Featuring Real Time Support from Author, Mindfulness Consultant, Search Inside Yourself Certified Teacher, and Certified Mental Fitness Coach Martha Brettschneider
Next Session Begins
Monday, April 15, 2024, 7:00 am ET
If you’re wondering if the 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge is for you, ask yourself…
Are you ready to:
- Wake up and cultivate deeper levels of calm instead of chaos and anxiety?
- Develop habits that reduce stress, increase focus, and improve your sense of well-being?
- Learn how to implement the mindfulness skills that neuroscientists tell us lead to better health, improved memory, higher level thinking, greater happiness, and stronger relationships through enhanced emotional intelligence?
- Have direct access to an instructor who will answer your personalized questions in real time, tailored to however you arrive each day?
If the answer is yes, I hope you’ll join me and the rest of our morning meditation community for…
the 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge to help you kickstart, reboot, or deepen your daily meditation habit and strengthen your mental fitness muscles.
I created this program because I know from first hand experience that no matter how convincing the facts are, and no matter how determined you may be to add mindfulness practice to your already busy schedule, it can be so easy to sleep late or skip meditation sessions when the demands of life pull in all directions–especially when nobody else will know if you let it slide.
Sound familiar?
Neuroscience and practitioners confirm that the deepest benefits of mindfulness come from formal daily practice of at least ten minutes a day, preferably in the morning to cloak yourself in presence before stepping out into the world.
As with any new routine, however, accountability and support are key to follow-through.
Accountability + Support = Follow-Through
We’ll spend 30 days together to kick-start or deepen your daily meditation practice to make mindfulness an ingrained healthy habit that supports every aspect of your life.
I’ll be right there with you, live on the line Monday-Saturday for 30 minutes each session. Sunday is for your solo practice AND I’ll still be with you in spirit, having provided guidance for your independent meditation in my end-of-week wrap-up email.
Here’s how it will roll…
You’ll click or dial into our audio-only Zoom call at 7 am ET, where I will guide you through a 10-15 minute meditation right off the bat. (Just to be clear, there will be NO video — you can arrive with bed head in your PJs. Fun, right?)
After the meditation, I will invite reflections, answer questions, and provide additional mindfulness tips until 7:30 am ET.
Over the 30 days, we’ll cover five different meditation techniques. Think of it as a kind of circuit training for your brain. Each practice exercises attention and awareness in different ways, firing up different brain networks and deepening self-awareness and stress management skills in lasting ways.
As a former economist, I promise I will keep this process super efficient and laser focused. I know you need to get started on your day. But this way, you’ll do it with presence and peace in every step, while filling your mindfulness toolbox with a rich variety of formal and informal mindfulness meditation techniques.
This program is for YOU if you are finally ready to establish a regular meditation practice, to make it a habit, and experience more calm, focus, productivity, creativity, better relationships, and intentionality in your life.
ARE YOU READY?
REGISTER HERE FOR OUR APRIL 15, 2024, START DATE
Still on the fence? Check out these first hand testimonials of program participants…
“This course far exceeded my expectations. Try it — it can change your life (or, more precisely, give you the tools to live your life better, for yourself and others). Martha is a very wise and generous teacher.”
~ Frank, Bethesda, Maryland
“The 30-Day meditation practice has helped to lock in this habit. The discussions post meditation around self awareness, self compassion, ego and how we can push ourselves out of our mold were enlightening.”
~ Wendy Colcuc, Ontario, Canada
“Following ten months of mindfulness meditation with Martha I observe a definite progress in increased resilience and by displaying an overall calm demeanor, am able to quickly diffuse potentially challenging situations and benefit myself and my environment through increased equanimity. The techniques I acquired will propel me further toward my goal of continuing personal improvement. Thank you Martha.”
~ Regine Buchanan, Vienna, Virginia
“Thank you. I’m not sure I could have done it without you.
In early April, 2020, as part of the ‘all hands on deck’ effort at [Johns] Hopkins [Medical Center], I was assigned a 4-day shift on the hospital Covid unit.
