The Focus On series is all about sharing the diversity of meditation journeys and experiences. An opportunity to come together and share stories, practices and insights .. to listen and learn from each other.
I met Megan after she invited me to participate in an Instagram competition with a group of local wellbeing practitioners .. you can see the fun competition that we ran here. I met Megan for a coffee and had a wander around her beautiful MuscleWorksMassage space in Gardenvale, which brings together a group of specialist Remedial and Pre & Postnatal Massage therapists, and other wellbeing modalities.
Over coffee we (naturally) talked about my favourite topic – meditation, and when Megan talked about her personal practice .. I asked if I could interview her, and share with you.
Name: Megan Laraia
Special Interest: Muscular and Mind Health & Wellness
Website: www.muscleworksmassage.com.au
Email: muscleworksmassage@outlook.com
1. Tell us about your Special Interest
Remedial Massage – Your body works with your surrounding, if you are stressed the body shows it by tightening your muscles, creating pain, headaches, stiffness etc. Sometimes even building trigger-points in the bodies structure.
2. How long have you been practicing, or working in this area? Tell us about your ‘journey’ I have been a fully qualified remedial massage practitioner since 2005, I am a clinical practitioner but love to make the client feel relaxed in our space as well as receive pain relieving treatment. I have been massaging though since 1993 – my mum had a workplace accident and I started massaging her when I was 11. It all started from that moment.
3. How did you ‘find’ meditation, and how long have you been practicing meditation?
I have been practicing Meditation for near 2 years now on and off. I finally started meditation after an acute bout of stress with running my own business
my mind was constantly busy, the chatter was driving me nuts – keeping me up at all hours, playing on my mind, I was tired all the time, getting headaches, getting angry at people for no real reason basically just not handling being an adult some days.
4. Do you have a regular practice – daily, weekly, other?
I try to do meditation at least twice a week. I utilise many methods – local classes, YouTube and shutting myself away even just for 10 to shut my eyes and quieten my mind.
5. What inspires you to keep meditating .. returning to your practice?
The benefits from meditation are seen daily for me, in my muscles, my mind, my business.
My friends and family notice inadvertently as well commenting how calm and relaxed I am.
6. Why do you meditate?
Meditating to me quietens the brain chatter and even relaxes my muscles easing headaches and relaxing my face. It provides a sense of calm in my life and keeps me going.
7. Do you have a particular technique(s) that you have found most suitable for you?
Unconventional I actually like to lay down, I usually will be awake the whole meditation but I don’t mind if I fall asleep as it gives me a sense that I have relaxed.
8. AM or PM? .. Chair, cushion, stool?
PM generally but If I wake up a bit off I will do a 10 minute one before getting out of bed to assist me in thinking clearer and getting on with my day relaxed.
9. Have you a dedicated space for your practice? Where do you meditate?
Most of the time on my bed, sometimes in the car, toilet LOL (that’s if I really stressed).
10.Have you attended a meditation retreat, can you share some of your experience and insights?
I haven’t attended a meditation retreat but I can imagine It would be wonderful. I have been to all types of meditation spaces around Victoria and Bayside that have been 1 hour up to 3 hours.
11.Any favourite books/CDs/Resources that you might share with others?
If I just need something I listen to Jason Stephenson on YouTube – he has 10 minute meditations up to 3 hours and for different reasons. Sleep, anxiety, positivity, depression. I love his morning positivity ones, great when you are walking (not quite a meditation but they really uplift my spirits for the day)
12.Any wise words to share with those who are new to meditation?
Give it a go, what have you got to loose except stress 😉 I tried the smiling-mind and One Giant mind apps but decided a phone app was not for me but I found a great quick way by using YouTube.
13. 7 Random things about you?
I owned my first home at 16
I am a country girl at heart but my love of the beach pulls me to the water
I first heard about Meditation when I was around 13 – My late grandfather bought me a small book on Meditation
I love having my toes painted
I have a dog Yarrah who I absolutely adore
I love a clean eat BUT I also absolutely love chocolate and if I’m emotional/stressed anything sweet gets shoved in my mouth (this happens more when I’m not meditating)
I started my own business at 23
Thank you Megan.
Now .. whose body is calling out for some attention? Give Megan a call and visit MuscleWorksMassage
If you would like to read more of our guest Focus On Interviews click here