Hi again, Josh
What I've done when starting a new group is to run a small ad in the local paper, saying that the first class is free so people can come w/o obligation. I've found that people want to
experience meditation rather than know a lot of the theory behind it.
What I do for the initial meeting is:
-Introduce myself giving some of my credentials...ie training and experience
-Give a short intro about meditation with some of the info you've mentioned
-Do some Q & A - who are they and what are they looking for
-Introduce an exercise on yogic breathing (emphasizing "exercise" so no one feels scared.) This relaxes them. I let them give their feedback so people realize what others can experience. Usually pretty positive.
-Have a short meditation with theta music (w/o entrainment) that's smooth, without melody, helps them to relax ... I guide them for a few minutes and then let them be.
-Have them give feedback on their meditation
-Conclude with a brief outline of what the following weeks will be like.
My approach is geared to developing insight on how our beliefs, thoughts and behaviours affect our happiness. I'm pretty free flow so content varies according to who's in the group. Subjects can range from love, forgiveness, compassion, sending healing to others, creative power of thought (lOA) etc.
I have a group in the city as well with people who've stayed in the group for several years. Because of that we use various books as a basis for content: Eckhart Tolle, Byron Katie, Deepak Chopra, The Four Agreements, etc. Sometimes we start with a meditation right away, move into discussion and then conclude with another meditation, or just do one meditation at the end.
I've given
private classes in people's homes as well but I prefer small groups (5 to 6 people) because there's more energy. People tend to have deeper meditations and learn from each other. I don't like lecture format, finding discussion richer. People, when sharing, are apt to discover more about themselves in small groups.
My view is that meditation is just one part of spirituality and that people are hungry for real spiritual connection with others. (I think this community shows that!) When I have a group that meets for 9 months on a weekly basis, trust develops and people get a chance to explore their own make-up. It's a real pleasure to see how tensions ease and attitudes broaden. And in this process, I learn a lot myself.
Well, this
is a long reply! The reason I went into such detail is that I think there can be many models for meditation groups. How yours come together will be entirely unique because it will evolve out of your own being. And you will attract the right people who need what you have to offer.
I think everyone here will be delighted to read about how it progresses!
Bhavya
