Jackie Frederick-Berner is a mindfulness meditation instructor. We’re thrilled to announce that she’s joining the günamüna team weekly to lead us in guided meditation! The benefits of meditation are endless, and we could all use some calm.
Mindfulness Meditation has been scientifically proven to:
- improve mood
- increase clarity & focus
- enhance relationships
- boost well-being
- alleviate depression
- dial down fear, anxiety, stress & negative thinking
- take the edge off pain
Let’s meet our instructor, Jackie-
“Hi there! I’m a mindfulness meditation instructor. I help folks bring mindfulness approaches into their lives –from simple techniques they can do in the moment to making meditation part of a daily routine.
Mindfulness meditation has had a profound effect on my own life, especially during challenging times. Before I became a meditation instructor, I worked in the fast-paced world of PR and marketing; I’m also a writer –I co-wrote a book on childbirth under a really tight deadline.
But of all the jobs I’ve had, the hardest one by far, was being a new parent. You have the most demanding boss you’ve ever had (along with the tiniest). You work for this boss 24/7. You have no vacation time. You can’t call in sick. You’re lucky if you can even shower.
Yet, you are consumed with an infinite well of love for this little person. It’s a love that lights you up. And you would do ANYTHING for him or her.
While it might seem counter-intuitive, the greatest and most nurturing thing new parents can do when they’re in the thick of parenting is to create some space where they can come back to themselves. It’s not a selfish thing. On the contrary, it’s what allows you to give to others.
I love this quote by Katie Reed, creator of the blog, “It’s A Mother Thing”, writer, mom of four and mental health advocate: “Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.”
Mini-meditations and mindfulness practices are proven ways to create those essential moments of self-care. The tools that I teach new parents allow them to take a short, mindful break anytime, anywhere.”
Our günamüna team is new to meditation, like many of you! So we asked Jackie some questions to help prepare us for our first session and to learn more about our instructor.
Why did you become a meditation instructor? “I’ve always been a seeker of personal growth and spiritual connection. Meditation was part of my life way before it was considered mainstream. Training to become a meditation instructor six years ago felt like a very natural extension of who I am.”
What inspires you? “I love helping people rediscover that place inside them that is innately calm, clear and grounded. After just a few minutes of meditation instruction, the shift I see in my students is unmistakable. Their faces soften. Their body language goes from tight and closed to open and relaxed. And when they open their eyes, they are fully connected to the present moment —not bogged down in the past or stressing about the future.”
How does meditation and mental health relate to each other? “Meditation can be a helpful tool for improving mental health and general wellbeing. It’s been scientifically shown to reduce stress and anxiety and enhance emotional health and awareness, among other benefits.”
How can meditation relieve and manage emotions like stress and frustration? “Meditation acts on our nervous systems by shifting us from fight, flight freeze mode, which is a reactive response, to rest and digest mode, which is restorative and non-reactive. When we’re in this calmer, grounded place, we’re better able to respond to what’s challenging us in a constructive, healthy way.”
I've never meditated before...what do I need to know? “All you need to meditate are the 2 B’s —your breath and your body! I’ll guide you through the simple steps which are — 1. find a comfortable seat, 2. become aware of your breath, 3. when you notice that your thoughts have taken you away, come back to your breath.”
Is there a wrong way to meditate? “As long as you’re meditating, you’re doing it right! There’s a misconception that the goal of meditation is to wipe our minds clear of all our thoughts and, by doing so, we will be able to sit in a blissful state of perpetual calm. The fact of the matter is, it’s impossible to stop our thoughts. In meditation, we learn that we can find the calm that we so desperately need in those little gaps between our thoughts.”
My schedule is so busy and I don't know if I'll have time to meditate. Does it take a long time? “Just a bite-size amount of meditation, say three to five minutes, is enough to reset your body and mind. Our günamüna live sessions will run for 10 minutes. In addition to helping you find your calm, you’ll take away meditation and mindfulness tools that will enable you to reset any time, anywhere, for whatever length of time works for you.”
We are starting our first meditation session on July 27th at 1pm EST on Instagram and 1:30pm on Facebook. Each session will be 15 minutes long. Jackie will be live every Wednesday at this time.
We can't wait to see you there! 🤩
Sweet dreams!
Love, your günamüna team
