
Hello and welcome to this teaching on running your own meditation class. You are now one of a rare breed helping to bring more peace to the world though teaching people to calm their mind.
The structure of your class is one of the main things you will need to decide upon before your first class. The best format we have found is:* 5 min greetings
* 5 min yoga streches
* 20 min first meditation
* 20 min second meditation
* 5 wrap up and goodbyes
(5 min spare!)
The pricing of your classes is totally up to you. The amount you will need to cover your expenses and the price people will pay varies from city to city so you will need to decide what is right for you. But in this video we explain what we charge and how we collect payment.
The right venue should be easy to get to and park, the right size and of course the right price. In this video we talk about some of the attributes you will want to look for when choosing your venue.
We have a number of resources available all dedicated to helping you run a successful meditation class. Some of these are updated regularly, so you will want to keep checking back each week.Resources include:
* The videos in this course
* A list of articles on the administration of your classes
* A set of 5 weeks of teachings and meditations around a particular topic
* A facebook page for your students
* A closed facebook page for we leaders to talk to each other
Unless you teach in your own house, you are probably going to need insurance. If you ring around, you will find that quotes can vary significantly. So we have done some of the work for you (in Australia at least). Details in this video and on our leaders resources page.
Of course to expand your class you are going to need to advertise to let people know about your class. In this video we talk about which advertising has worked for us - and probably just as importantly - what has not.
One of the great advantages about membership into our Skillful MIND community is that you not only get assistance from us - but also from all the leaders that are part of our community. In this video we discuss how to take full advantage of this resources.
It is much more important to get your students coming back week after week that to get new students. But with so many things competing for our time these days it is important to discuss how we can motivate our students to do just that.
In response to everyones comments, I have changed around this course to include a free 7 Day Membership to our program for you to try it out. You will have the option of gaining certification through an assessment procedure and become part of a larger group of meditation leaders.
Skillful Mind have the philosophy that all meditation is good for the planet, and the more people practising the better. For that, however, we need Leaders.
That is why Skillful MIND is now offering a Meditation Leaders program for you to become a meditation leader in your own community - fully supported by Skillful Mind.
Perhaps you already work in a role where teaching meditation to others would be of enormous benefit. You can of course just read out guided meditations from a book - nothing wrong with that! But if you would like to empower yourself with a deeper understanding of meditation, so that you can teach more powerfully and at a deeper level, then joining the Skillful Mind team may be for you!
Our Vision
To have a number of weekly "Refresh" meditation sessions around Adelaide, and even interstate
To provide access to teachings, training, retreats, events and ongoing support from Peter Radcliffe and Skillful Mind Team
To spread the benefits of meditation to communities everywhere, and enhance peoples lives
In This Course
We cover all the basic things you need to know to run a meditation group
How to choose a venue
The structure of a class
How to make lessons interesting so people keep coming back
Other logistics like insurance, advertising and management
and the benefits of joining a community
In Addition The Leaders Membership includes: (*additional paid subscription needed)
Catch ups online plus dedicated resource website & facebook group
Advertising and promotion via Skillful MIND online presence
Referrals from Skillful Mind retreats/events
Back up from other Refresh Leaders
Help with online bookings and payments which we can set up directly to you
Graphic design for promotional materials
20% off future Skillful Mind Weekend retreats
Benefits
Support your community with a truly beneficial service
Improve your own meditation practice
Meet new friends
Join a close knit group of supportive fellow leaders
Use this opportunity to promote your existing business
Assistance from other leaders for sickness and holidays (receive and give)
Support from Skillful Mind team with admin, marketing and customer service
Extra weekly income
WHAT OUR LEADERS SAY ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Heather
'When I found out about Skillful MIND’s Leaders Program being in the midst of a career change I signed up instantly. The Leaders Workshop takes you through step by step, and requires you to prepare a session for assessment - live. It may sound daunting, but if you truly want to learn about meditation and leading meditation groups, Peter & Mardi show you what it takes - and that you can do it! 'I now lead 3 meditation sessions per week and the participants' breakthroughs are so encouraging. I’m feeling satisfied with my new lifestyle. Some people may choose this as an option for extra-curricular activity outside of their work hours and I think that will also enhance their life the way it has mine. Either way, you are tapping into an area which is often neglected in today's modern, busy lifestyle.'
Heather - Meditation Leader Victor Harbor
Verity
'I was on a journey of healing that lead me to SkillfulMind, to become a SkillfulMind Meditation Leader. I feel this has made me a committed, stronger meditator. I have much joy assisting my participants learning Peter's techniques, and also committing to the weekly practice(some daily), learning the skills to control the mind bringing peace and happiness to their lives.
'Another benefit for me is I'm able to also promote my Breathwork to my meditation students, which I am also very passionate about.'
Verity - Meditation leader - Warradale
Emma
'Being a Skillful Mind Refresh Leader is a really positive experience. It has allowed me to share my passion for meditation and join a like-minded community of people. It has also assisted me to develop and extend my meditation practice. Coordinating the classes with another leader has allowed for flexibility in case we are away or not available but when we are both present, it allows for me to be a student and participate in meditation.
'Participating as a Skillful Mind Refresh Leader is beginning to open other opportunities within the health and wellness sector. It is positive to remember that we are sharing meditation with the wider community.'
Emma - Meditation leader Brighton