I’m a part-time primary care doctor and it’s been >10 years since I’ve taken care of hospitalized patients; so, simply put, I was terrified. I wanted to hide. I spent a day in bed, crying. But, slowly – with the love, support and patience of my family, my colleagues and your program – when Monday (6/4) arrived, I felt not just ready but eager.
The experience was amazing and it will take me a long time to ‘unpack’; but what I know already and felt all along was a sense of calm I’d never before known. I used every single technique you taught us and I even was so bold as to share bits of my experience in your program with the residents that I teach/coach.
I’ve been writing a poem in my head all this while, but the title has changed: it was ‘Exposed’ and now is ‘Liberated.’ I’ll be forever grateful.”
~ Dr. Stasia Reynolds, Baltimore, Maryland
“I went from resenting that I have lost my voice in a caregiver/receiver relationship to knowing that I am intentionally making the choice to let go or to hold my response because that is the most impactful action for most day-to-day situations. I have freed myself from a negative emotion, and created a more tranquil relationship.”
~ Anonymous
“Martha’s ability to be bring science together with heart, mind and body into a cohesive and approachable course is outstanding. Her thoughtful approach to teaching different techniques enables both the beginner and experienced student to improve her practice. Martha is incredibly genuine as well, and she creates a safe and empathetic environment for discussion. I’m thrilled I finally had a chance to participate!”
~ Colleen Vossler, Vienna, Virginia
“Martha’s program is a great for both beginners to meditation and for those who have been meditating for years. I join the program for the community, Martha’s wisdom and knowledge, and to keep my practice going. It’s be an incredible place of connection and growth.”
~ Anonymous
“I can’t say enough good things about this program. It is well organized, expertly facilitated, and practical. Clearly, Martha has a deep breadth of knowledge. Martha pays attention to each person and is available outside the allotted time for questions, resources and support. She is kind, genuine and able to laugh! One of the best parts is her non-judgmental attitude. It’s clear Martha practices what she preaches and is supportive of the ups and downs of her own and others’ practices. It helps motivate me to keep at it! I am signing up again and my sisters are as well. Now that is proof of a good program I think!”
~ Rachel I Stott, MDiv, Vienna, VA
“Mindfulness helps me save my energy. If I’m not regretting the past nor worrying about the future, I have more energy to listen to my body and make an impactful response to the present situation. Learning to have compassion for myself helps me have compassion for other people and makes for better relationships.”
~ Lilian Sy, Vienna, VA
“COVID-19 was barely on the radar in January 2020 when I finally decided to sign up for Martha B.’s 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge. Little did I know how much of a difference it would make just weeks later. The class begins at 5:45 a.m. here in Minnesota, and I am a lifetime night owl! But ‘something’ told me this was the time to step out of my comfort zone – at 78 – and learn to meditate. I lived through the early hours, and meditation became my saving grace. Learning and practicing mindfulness and awareness are lifelines these days. Early morning meditation sets me up for the challenges that every hour of every day are bringing each of us. The practices have taught me about how to focus my thoughts or how to let go of them: how to use my very breathing as a tool for awareness; being aware of how my body is feeling today – and finding that my arthritic hands have a different kind of energy going on in them; following a big, bright light from my toes to my head and back down again energizes body and mind. Peace enters and hangs around to bless the rest of the day. And these are just some of the tools. Clarity and calm and an ability to let go of much of the worry about the future are just some of the profound gifts that I live with now. I’m just a newbie, but meditation changes things already. My meditating companions on our 30-day journey are with me in community now, too. And that is the frosting on the cake!”
~ Martha Hendricks, Rochester, Minnesota
“The 30 Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge introduces different techniques for meditating, however what makes this program unique is that you can discuss your experience in a conversation with other participants after the meditation. I gain insight from these discussions because Martha so adeptly shares her knowledge and participants can share our experience in the process. These discussions, as well as the personal benefits I observed as a result of meditation, solidified my motivation to continue with my meditation practice.”
~ Lauren Crum, Oakton, Virginia
“By practicing meditation techniques, you learn to reprogram the mind and body to deal with stress and recognize what triggers stress, letting go of negative thoughts that don’t serve you, anxiety, tension, emotional distress and live a healthier way of life. I plan to continue with this program. Initially I did not think I would like a conference call setting as I’ve always been involved in a physical group class. I have really enjoyed this avenue as I stay more focused and love the group’s individual interaction. Taking 30 minutes out for yourself every morning is energizing and a great way to start the day!”
