FAQ
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Are mindfulness courses, workshops, and retreats suitable for everyone?
All programs are suitable for those wishing to improve their mental and physical well-being. However, it is not suitable for persons currently experiencing very serious situations in these areas, such as trauma, post-traumatic stress, high levels of anxiety or depression, the recent loss of someone important in their life, or substance dependence. In case of doubt, be primarily advised by a doctor trained in these areas, such as a psychologist or a psychotherapist, and/or speak directly with the course instructor.
Who is usually taking part in the courses?
From university students to professionals, parents, adults, and seniors. The common factor is the desire to learn about mindfulness and meditation, how to improve the quality of their life, or how to take care of their mental or emotional health.
All programs are multicultural and non-sectarian, with the intention of bringing mindfulness practices in a way that is accessible to all communities, welcoming people of all backgrounds and races, skills, cultural and religious traditions, sexual orientations, gender identities, sizes, classes, and ethnicities.
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Do I need to have any prior meditation practice?
Usually, no previous experience with mindfulness or meditation is required. If you have any experience, you can review and deepen what you know about mindfulness and heart practices. For beginners, the courses Seeds of Mindfulness and Mindfulness for Beginners don't require any previous experience.
If some meditation or mindfulness experience is necessary, it will be presented in the description of the course or workshop.
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How many people are in the classes?
Maximum 6 to 10, depending on the course. If a course is complete, you can always join the waiting list for the next one.
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What happens if I miss 1-2 classes?
It is strongly recommended to attend all classes as each session is based on the previous one. However, do not worry if you cannot participate in 1 or a maximum of 2 classes. If you need to skip a class, you will receive an email with the handouts, recommended reading, and homework, such as the meditation recordings to practice at home. I can also offer a 30 minutes consultation to clarify any questions you might have about the session you didn't attend.
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If I have to miss a class, what can I do? And if the facilitator can't give a session?
If any unforeseen event prevents the holding of any session, the participants of the course will be notified as soon as possible via phone and/or email. The session will be rescheduled to complete the session or workshop scheduled.
Similarly, if any partipant cannot attend the scheduled session or workshop, I would appreciate if you contact me about the absence from the session, via email: psakromer@gmail.com. Alternatively, you can call or send a message to: 00351915474039 (PT) or 0041792566315 (CH).
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Can I switch courses?
​No, we’ll request you to choose one course and stay with it as long it runs. However, if you have specific needs, please contact me, and if possible, I will try to support your needs.
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What if I can’t do a mindful movement because of a physical condition?
The mindful movements are designed to be very gentle. Here the main focus is to sense with awareness and kindness the breath and body sensations during all mindful exercises.
​Participants are never asked to exceed their physical limits. The rule I follow and advise is to not go beyond 75% of your own physical capacity. Ensuring your physical safety is your responsibility to be taken with kindness and as a practice of self-care.
Several options for mindful movements can be shared, welcoming different bodies and conditions.
You will be informed in advance when we will carry out the mindful exercises.
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Do I have to make the lotus position to meditate?
No. If familiar to you, you can use a meditation chair and/or cushion. Formal meditation practices may also be held standing, sitting in a comfortable chair, lying, or walking.
Typically we will use a sitting posture, but my request is that you choose a position that is comfortable and that keeps you in a state of wakefulness, that is, awakened. In certain sessions, I will ask you to do certain postures, such as the standing posture. However, for me, the vital point to remember is that you are free to choose a position that is comfortable and best suited to your body, taking into account how you feel during the session. This choice of kindly observing what your body communicates to you is a practice of mindful self-care.
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Do I have to share private information during the group sharing or in the classes?
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No. You can use the RIGHT TO PASS described in the Agreements for Mindful & Multicultural Dialogue and Ground Group Rules for all programs: Sharing is optional. Say “I pass” if you don’t wish to speak. You can always change your wish and speak later on.
All participants are free to choose what information they want to share with the group. However, the supportive environment in the group encourages you to open up and share your feelings and experience. The personal sharing in the group is a truly enriching experience as we can all learn from and support each other during our personal learning journey.
All information shared is confidential.
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Are there religious / Buddhist aspects to mindfulness meditation?
No. It is a modern approach to ancient practices and techniques useful for people from all walks of life with a variety of religious backgrounds and cultures.
What commitment do the Programs require?
The request is for you to attend all the classes planned in the course or the full schedule of a daylong workshop.
For the courses, the daily home assignments can vary from 5 to 20 minutes for the guided meditations taught during the class. If you decide to do the optional practices given, such as mindful journaling, it will be around 10 minutes more.
You will receive the audio-guided meditations via email.
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Do you have any other questions? Contact me, and I will be happy to answer and support you.
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