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dayspamagazine.com • june 2017 • [ 83 ] Mindful Methods Although most forms of meditation have roots in Eastern religion or spirituality, there are many diff erent practices, techniques and approaches. With the ultimate goals of focusing the mind, breathing and connecting with the self, some of the most popular forms include Transcendental Meditation (TM), Guided Visualization, Kundalini, qigong and Mindfulness- Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). Primordial Sound Meditation, founded by Deepak Chopra, MD, and David Simon, MD, uses silent mantra repetitions to attain focus and comfort. At Living Health Day Spa, meditation sessions centered around energy healing and sound therapy are conducted with individuals or small groups, and priced at $75 per hour. "We use singing bowls, crystal bowls and gongs to help begin the process and lead into silence," Pryor explains. The spa boosts its menu— and profi ts—by off ering related services such as hypnotherapy sessions with a credentialed hypnotherapist, which cost $159 for an initial 90-minute session and $99 for 60-minute follow-ups. Room to Relax If meditation sounds like something that might appeal to your clients—or the ones you're hoping to attract—you'll need to fi nd the right space for it. If you already have a quiet room for clients to relax in, that could be the perfect place in which to off er sessions. At Living Health Spa, a couples' massage room was converted into a meditation space by simply rearranging the furniture and creating comfortable seating areas. "Carpet or folded yoga blankets on the fl oor do the trick," says Pryor. "We also recommend a few BackJack fl oor chairs to accommodate guests who have trouble sitting up straight or need back support." A yoga or fi tness studio, or even a beautiful outdoor area, are additional options that may be especially suitable for larger meditation classes. But because quiet is crucial, the space should either be as soundproof as you can make it or located away from high-traffi c areas, such as your front desk. If that's not possible, consider hanging curtains to minimize any visual interference; this will have the added benefi t of blocking out light, which will lead to a darker, more relaxing environment. Providing sessions at off - peak hours—perhaps early in the morning or later in the evening— can also help to minimize noise and distractions. Finally, you'll want the climate to be comfortable and conducive to relaxation. The body's core temperature can rise signifi cantly during deep meditation, so you'll want to explore ways to make the area cooler than the communal or treatment rooms—quiet fans tend to be an eff ective and aff ordable option. You can also ensure clients are comfortable by off ering some guidance on attire, such as encouraging light or loose-fi tting clothes. If you don't have a quiet or relaxing area available for meditation sessions, another option is the Somadome (somadome.com), a meditation pod designed to stimulate the senses with sound, light and energy. The portable pod fi ts into a 6-by-8-foot space, and can be placed in a waiting room or lounge. Spas around the country have been off ering the experience to guests, with a price tag of about $60 for a 20-minute session. Making Headway Once you've set the stage, hiring an instructor who can connect deeply with your clients will go a long way toward ensuring that your new off erings are embraced. "Their meditation background, energy and aura all make a diff erence," notes Theresa Cipriani, owner of Serenity Salon and Day Spa in Wallingford, Connecticut. "Do other people feel calm in proximity to this person? Do they practice what they preach? All of that is important." If fi nding the right person proves elusive, you might even consider sending a member of your current staff to meditation teacher training, or pursue a certifi cation yourself. After all, when you have a clear understanding of the practice, you'll be in a far better position to sell meditation's many benefi ts to others. TOP: COURTESY SOMADOME; BOTTOM: © GETTY IMAGES