Want to Be a Meditation Instructor?
- By Paul Larmer
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- 27 Sep, 2019
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There are many different meditation programs and providers to choose from so I would like to take a few moments to introduce you to the MindBuilder Meditation Instructor Certification (MIC).
The program is entering its third year. Past graduates have effectively transformed their lives over the twelve months. One student had been trying to get pregnant. She had gone through four miscarriages. She was losing hope. Four months into the program, she became pregnant. In the final month of certification, she gave birth to a healthy, baby girl. Another student began the program recently separated and living in a temporary residence. Over the course of the year, he finalized his divorce, found his ex-wife a new place to live, sold the family house, purchased his own house and finished off the year with retirement. The stories go on.
Tidying up your mind will clean up your life.
Do all meditation programs have this type of life-changing impact? No. The difference begins with the MindBuilder philosophy: A teacher must: 1) Know the Way 2) Go the Way and, 3) Show the Way.
The MindBuilder "Way" is grounded in the physical body. It is a very down-to-earth approach to meditation. This allows you to effectively instruct any group upon graduation from corporate executives focused on stress reduction to spiritual seekers in search of enlightenment.
"The Way" is a transformational path that leads you from where you are now to your desired future. This is not woo woo. This is a science. This path exists within you in the form of seven neural centres within your head and spine.
During the course of the year, you will be guided along this internal path to your desired result. This process takes time. This is the main reason why the program is one year in length. This is a powerful, healing journey that gets your life in order. By travelling your own path and experiencing the power of ‘the way’, you'll be able to lead with the wisdom of experience and guide others with confidence. Or, if you have no interest in teaching, you'll have mastered this process for your own continued benefit.
Know the Way
The Way is represented by the symbol of the Caduceus pictured below.
The centre staff is a symbol for the head and spine. The seven major nerve bundles or chakras (energy centres) are marked by the coloured circles. Together, these seven centres form the mind.
The mind is connected to the body through the neural pathways that flow in to (sensory) and out from (motor) these seven centres. Each centre is associated with a gland. Glands secrete hormones that drive maturation, growth and development of both the mind and the body.
When the nerve centre or chakra is stimulated by movement or sensory stimuli, it triggers the glandular secretions. In this way, the seven centres serve as a staircase proceeding from the lowest level of development at the base of the spine (red) up to the highest level of development at the crown (violet). The training will guide you up this inner staircase to the realization of your highest potential. "Knowing the Way", you will be taught this mind-body anatomy which is the scientific basis of why meditation and mindfulness work. No other program presents this material.
Go the Way
Besides receiving these exclusive teachings on the science of the mind-body, you will establish a dedicated meditation practice through the course of the year, allowing you to take control of your own mind. Your home practice consists of a ten minute minimum daily practice. You are held accountable for these minutes by the program's practice journal requirement.
In addition to this personal practice, you have weekly Tuesday night group practice that serves to support you delving into longer meditation practices, overcoming obstacles that may arise in your practice and providing a forum of like-minded individuals with which to share your journey.
Together, your individual and group practices ensure that you are "doing the work" to activate your seven neural centres and move you ever closer to your goal. Having traveled the path, you will be able to teach with confidence and conviction. Like a scientist, you will have effectively tested the method and proven that it works.
Show the Way
I, Paul Larmer, head coach of the MindBuilder Meditation program have completed two Meditation Teacher Training programs. The first was 50 hours. The second one was a year. I am currently completing two more advanced trainings. Although these programs are all excellent, none of them has included a practical teaching component. Surprisingly, this is common in teacher training programs.
In the MindBuilder program, you'll start teaching from the first Saturday meeting. Your teaching will progress until you provide a full hour of instruction at the Teaching Intensive weekend in October. By the conclusion of the program, you'll have uncovered your own unique teaching style and be ready to confidently apply your learning and experience for the benefit of others.
Due to the transformational nature of the MindBuilder Instructor Certification (MIC) program, your year begins with a guided introspection to clarify your goals and create a personal strategy for your success.
So why choose MindBuilder? You have to be different to make a difference. MindBuilder is different in that our program teaches you the science of meditation, supports you in the application of that science through personal and group practice in addition to providing you with practical teaching hours to find your voice and develop your comfort in sharing your practice.
All of this is packaged in your own personal journey of transformation that will have a lasting impact on your life and those you love.
Simply put, this program is like no other.
Find out more at the free information session Sunday, November 9, 3:30 – 4:30 pm at The Yoga Studio South (Oak Bay). Email headcoach@mindbuilder.ca to register
