On a blustery Monday morning, Masha Einbender sat poised to lead a group of participants through guided meditation at Sands Point Preserve. Streaming through a nearby window, the sun’s rays glistened above her as Einbender spoke in a soft yet instructive voice. The aura made it easy for those in the room to sit quietly, breathe deeply and discover inspiration.
Meditation is believed to have many health benefits, helping to treat addiction, anxiety, high blood pressure, pain and even menopausal symptoms, according to WebMD [http://www.webmd.com/depression/tc/meditation-topic-overview]. And its practice is gaining in popularity, with the Seattle Seahwaks, Jerry Seinfeld and even 50 Cent all claiming to be advocates, ABC News reports. [http://abcnews.go.com/Health/surprising-meditators/story?id=22525236#9]
Einbender and her students are eager to spread the word about the practice. Their thinking? If more people meditated, the world would be a better place. The Sands Point Preserve is a tranquil environment for meditation. On this particular Monday, Einbender provided three guided meditations – one to open the energy, one to get into a deep place and, after some Reiki (a technique that promotes healing and relaxation), one to finish the session.
Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The practitioners closed their eyes, prepared to de-stress and find balance during the session, which focused on life’s purpose and clearing residual blocks. “Be the miracle workers that we are and do it with light and love,” Einbender said.
Einbender likes to incorporate themes in her practice. A previous session centered on old wounds, prompting many in the group to weep, she noted.“Macha is a gentle and powerful guide,” said Cynthia Litman. “Her dedication inspires me to practice regularly and turn inward for guidance.”
Find out what's happening in Port Washingtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Einbender is encouraging about incorporating meditation even in small moments throughout the day.
“At a stop sign, take a deep breath in and out, in and out,” she said. “This is what life is all about.”
When it comes to meditation, a sense of self and community are key. Einbender encouraged the group to tap into “the strength of our ancestors” and “the energy of the others in the room” as “we are connected to each other.”
The practice, she said, “is a sacred place – come back any time you want, plug in several times a day.”
There was a sense of calm after Monday’s session.
“It is a great meditation class,” said Rita Sorrentino-Ong. “I like that she guides you through several meditations in the hour, making it easy to focus.”
Litman shared that sentiment, adding, “She genuinely wants others to live to their highest and best potential and is always inspiring.”
The new fitness programs are a good addition to the daily activities offered at the Sands Point Preserve. Adult Meditation classes are held weekly on Mondays at 11 a.m. Join Debbie Mastrocinque on Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. For Adult Chair Zumba; Lisa Cusano at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and 1:15 p.m. on Wednesdays for Children’s Yoga; Judy Wein on Thursdays at 11 a.m. for Adult Yoga and Marylou Wojcicki Haas for Adult Yoga on Fridays at 9 a.m. Admission to the Sands Point Preserve Admission is $10 per car or free with a 2014 Annual Pass.
Friends of the Sands Point Preserve is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to protect and preserve the 216-acre waterfront grounds and historic mansions and to provide a range of cultural arts events and educational programs for families and schools in the Phil Dejana Learning Center and Outdoor Classroom.
For information about the Sands Point Preserve and to purchase a 2014 Annual Pass see www.TheSandsPointPreserve.com, call 516-571-7901or visit the Gate House at 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point, NY, 11050, open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
