Embodied Practices With Marlo

Being with our thoughts can be incredibly challenging. There is this misconception with the general public that when you meditate, you shouldn't have thoughts during practice but that isn't true. Our minds are meant to think and we simply can't turn off our thoughts. If anything, when we try, we experience resistance and it can actually make the practice even more challenging and stressful. I'm a firm believe that how we relate to our thoughts is a kinder, more compassionate gesture compared to forcing ourselves to stop thinking altogether. This audio recording is a wonderful way of attending to our thoughts in a mindful, kindly way. It is a short practice but I think one you will find useful. Things to think about before and after your practice: Were you able to notice the thoughts in spacious awareness? If not, what did you notice? Did you notice resistance, annoyance, doubt? If so, it's OK. Recognizing the thoughts is part of mindfulness practice. I...

We can use any of our sense perceptions when engaging in a mindfulness meditation practice.  I created this Sound Awareness Meditation recording because sometimes it is really hard to connect to our breaths in a mindfulness practice. I know what that feels like. Sometimes doubt festers in my own mind and I find myself asking the question, "Am I purposely changing my breath?" For others, a breath practice may not be conducive due to respiratory issues, health issues or some may just find the breath claustrophobic due to past or recent trauma. Sound Awareness Meditation Suggestions to better guide you when doing the Sound Awareness practice Listen to the sounds without labeling them or needing to identify with them. If you find yourself identifying or creating a compelling story, kindly take note of it and come back to listening. Notice how the sounds and pitch feel in your body. Sometimes a good question to ask to get you back in your body is, ...

I created this audio meditation practice a few months back but I think with the climate of unease, the fears and anxieties looming due to the COVID-19, this practice will be helpful to calm our nerves and get us settled into our bodies. Easing Into Softness Meditation I hope everyone is staying healthy, safe and most importantly not letting the panic rise up and take hold of both mind & body. And if it is, that's OK too. There is no right or wrong reaction to this. If you are feeling scared, I completely understand and you are not alone. The most important thing I'm taking from all of this is, to step back from time to time to give my mind and body some space so that I can think more clearly. I hope you enjoy this practice and it gives you a sense of ease and softness during this time.  My thoughts are with all of you. Till next time~

When my family and I moved to Canada from the Philippines, it was probably the very first time I realized that I was of a different race. A few days into attending elementary school for the first time in Canada, a group of stylish young girls started to pick on me because I looked physically different than them and because my name is so unique.  In case you didn't read my bio, I'm Marlo and nice to meet you!  In a classroom full of Jennies and Kellies, I stood out big time! When I would walk home from school, I would be followed around and get called names other than my own. If I wasn't teased and bullied for my name or how I looked, I would be made fun of for the lunches I brought in. My family eventually moved to another city and a year before graduating high school, the same girl who used to bully and taunt me ended up at the same high school as me. I had grown up and had more confidence and when I found out that she attended my high school an...

I created this short and simple audio recording a few months back when I was in Sean Fargo's teacher training program.  This meditation practice is called the Spacious Body Scan and it is a short and wonderful practice for those who need to get connected with their bodies and release tension and stress.    Spacious Body Scan Meditation (8 minutes)    I highly encourage you to do the Spacious Body Scan practice over the course of the week and if possible to carry out the practice on the same times each day.  Consistency is key to practice and the more you do this particular meditation, the more you will benefit from it.   Some Recommendations + Suggestions Before You Begin Find a comfortable and warm room where you won't be disturbed.   Get a pillow and blanket so that your head is supported and that you stay warm during the meditation.   If you need extra support for your back, lie down on a yoga mat or roll a pill...