We never know where or when something will happen that will forever change our life. Sometimes, it’s the unplanned, unintentional occurrences that turn out to be the most impactful and fortuitous—seeming to be not of our own making, appearing ‘out of the blue.’
In 1976, while living in Hollywood, California, Kathy Bindu Henning, a young woman in her early twenties originally from Detroit, found herself questioning what some might call, the meaning of life.
“At the time, I had no idea about the profundity of what was happening. Life was pretty good—sunny California skies, a vintage car, a fun job, friends—but things weren’t going well with my boyfriend and deep down inside, it felt like something was missing, something beyond boyfriends and things, but I had no idea what it might be or where or how to find it.
Silently, within, I found myself asking, Why am I here? I was barely aware that I was even questioning, and certainly never considered that someone might actually be listening. But evidently, someone was,” says Kathy.
Within a few months, she heard about meditation and the inner journey. Instantly, she knew that this was the answer she was seeking.
“No doubt about it,” she says. “Just hearing about the importance of turning within through meditation and coming to know one’s self in this way, resonated at the core of my being.”
What she soon discovered was that both her question and the answers that she received, were the very heart of yogic teachings that date back thousands of years, and are replete in numerous spiritual texts from around the world.
Within a year, Kathy sold her few possessions and traveled to India, where she immersed herself in meditation and the study of yogic teachings. For the next six years, she lived full-time in meditation centers in India and the USA.
“It was one of the greatest times in my life,” she says. “I loved every minute of it. It has now been over 39 years, and meditation still remains a focal point in my life.”
In 2005, she founded Present Moment Meditation™ and since then has been leading classes, workshops and retreats, teaching and guiding others on their own path of self-discovery. In 2009, she released a CD, Living in the Present Moment: Everyday Tools & Practices.
“It’s the most extraordinary experience to share with others,” says Kathy. “It’s so simple—sitting quietly in a chair with eyes closed and attention turned inward—and yet, at the same time it is a practice that can manifest profound results in a person’s life. I see it again and again, week after week, and it’s a privilege to be part of something so special.”
According to Kathy, taking time during the day to meditate, even if only for a few minutes, can make a tremendous difference. “Find the time that works best for you—before work, during lunch, after work or before bedtime—take 10-15 minutes to sit comfortably, close your eyes and breathe easy. This helps calm the restlessness of the mind, releases stress and increases overall health and well-being. It’s also very centering, which is highly beneficial as we run from dawn to dusk managing responsibilities and juggling numerous tasks.”
The beauty of Kathy’s approach is that in addition to sitting meditation, she also teaches practical, user-friendly tools that can be used throughout the day as we go about our everyday activities. “That’s when we need it the most. We live in stressful times, but if we can learn to stay present—to take one moment at a time, one challenge at a time, one uncertainty at a time—it can make a world of difference in how we feel about ourselves, relationships and life in general.”
Starting Wednesday, January 13, Kathy will be presenting a 4-week Lecture Series at Schoolcraft College, Con’t. Ed. entitled, Meditation: A Journey of Self-Discovery, from 6:30-8:30pm. This wonderful Series offers a different topic each week, and all classes include Present Moment Meditation™.
“Participants love this Series,” she says. “We sell-out every time we offer it. It’s an amazing opportunity for people to spend a couple of hours and look at life, and ways of being and thinking, in a way they otherwise might not have thought of previously. They gain new perspectives and insights, and in the process, experience a transformation. Just a slight shift in outlook and they experience life in a new way. It’s really incredible.”
Registration is through Schoolcraft College, Con’t. Ed. Visit: www.schoolcraft.edu/cepd (then click Personal Enrichment / Wellness).
Everyone is welcome, chairs are provided. Take one, two, three, or all four lectures and receive a discount. 734-462-4448.
For information on Kathy Bindu Henning visit: www.LivingInThePresentMoment.com
