Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q. How much time do I need each week for the course?

Each week you’ll have access to a new video lesson (10-20 minutes) and new iRest practice (20-40 minutes).

You’ll get the most of this course if you set time aside each week to watch the video lesson, and set time aside each day to practice the meditation.

But it’s totally up to you!

Q. What time each day will you be teaching?

The shala is open 24/7, and you can access the practices whenever you like.

Each week you’ll receive an email from me with a link to the week’s video lesson and audio meditation. You can access the practice at any time you like.

This is one of the awesome things about studying with me online.  You can practice at any time of day or night.

Q. Do I get to keep the recordings?

Yes, absolutely!  All the recordings are yours to download and keep forever.  I hope that you’ll continue to use them long after the course has finished.

Q. I’m too busy to watch videos, can I listen to the audio lessons?

Yes indeed you can! You can download or stream an audio version of the lessons if your prefer.

Q. Can I buy the course for a friend?

Yes you can indeed. What a lovely friend you are! Just purchase the course in your friend’s name and email address, then use your own details for payment.  Easy. All email correspondence about the course will go to them.

If it’s a gift for a special day (and you don’t want them to know before that), sign up in your own name and be sure to let us know by email what you intend to do with your order.

Q. I can’t touch my toes, can I still do Meditation Pure + Simple?

No toe touching is required in this course (actually, this shouldn’t stop you from doing yoga at all, but that’s a whole other story).

In the course you’ll be encouraged to meditate in a comfortable position, either lying down or sitting up.

Q. I’m a yoga or meditation teacher, will I learn anything new?

The yoga and meditation teachers who have taken the course have loved it. They found that it helped them to re-establish their own personal practice and learn more about iRest Yoga Nidra.

If you’re considering becoming an iRest Yoga Nidra teacher, or have recently completed or training, this could be a wonderful way for you to experience these teachings in action.

Q. What is a shala?

A shala is a sacred space, where students come to learn about themselves through the teachings of yoga. It’s a kind of sanctuary where learning and healing take place under the guidance of a teacher. Be sure to take off your shoes before you step in!

Q. What is iRest Yoga Nidra?

iRest is a yogic meditation practice based on the traditional teachings of Yoga Nidra, and developed by Clinical Psychologist and Yogic Scholar Dr Richard Miller.  It’s a practice of deep relaxation, self enquiry and simply being.

Q. Can I claim a Medicare rebate for this course (in Australia)?

No, Medicare Australia only offers a rebate for face-to-face counselling and courses, not online courses or counselling.

Q. Is this course safe?

I’ve done my very best to teach in a way that is safe for teaching in an online environment, however I cannot and do not know your specific needs and situation.

By taking part in the course, you acknowledge that your physical and psychological health and safety is your own responsibility, and that you will make choices that are safe for you.

Q. I’m experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, suicide ideation or otherwise not feeling emotionally stable.  Can I take this course?

iRest Yoga Nidra can be incredibly therapeutic and healing, however in the course we will be welcoming in a range of emotions and beliefs that may be overwhelming or triggering if you’re not feeling safe right now.  I will be present in a Facebook group to chat and answer any questions, but it’s not the same as sitting with me in a  room, and I cannot help in a crisis on Facebook.

If you do have support from a therapist or exceptionally supportive family and friends, this course could be a wonderful addition to your healing journey.  Please discuss this course with your support team before signing up.

This course is not suitable if you’re currently experiencing depression, anxiety, suicide ideation or otherwise not feeling emotionally stable if you don’t have good external support.  I suggest finding a therapist and talking them about how they could support you while you take this course, or waiting until you’re feeling better.

Q. I’m pregnant, can I do the practices?

Yes, learning to meditate before your baby comes is a wonderful idea! Lying on your back is not recommended during pregnancy, so I suggest lying on your side or sitting for the meditations. If you’re not sure, I recommended checking in with your health care provider to make sure they’re happy with you practicing meditation during your pregnancy, and keep checking in with yourself throughout the course to make sure it feels safe.

Q. I’m injured, can I do the practices?

It depends, but for most people it will be fine, and a wonderful part of your healing journey.  I’ll be encouraging you to get comfortable for the meditation practice, so you can practice in any position that feels right for you.  And if it’s difficult to stay still for the whole practice, you’re welcome to move your position at any time.  I recommend checking in with your health care provider to make sure they’re happy with you practicing meditation while you’re injured, and keep checking in with yourself throughout the course to make sure it feels safe.

Q. I’m interested in a private session with Dr Lauren Tober, how does that work?

We can meet either face-to-face in my office in Mullumbimby (Australia) or via Skype/phone.  I am available during business hours on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (Sydney Australia time zone).  After you’ve bought the course, just reach out and we’ll book in a session.

Q. What kind of things would we do in a private session?

We can explore any questions or concerns you have about the teachings or meditation, we can adapt the meditation to suit your individual needs, or really anything else that you would like to discuss with me.

Q. I’d like to have more than just one session with you, is that possible?

Yes, of course.  You can see me for ongoing counselling or choose from one of my coaching packages.  Do get in touch (scroll down for the contact form) if you’d like to book several sessions with me.

Q. How long will the practices be available for?

You can access the practices during the entire course, and for 12 months afterwards. And of course you can download all the meditations and keep them forever.

Q. What techy things do I need?

You need an email address, internet access and a device to read the emails and play the practices (audio and video).

A iPhone or iPad (or similar) is fine if you just want to stream the practices (e.g. play them using the internet).

If you want to download and save the recordings, you’ll need access to a computer (as handheld devices often don’t have this capability).

Q. I’m not very techy, do you think I can do it?

We’ve made the process very simple and intuitive.  My husband Stefan is an awesome yoga and iRest teacher and the shala IT guy, and he’s on hand to answer any questions you have along the way.  If you’ve made it this far, I reckon you can do it!

Q. I get distracted with poor quality audio, what is the sound quality of the meditations and lessons like?

The meditations were recorded in a professional recording studio in Byron Bay (Australia) and have been professionally edited for your listening pleasure. The sound quality is great!  The audio files are mp3 files.

The video lessons were not recorded in an recording studio (have you seen inside a recording studio, they’re not pretty?!), but the sound quality is still great as professional microphones were used and the sound was professionally edited.

Q. I noticed your prices are in Australian Dollars, can I still take part if I don’t have an Australian bank account.

Absolutely!  You can pay via PayPal or credit card with any currency.  The techy elves will do the conversion for you at the checkout.

Q. How do I sign up for Meditation, Pure + Simple?

Scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on ‘sign up.’

Follow the instructions to complete your payment through via credit card or PayPal. After your payment has been processed I’ll send you an email with everything you need to get started.

If you’re having any technical issues, fill out the form below, describe in detail the problem you’re having and we’ll get it running smoothly for you in no time.

Your question not answered here? Fill out this contact form, we’re happy to help!