~ Pam Welch, Tampa, Florida
“Mindfulness sessions with Martha have been a real awakening for me. Her gentle, experienced and thoughtful guidance through my 6+ sessions have led me to open doors to a deeper thoughtfulness. It has given me anchors and tools to ground my day and indeed nights when anxiety or distractions or stress might have been overwhelming. Beginners as well as seasoned practitioners will feel comfortable and welcome. Martha’s research and follow up to our questions and concerns and her inclusiveness in discussions are a hallmark of her professionalism and passion. I’m so grateful to be on this mindfulness journey with Martha.”
~ Mary, Oak Hill, Virginia
“My biggest testimonial is how others have seen a change in me. The change I recognize in myself is the calm I feel instead of anxiety in what use to be uncomfortable situations.”
~ Anonymous, Fairfax, Virginia
“Working with Martha and learning to meditate have helped me to experience self-compassion for the first time. I have never felt so good about myself and who I am. I am finally in a place where I am working on my physical health, my weight, my mental health….I am surprising myself everyday. I have been able to respond in healthier ways to stressful situations since participating in the 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge. I’m actually starting to believe in myself and what I can accomplish in life!”
~ Jennifer, Falls Church, Virginia
“I loved the 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge, especially the follow-up emails that Martha sends after the calls each day. I usually can’t stay on the line after the meditation since I need to get my girls to the bus stop, but Martha’s recaps of the Q&A conversation and the additional insights and resources she provides in the daily emails are so useful. The days seem steadier and grounded after I have meditated and problems small.”
~ Jessica, Vienna, Virginia
“I’m grateful for this program. I had been using meditation apps, but always in a reactive way. So when I was stressed, I would say ‘Oh! Where’s my app to help me deal with this stress?’ This program helped me approach mindfulness training in an intentional way, giving me the tools to respond more skillfully to situations as they arise. The structure of this program, especially the community aspect of it with everyone sharing and supporting each other, you don’t get that from an app. Last week I suffered a big loss. Instead of falling back into my old patterns, I just chose to be still. As a result, I was able to let the disappointment flow through me but not control me. I shut down that loud, critical voice that used to dominate me and just was able to be still. So thank you!”
~ Shani, Atlanta, Georgia
“Before the 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge I spontaneously reacted to events based on how I felt and thought at the time. This led me to sometimes be discontent and critical regarding how I responded. Thanks to this program I see that I can step back and observe how I’m feeling and thinking before I respond. This has helped me to be more proactive in responding to events and as a result I’m a much calmer and thoughtful person.
~ Maureen, Bethesda, Maryland
“The tools I learned during the 30-Day Mindfulness Meditation Challenge were a huge help in dealing with stress before tests at school. Being able to draw on the breathing and other meditation techniques we practiced in the program allowed me to feel a lot more relaxed and prepared, especially during finals week.”
~ Sheridan, high school student
“Martha’s expertise is based on extensive research, study of the brain and personal practice. Her teachings explain the science, show us how to apply meditation principles and encourage exploration. At every turn of our challenge, she offered more information: books, apps, websites, blogs, other meditation techniques and teachers, and her personal experiences. I have learned how a part of the brain functions and that we can guide our inner voice.”
~ Laura Skoff, Vienna, Virginia
“I appreciate the breadth and depth of Martha’s skills and knowledge in mindfulness techniques, which she delivers in a straightforward and accessible way, allowing immediate integration of practices that meaningfully impact wellbeing for body and mind. Her rich and insightful offerings provide new ‘tools for the toolbox’ every time.”
~ Carolyn Black Bagdoyan, Owner and Founder, Heart Tree Yoga
“I loved the introduction to different types of meditation. I definitely found certain methodologies easier for me than others and if I’d only been exposed to one or two, I may have dropped it thinking that it just wasn’t for me. I liked calling in–much easier than going somewhere, which would be hard to justify for a short session and too hard to fit in for a longer session. I think the built in Q&A session is perfect for newcomers.”
~ Kerry Crum, Vienna, Virginia