Teacher
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Melanie Pensak
Melanie Pensak, an Earth Protector, offers nature-based meditation experiences designed to honor Mother Earth, cultivate interconnection with the land and assist people in developing their daily mindfulness practice. She is known for her 4 -year Airbnb Experience Meditate @ the Beach in Los Angeles.
Melanie presently leads nature-based meditation classes and half day retreats on Shoshone-Bannock land in Boise, Idaho. During this time of safe distancing, Melanie also offers online meditation courses via Zoom as well as one-on-one mentoring in the areas of mindfulness and nature practice. She is certified as a Mindfulness Teacher through the Mindfulness Training Institute accredited by the International Mindfulness Teachers Association (IMTA). Melanie is a Teacher of Mindfulness in Nature through Mark Coleman’s program Awake in the Wild.
She is particularly interested in the concept of reciprocity creating outdoor mindfulness workshops which integrate giving back to the land through responsible restoration and regenerative practices. Melanie feels passionate about helping people incorporate mindfulness and nature into their modern, busy lives after living in cities herself for 15 years.
She is also a Certified Speech-Language Pathologist who enjoys helping children and families communicate. Melanie provides therapy online and offers one-on-one guided play with children outside in nature.
During the pandemic, Melanie lived and worked in community on an organic farm and engaged in land stewardship on a ranch. In her free time, she enjoys learning how to be a part of the shift towards regenerative living for all beings. She supports organizations such as Extinction Rebellion Los Angeles, Farmers Footprint and Non-Toxic Neighborhoods.
You can also find her online as a hostess and community leader for Sangha Live. She is presently diving deeper into the Indigenous Knowledge of her own Ukrainian and Polish ancestry. When it is time to play, Melanie can be found exploring in nature, salsa dancing and refining the art of doing nothing.
Resting into Winter Darkness: Finding Comfort within Chronic Illness
Chronic illness is an ongoing experience to tend to and manage. It is important to find ways to feel physical, mental and emotional rest to foster resilience. The darkness of the winter months reminds us and invites us to slow down, release and rest into the dark. Seasonally, it is the ideal time to take a break and sense into what the body, heart and mind need for ongoing wellbeing.
In this 60-minute session, you will be guided through teachings and restorative meditations that encourage a merging with the darkness. There you can allow unnecessary thoughts and emotions to be released. Meditations and reflection questions will support the naturalness of winter as an ally and place of comfort.
It is recommended to set up your space in a way where you feel cozy and comfortable. Reclined and lying down postures are highly encouraged. Dim lighting and a candle/fire will support a container for exploring the qualities of winter darkness. If you want to journal, you may bring something to write with for reflections.
Event Information
Cost: $15 + Dana/Donation.
How to Attend: This event will be held live on Zoom and a video recording will be made available within 72 hours of the event’s conclusion to all registered participants.
REGISTER WITH AWAKE IN THE WILD HERE
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