout the day:
1.Be true to yourself
2.Assist those who are extended expressions of your nature.
3.Connect to the world as you want to be treated.
4.Connect to those outside your nature with discernment.
5.To those unwilling to accept you for your true nature, no action is required: Just silently let them be themselves as you remain yourself.
Where should one meditate?
When you practice resting your mind on your breath you create a state of meditation whether you are sitting quietly in a room, watering the garden, standing in a queue or driving in the car. Meditation can be practiced anywhere - waiting in a queue, during exercise, in the traffic etc – taking the time to be mindful during moments in your day that you tend to have 5 minutes to spare, is an excellent way of practicing meditation and calming your mind.
Can you share some words of wisdom you live by?
Learn to meditate to facilitate the mind to develop the ability to quieten, so that you can implement change into your life positively, forever.
