meditation
Photographer Rachel Hadiashar
Be in stillness and explore your inner space with guided meditations and soothing song.
Quiet Time with Audrey ~ NEW!
MUSIC + MINDFULNESS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY (see calendar)
There is something truly special about being able to be fully present with our children. No dishes or laundry, no rushing from here to get to there. Just a dedicated block of time to sit and be with each other. Sprinkle in some singing and storytelling, and we’re making true magic, cultivating a practice that we can carry into our day-to-day lives.
In this class, we will practice songs and bite-sized exercises that can soothe and regulate our nervous system and bring a bit of peace to our full and busy lives. Together we’ll breathe, make fun noises, and sing! I’ll teach some songs that I’ve written and others that I just love because they feel so good to sing. I’ll also guide us through age-appropriate mindfulness, visualization, and lovingkindness meditations that you can do with your whole family, even outside of our class.
For the grown-ups…
I’m offering a special bonus session that’s just for grown-ups. Fill your cup in this 30-minute music and meditation session. Childcare is provided, so your kiddo can play while you enjoy some quiet time. I’ll guide us through mindfulness, visualization, and lovingkindness meditations and songs that I've found healing and grounding in my parenting journey. No meditation or singing training necessary. Just come as you are.
✨Classes are in-person at St. Johns Swapnplay, 7535 N Chicago Ave, Portland, Oregon.
✨CHILDCARE IS PROVIDED by Swapnplay! So if your kiddos are along for the ride and don't wish to join, or if you're attending the grown-up class and they want to hang out and play in another room they are welcome to do so.
✨$15 / family up to 4 (suggested donation of $5/person for parties greater than 4)
✨$10 / person for the grown-ups bonus session
Well of Peace
MUSIC + MEDITATION CLASS (see calendar)
Breathe in. Breathe out. Bathe in the music and in the moment. This is a space to just BE. An hour of contemplation, guided meditation, and sound healing through song. This is your time to dip into your well of inner peace. Carry weekly practices and helpful tips with you into your week, or simply show up to receive and be in community.
✨All levels of experience welcome.
✨Come as you are—no singing or meditation experience required.
✨$25/drop-in -OR- $100/5-class pass
Who is this class for?
This class is for self-identified singers and non-singers alike. For those with singing training or experience, it is a chance to be in relationship with your voice in a new way outside of traditional or classical training. Emphasis is placed on the healing properties of the voice and on sensations rather than sounds. For those without singing experience or formal training, this is a chance for you to get to know your voice and grow to love your voice. You’ll explore using your voice in new ways outside of your daily norm and discover how your voice has the power to provide comfort and healing.
In a recent meditation workshop, I was pleasantly surprised (though not really surprised) to find that the vocalization piece seemed to have the most profound affect. People LOVED it. One participant shared, “I don’t really talk during the day. It felt so empowering to hear my own voice and use it in this way.”
What can you expect?
Each session is an hour long and will begin with guided practice, interweaving breath-body, visualization, and vocalization. You will be invited to use your voice, but it is not expected. This time is for you to use in the way that feels truest to your body and your spirit. The guided practice will segue into sound healing, during which time I will use toning, chant, sung meditation, and song to provide an atmosphere of healing, rest, and peace. There will be time for silent journaling or contemplation, followed by conversation. During this time you will be invited to share what is coming up for you and ask questions. Each session will close with a song.
Our group will be seated in a circle on the floor (chairs provided by request). You’ll want to bring a yoga mat and a cushion, pillow, or blanket for comfort. You are also invited to bring a journal and water bottle or morning beverage.
Resound NW: A Place to Sing is a spacious and open studio with lovely natural light. As you can imagine, a lot of singing happens in this space, and the energy reflects that. I have had the great pleasure of singing in two benefit concerts in the space, and I just love the energy, brightness, and the acoustics.
Why now?
I think we can all use this opportunity for grounding as we continue to adjust to our lives post-pandemic. Not to mention our political environment and the trauma from the accumulation of racial injustice and violence on top of our own personal hurts. It’s a lot. I see this class as a harbor in the midst of chaos. A chance for us all to tap into our well of inner peace. A chance for us to practice just being. A time to connect with our intuition and joy. Meditation is the perfect augment for your therapy and the ultimate practice in presence. Why not do it together?
“Your energy and presence has been a balm for the soul.”
Photographer Rachel Hadiashar
Evening Meditation + Song
ONLINE | Monthly on Sundays at 8PM PST (see calendar)
Born from the music and healing of my personal meditation practice, these guided sessions are a channel for me to share my love and what I am learning with my beloved community. Meditation is an evolving practice and deeply personal, yet I find that sharing it with others is its own special kind of magic. These restorative evening sessions include gentle movement and breath practice, along with original songs and sung meditations from my heart to yours.
✨All levels of experience welcome.
✨Come as you are—no singing or meditation experience required.
✨Suggested: $5-25 sliding scale
Gifts of Gratitude
I offer all online guided meditations in the spirit of dana—the Sanskrit and Pali word meaning giving without the expectation of reciprocation. If you feel moved to express gratitude through any channel, be it a monetary gift or otherwise, your gift will be honored and accepted gratefully.
Monetary gifts can be made via Venmo @audvoon or via my website by clicking the “donate” button below.
Videos
"Living in Practice"
This Meditation with Audrey was recorded live on September 25, 2020.
Breathe. Sing. Restore.
✨ What is your practice? ✨
If we look at our lives, not as a journey toward a final destination, but as a practice through which we grow and evolve, can we do so with compassion and curiosity? This pre-recorded practice will guide you through awakening breath-body movement, reading by W.S. Merwin, and original songs by Audrey and the musical group Mamuse.
“Deep Relaxation and the Smile”
This Meditation with Audrey was recorded live on May 17, 2020.
Breathe. Sing. Restore.
✨ What made you smile today? ✨
This pre-recorded practice will reunite you with the smile within and lead you through a deep relaxation exercise by Thich Nhat Hanh from his book, "Making Space: Creating a Home Meditation Practice".
Songs: 1) This is Home, by Sophia Efthimiou, 2) Blue Boat Home, by Peter Mayer, 3) Light of a Clear Blue Morning, by Dolly Parton, 4) Sending you Light, by Melanie DeMore