Meet The Member - Indigo Holistics
Indigo Holistics
It’s estimated that 200–500 million people meditate worldwide, with stats showing that the practice has been gaining in popularity these past years. Considering all the health benefits it has to offer, it’s no surprise that an increasing number of people use it. We speak to Victoria McDermott, one of the UK’s leading Holistic Consultants to find out more about meditation, her experience and its benefits.
What is meditation and when did your interest in it begin?
Meditation is a workout for your mind. Allowing you to soothe, smooth and calm your thoughts.
I began my journey many years ago whilst working on the Cruise Liners, it was introduced to me during a period of intense pressure both professionally and personally. I was told to imagine a heavy weight beginning to spread itself across my body, like an elephant! After the initial shock of this unusual vision, I did pursue with the practice and over time realised that the weight of the elephant was the anchoring and grounding of my body during my meditation sessions.
I was also very privileged to have the opportunity, in 2009, to deepen my practice alongside the Forest Hermitage monks. During this time my prospective changed, I experienced expansion of my mind and I learnt the art of gratitude through their teachings.
The lasting effect has secured a place in my daily routine, it has been my ‘go to’ for moments of confusion, stress, break ups, hangovers, physical ailments, insight and so much more. If all else fails meditate.
What are the benefits of meditation in your daily life?
Personally, it brings me clarity, focus and a complete mind break. I cannot emphasise enough how much it releases the chaos in my thinking, how I react to certain situations and how I present myself.
The benefits are endless, these are my top 5:
1. Brings clarity and focus to your thoughts
2. Lowers your blood pressure
3. Reduces chronic physical pain
4. Alleviates tension and stress
5. Promotes a better night’s sleep
What has been your most memorable place to meditate?
Mackenzie Falls, Grampians, Australia, 2001, the beauty and stillness that surrounded me during my visit made my engagement more profound, the flowing water soothed my thoughts and allowed me to release any negativity with ease.
During my moment of peacefulness, the waterfall gifted me a beautiful rainbow, this was symbolic to me at the time and is what inspired me to write one of my favourite meditations ‘Chakra waterfall’, which I still deliver today.
How do you feel when you mediate and is there a best time of day to do it?
A feeling of deep relaxation begins to spread across your body whilst meditating, to begin with this may be a challenge but regular practice and perseverance prepares the body and mind to engage with the feeling.
Any time of day is good, it all depends on when is good for you. I love both morning and evening meditations but I can also connect for 10 minutes during the day if I need to, something that I have developed over the years.
Eyes open or closed?
Either or both, sometimes its nice to just to soften your gaze and gently lower your eyelids.
How important is breath work whilst practicing?
The breath is key to achieving a meditative state, it is where we begin each time we meditate and what we use as an anchor if the mind begins to wander, which it does from time to time!
For beginners, do you have any tips on how to get started?
Not to worry if you find it difficult to start with, expect it to be challenging. If you have not spent time connecting to your mind previously then just allow yourself the time to explore the different feelings that occur along the way. I find that giving yourself permission before you start helps to reduce any distractions during practice. Preparing your space and time, can create more intention and it is important to get comfortable, whether sitting or lying down.
What is your advice for people that say that they can’t meditate?
Everyone can meditate!
Keep it simple if you are of the opinion that you can’t, take your time to notice textures, sounds and colours that surround you or if you’re on a walk. Acknowledgement is part of the process and that can be done in everyday activities, you may find that you already engage with meditation on some level without even realising.
What do you think the future of meditation is?
I was lucky enough to experience a new concept a few years ago in an ‘Orbb’, which is a self-contained pod that uses sound and light therapy to promote relaxation. It was a unique experience that created a level of calmness and peace. These are not yet widespread, but they do have potential to create meditation experiences for everyone in the future.
What would be your ultimate meditation?
I have a few……Ayers Rock at sunset and in the presence of the Dalai Lama.
Meditation can be done anytime, anywhere, using guidance, using music or just being in the present moment. I believe anyone can begin to have a connection with their mind and my ‘beginners course’ guides people through the simple steps to help achieve a meditative state of relaxation.