From Survivor to Thriver

How To Get Started With Meditation When Healing From Trauma with Neil McKinlay

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Episode notes

Meditation has numerous benefits, especially when it comes to mental health. However, many people have the misconception that they can’t meditate or it just doesn’t work for them. The truth is, meditation doesn’t help all people the exact same way. It’s something you have to discover with time. 

Your meditation practice doesn't need to look like anyone else’s meditation practice. In this episode of From Survivor to Thriver, we sat down with a special guest Neil McKinlay to talk about the power of meditation, community, and enlightenment. 

Neil McKinlay has spent his adult life studying and practicing embodied meditation. Through this span, he has led events of 100+ people both in-person and online. He has also been a parent and partner, author, and competitive swim coach. In recent years, 'survivor' has been added to Neil's list of roles and accomplishments as he recovers from a relationship with a dysfunctional spiritual mentor. 

These diverse experiences lend Neil's presentation of meditation a unique flavor. Well aware of the challenges and opportunities a full contemporary life poses for meditation practice, he speaks to -and links -the realities of both with candor and freshness. 

In addition to offering in-person instruction in Victoria, BC, Neil leads two online communities (The Living Meditation Network and The Online Gatherings), and hosts the Bringing Meditation to Life podcast. He also mentors individuals wanting to bring meditation and embodiment more fully into their lives. 

In today’s episode we cover: 

  • What meditation is
  • Why people think that they can’t meditate
  • Misconceptions about what meditation is
  • Reaction vs. Response
  • Enlightenment
  • Neil’s journey with trauma and healing
  • Survival exits 
  • Allowing our worlds to change
  • How meditation helped Neil through his loss
  • Why he decided to also seek trauma therapy
  • The importance of community
  • How to get started with meditation
  • Meditation takes time

We really hope you enjoyed this conversation with Neil. If you want to learn more about working with him, make sure to check out his website to learn more about his online gatherings and other offers!

Thanks again for tuning in. We are so grateful to each and every one of you. Please remember to leave a rating and review of our show. It helps us grow and reach those who need it. Also, make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode! 

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“When we’re meditating, it’s really about bringing our intention back to our embodied experience.” -Neil


“The power with meditation, especially in the mental health space, is being able to take a deep breath and just begin again.” -Marc


“Enlightenment is a higher version of acknowledgment.” -Erik