ABC interviews
Listen to Pauline’s recent interviews on the ABC
ABC Cairns, with Fiona Sewell, 25 June 2012
ABC Melbourne with Richard Stubbs, 3 July 2012
The stillness of a garden
Yesterday was spent on retreat in a beautiful garden.
I’ve always been drawn to the garden and I always manage to include something about gardens in my books. It’s in those places of nature, among a plethora of green that I find an embracing and very deep comfort. Even now, in our chilly Melbourne winter, the damp air is refreshing, the breeze invigorating and the occasional raindrop, a reminder that the season is in full swing.
Of course I love open beaches, rolling hills, wide plains and intense forests – so typical of the variety of our country. Each space holds its charm and its value. But most of all, for me anyway, there is security and peace in the garden. Read more
Taking Stillness into life
When the art of ‘stillness’ is truly captured, it’s really another form of beauty therapy!
I’m always interested in the progress of our clients as they walk the walk of Stillness Meditation and we review this formally at certain times during their course. But far from the formal assessment of individual progress is the appearance on people’s faces as they gradually begin to live calmly.
Very often at first meeting, the new client’s strain visibly shows. When anxious, tense, stressed or depressed, the facial features appear tight, twitchy, nervous or sad. Hands are restless. Nails may be bitten down. Legs are crossed and uncrossed and the eyes, often close to tears, are wide with apprehension. After so many years’ observing the effects of ‘stress’, it’s just not possible to miss these things. Read more
The difference between SMT and other methods of meditation
The question is often put to me ‘what’s the difference between Stillness Meditation Therapy and other methods of meditation’? Here are my thoughts from over 25 years’ teaching!
First, some clarification! The concept of Stillness Meditation (SMT) is significantly different from classical meditation which primarily involves the principles of Hindu or Buddhist teachings. SMT is a Western style of meditation and a medically based form of therapy. It is unrelated to classical or sectarian meditation and it does not use method or technique.
Mind Care
Community Education Workshop, Thursday 12 July
Box Hill Community Arts Centre, 470 Station St, Box Hill, Victoria
Click here to download the flyer
Trust yourself
For many years I’ve regularly responded by mail or email to the questions asked by people from all over the world. Now I aim to have my blog serve a more general purpose. So send me your questions and each month I’ll choose a topic to reply to.
This month I’m going to talk about set-backs. By this I mean, a glitch in the progress towards anxiety relief. One common question from those who read my books or come here for assistance is “I seem to be experiencing a set-back. I was doing really well, I’m practicing my Stillness and now I feel I must be doing something wrong. I don’t know who else to turn to for reassurance … and I’m losing faith in making a recovery … please help!
‘Set-backs’ when we’re undergoing change, occasionally come and go. Maybe you are extra tired, perhaps some unpleasant event has triggered a response; maybe some old memories have surfaced – or perhaps you’ve picked up a cold or some other kind of bug.
These events are common to all people and can put extra stress on the whole ‘being’. When these things happen of course, anxiety and one’s emotional state will also be affected, too. This is transient anxiety. Aim to let go of worrying about this as all people experience a rise and fall in anxiety levels from time to time. But remember that you (me in the past) and others in a similar situation are inclined to be affected more readily in this way. Think of it in this simple example: how easy it is to feel quite ‘down’ when the weather is dark and dreary! Maybe not pleasant to experience – but at least you’ll know your emotions are alive and well. Read more
SMT Workshop for Medical and Mental Health Practitioners
SMT Workshop for Medical and Mental Health Practitioners
Monday 4 June 6.30 – 8.30pm. Click here for more information
PODCAST: Listen to Pauline McKinnon
Listen to Pauline McKinnon talk about Stillness Meditation Therapy click here
SMT assists the natural regulation of the nervous system through deep mental rest. At our facilitated sessions you will learn this practice correctly and benefit from our extensive experience ... we aim to help you change your life!