Mindfulness is not easy. And it's not meant to be! But for those of us experiencing deep change, crisis, loss, and pain, it can be especially challenging to reap its benefits. My goal is to apply practical therapeutic insights and compassionate adaptations to mindfulness to make it accessible to as many folks as possible. For those of us who eschew the woo-woo and have a hard time sitting still, my mission is to help make mindfulness make sense.
I began meditative practices as a teenager in India and have continued doggedly pursuing peace and insight with a variety of modalities since then in North America. Regardless of how many retreats, workshops, and trainings I went to, I struggled. Was I just a bad meditator? I didn't like Westernized, stripped-down versions of mindfulness that erased entire traditions. And I couldn't cope with most New-Age sweeping claims that didn't appear based in compassion nor evidence. To top it off, after I had experienced some trauma in my life, I was told that meditation retreats were no longer "for me" and that I should come back when I was "feeling better." If meditation guidance is designed for those of us who are already feeling good, where do the rest of us go?
I now work and volunteer as a crisis support person, and am finishing my second master's degree to become a registered trauma therapist. I've since learned a lot about supporting mindfulness, even when folks are decidedly not feeling good. I started writing my own meditation scripts just for me, and then shared them with a few friends and partners. They've encouraged me to publish them, and that I could reach other "bad meditators" through Insight Timer, a resource I've valued for years. Please bear with me as I begin to share my creations, and I hope they add something to your journey. Search "Clay Nikiforuk" on the Insight Timer app or here.
Please note that I'm available to guide and consult with groups, businesses, organizations, and individuals. At this time I am not charging for my services but ask that a donation be made to an anti-racism and/or anti-violence organization in lieu of payment. I'd love to learn more about your needs, challenges, and goals - please contact me here.
I began meditative practices as a teenager in India and have continued doggedly pursuing peace and insight with a variety of modalities since then in North America. Regardless of how many retreats, workshops, and trainings I went to, I struggled. Was I just a bad meditator? I didn't like Westernized, stripped-down versions of mindfulness that erased entire traditions. And I couldn't cope with most New-Age sweeping claims that didn't appear based in compassion nor evidence. To top it off, after I had experienced some trauma in my life, I was told that meditation retreats were no longer "for me" and that I should come back when I was "feeling better." If meditation guidance is designed for those of us who are already feeling good, where do the rest of us go?
I now work and volunteer as a crisis support person, and am finishing my second master's degree to become a registered trauma therapist. I've since learned a lot about supporting mindfulness, even when folks are decidedly not feeling good. I started writing my own meditation scripts just for me, and then shared them with a few friends and partners. They've encouraged me to publish them, and that I could reach other "bad meditators" through Insight Timer, a resource I've valued for years. Please bear with me as I begin to share my creations, and I hope they add something to your journey. Search "Clay Nikiforuk" on the Insight Timer app or here.
Please note that I'm available to guide and consult with groups, businesses, organizations, and individuals. At this time I am not charging for my services but ask that a donation be made to an anti-racism and/or anti-violence organization in lieu of payment. I'd love to learn more about your needs, challenges, and goals - please contact me here.