Meditation in the Garden

Martha Elizabeth Hess’ Biography:

I have studied, practiced and taught Meditation, Qi Gong & Tai Chi for 30+ years.  Teaching around the USA and Canada has brought me much benefit and great joy. I have taught Meditation,Yoga & Qi Gong at Meditation Centers, Buddhist Monasteries, in Residential Schools, Rehab & Psychiatric hospitals, Addiction Rehabilitation facilities, Dance Studios and at University. I am thrilled to now be teaching at Biedenharn Museum & Gardens.

I spent two years at Gampo Abbey Monastery (A Western Tibetan Monastery) as a temporary monastic.  There I practiced and studied meditation 5 to 7 hours daily. We practiced periods of silence for up to a month at a time. I studied under the World Renowned Buddhist nun and bestselling author, Ani Pema Chodron.  Her way of making meditation accessible to all has so positively impacted my practice and so has inspired me to teach in the same manner.  I have been a daily meditation practitioner since 1996.

I have been a professional mental health dance/movement therapist for all abilities with both physical and mental challenges.  Tai Chi and Qi Gong instruction with mindfulness meditation and guided imagery experiences have always been a mainstay in my role as a therapist and teacher. I have studied in Chinese Qi Gong and Korean Tai Chi from well known Masters from all around the world.

My teachers include Brother David Steindl-Rast, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu, Ani Pema, Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, Ram Dass, Bhagavhan Dass, His Holiness the Dalai Lama among others.

I have a BFA in Dance Education, Choreography & Performance from University of the Arts in Philadelphia PA (1990), an MFA in Dance Education and Choreography from Texas Woman’s University, Denton TX (1995), and an MA in Psychology based Dance/Movement Therapy from MCP Hahnemann (Now Drexel) in Philadelphia PA(1998). I am also a Board Certified Dance/Movement Therapist.  I offer private session in Dance/Movement Therapy, Reiki Healing and Meditation Instruction.

Class Description:

You’re invited to join a weekly Guided Mindfulness Awareness Meditation Practice.  We are meeting in the Biedenharn Garden to enjoy your Wednesday mornings at 9 am. Instruction is by Martha Elizabeth Hess. Much benefit comes from carving out time in your busy week to create a sacred special time for yourself with others who are doing the same. It’s important to come together in our daily lives as group to smile, breath, be peaceful and happy and by doing so not only we, but everyone benefits from it.

In this 1 hour gathering we will begin the class with a gentle Qigong Movement Meditation Warm-up. Then there will be a reading that is relevant and universally applicable to our common daily human experiences in this life that we all share. We will then practice a Guided Sitting Meditation. We will also practice the gentle and powerful art of Walking Meditation. There will be brief group discussions to reflect on our experiences interspersed throughout the class.

Whether you are new to meditation or are a seasoned practitioner you may benefit from coming together to generate more happiness  and less suffering. This is done by simply creating the intention and taking the time out to just sit, relax, unwind and be guided in meditation as a Community in contemplation, peace and quiet.

All abilities welcome!  Please bring your yoga mat and a blanket, bolster or meditation cushion if you have one.  Chairs will be provided for those who need them.  We will meet in the garden or inside during inclement weather.  Please sign up ahead of time if you can but drop-ins are welcome.