Today we’d like to introduce you to Meryl Arnett.
Meryl, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started teaching yoga about 10 years ago here in Atlanta. When I started my 200-hour yoga teacher training, I was aware that yoga was really created to support meditation practice, so I was surprised to discover that my training didn’t include any meditation instruction or practice at all. I tried on my own and found it frustrating and difficult. About a year after that first training, I signed up for a 5-day meditation-specific training. It was helpful but still didn’t quite work for my brain. I had more questions than I did answers! So, I dove in. I practiced with a myriad of teachers, tried many different styles of meditation, and completed several immersions and training.
Eventually, I ended up with a meditation practice that truly supports my day to day well-being. Today, my passion is sharing mindfulness with others in a way that is truly accessible. If it isn’t bringing you more joy, why do it?!
Now, I am the co-owner of Sacred Chill {West} – a yoga + meditation studio on the west side of Atlanta. We are one of the first studios to offer stand-alone meditation classes and day retreats. I also created a podcast – The Mindful Minute – which is a live recording of my Monday night meditation class.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Meditation is one of those things that everyone thinks they want to do {or should do!} but it is a hard practice to start. It can be boring; it can feel uncomfortable; it asks us to be still in a world that demands every moment is a productive one… when I first started offering meditation classes at Sacred Chill, I had one brave soul that would show up week after week. Then two. Three students felt like the biggest win!
It took a lot of exploring, trying and patience to find a way to offer a meditation that made it something you want to do and can do!
Eventually, I started structuring the class as a 3-week series. Each week for three weeks, I would theme the class on a specific topic. The class has a little talk at the beginning to create inspiration, understanding, and intention for our practice and then we meditate together. It took off! Now, my classes are full and my podcast has a little over 1,000 downloads an episode.
The Mindful Minute {a podcast} – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Mindful Minute is a podcast that is recorded live from my Monday night meditation class. I get to share what I love most in the world! Each week, I write a talk based on something from own experiences as a mama, meditator and business owner. I love creating these talks – they are my way of sharing bits of curiosity, inspiration, and insight. Then, we meditate together. I started the podcast because I had so many students wanting to practice but they couldn’t always make it to class. Now creating my class and podcast each week is one of my greatest joys.
I meditate to experience more everyday joy. My innate tendency is to DO. I am always wanting to create something new. I am a mom of two, a business owner, and about a million other titles (just like so many of us…) and I found early on that I often feel like I’m constantly moving. Striving for the next thing. Planning for the future… meditation is what has allowed me to savor the moment I am in and continue to create and do at a pace that feels sustainable.
My focus is always on how to help my students and listeners tap into their own version of everyday joy, and to do so in a way that feels attainable. We all live busy, busy lives filled to the brim with things to get done. Carving out the space and time to meditate can feel like an impossible hurdle in the beginning. My mission is to offer mindfulness practices that are actually do-able. You don’t have to be a monk. You don’t have to wake up an hour earlier. You don’t have to go on a retreat. You can incorporate these practices into your life exactly as it is in this moment. My teachings are real-life based, accessible and inclusive.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success, for me, is reaching people. I love helping those that think they can’t meditate discover that indeed they can! Every single time someone says to me that my talk was “right on time” for them, or encouraged them in some way, I feel successful.
The subtitle for my podcast is “Meditations for Everyday Joy” and that is my marker. If someone meditates with me at Sacred Chill or through The Mindful Minute and taps into their own joy, then my job is done!
Pricing:
- The Mindful Minute podcast is free – you can access it anywhere you get your podcasts – iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify, etc.
- Sacred Chill {West} offers a new student special: Two weeks of unlimited classes for $25. This is great for yoga AND meditation! sacredchillwest.com for details.
- My live, Monday night meditation series at Sacred Chill is $45 for the 3-week series. Sacredchillwest.com for more details.
Contact Info:
- Address: Sacred Chill {West}
2030 Bolton Road
Atlanta, GA 30318 - Website: merylarnett.com, sacredchillwest.com
- Phone: 678-705-3448
- Email: meryl@merylarnett.com
- Instagram: @merylarnett
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meryl.arnett
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-mindful-minute/id1277683423
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
