Breathe deep and release stress at free workshop

A free “breath awareness” workshop centered on ancient, transformative meditation techniques will be conducted tomorrow, Sept. 11, at the Teen Scene Outpatient Program in Agoura Hills.

The Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association is hosting the event as part of its monthly “Meet and Greet” luncheon series, said organizer Judy Wiener.

The “Empowerment Meditations—Transforming Breath” seminar will be presented by association member Meenal Kelkar, founder of Integrative InSight, a program taught throughout the Conejo Valley and Camarillo.

Kelkar said when people heed the advice to “stop and take a deep breath,” they are actually signaling their brain to react to stress more constructively. Breathing correctly, deeply and with awareness has been proven to be a useful tool in controlling anger, clearing the mind and developing psychological and emotional insight.

“For modern society, breath is a free, uncomplicated tool that is with you 24/7,” Kelkar said.

Kelkar said she developed unique meditations as a set of tools that are easily integrated into daily activities.

Certified in both Phoenix Rising yoga and Thai yoga therapy, Kelkar is a member of the advisory board of the Camarillo Health Care District’s Healthy Attitudes publication. She teaches throughout the Conejo Valley and Camarillo and contributes health columns to Healthy Attitudes , Green Home and Family magazines.

The meeting will be from noon to 1 p.m. at the offices of the Teen Scene Outpatient Program, 30343 Canwood St., Ste. 208A, Agoura Hills. There is no charge to attend, and no RSVP is necessary. Participants are welcome to bring lunch to eat during the meeting, Wiener said.

For more information, call Wiener at (818) 7060140 or email j-wiener@sbcglobal.net.
 

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— by Stephanie Bertholdo, published in the Acorn on September 10, 2009