I start each session with a brief moment of quieting the mind. This gives the client and I a chance to drop away from the chatter of what came before or what we have to do next, and get present for a deeper inquiry. Often as soon as we task ourselves to quiet, thoughts come up anyway and we apply our Will to quiet the mind again. in this way, meditation cultivates the muscle of Will. In the quiet what matters to you, that has been calling for your attention, arises more clearly, and setting the intention for the work of the session.
The ability to quiet the mind of chattering thoughts is the basis of so many of the techniques I use. Mind-body work involves being able to experience the sensations and emotions held in the body, as opposed to the story we tell ourselves in our thinking mind. it is what allows us to pause before acting, making more considered choices, ones that serve us and our relationships and our goals.