Meet Yoga, Meditation Teacher and Sacred Sounds Practitioner Lauren Margolies

By: Kenny Kolter, Gong Meditation & Sound Therapy

Every once in a while, I like to introduce you all to some of my friends and colleagues that I have the pleasure to work with.

I met Lauren four years ago at The Dallas Yoga Center and in about 2 minutes we were instant friends. We immediately started talking about sound healing, meditation and all things Spiritual. One of the aspects of Lauren that I really appreciate is her groundedness and honesty. She’s incredibly busy as a wife, mother of two, full time yoga and meditation teacher of both group and private sessions; so, she probably doesn’t have time for shenanigans. When she has a free minute, she’s traveling throughout the DFW area seeking new teachers and studios to learn and grow from. I’ve been blessed to work with her over these past years. We had a conversation a few weeks ago in preparation for this article.

Kenny: Since we both work with sound and so the DYM readers can get to know you; in your words what is a sound based

meditation?

Lauren: Sound meditation is a way of utilizing different instruments to help transcend the many thoughts in the mind. During a sound session, the participant is able to place their awareness onto the vibration and frequency of the sound, which in turn has the ability to shift our brain waves into a state of relaxation. Through meditation we are trying to hone our capacity to focus. One of the things I love about sound is the ability for participants to move into a state of meditation more quickly by focusing on the sounds. When the sounds are created with intention, a palpable experience occurs and it’s magical.

Kenny: Do you try to preserve a specific ambiance/atmosphere during a meditation class?

Lauren: As a sound facilitator, it is incredibly important to me that I create a space where everyone feels comfortable and safe to explore the practice. I clearly explain to students what the class timeline will entail, and then incorporate guided meditation & breathing techniques to settle the space before we move into the sound practice. I try to come into each class with a clear mind so that I can be a vessel for other’s experience.

Kenny: Yes, I agree. What you call a “clear mind” I call a “zero mind” where there are no thoughts or preconceptions of how the session might go. You are an accomplished yoga teacher, how long have you been practicing yoga?

Lauren: I have been practicing yoga regularly since 2003. Thankfully, my sister introduced me to a sound based power practice with Suze Curtis at Samatone Yoga. Through the incorporation of vibrational toning, I connected to my ability to meditate within the poses. This led me to delve into the world of meditation separately. Many years ago when I entered teacher training, I was incredibly fortunate to learn more deeply about sound as a form of meditation.

Kenny: Where is your favorite place to practice yoga?

Lauren: I enjoy practicing in studios and experiencing different teachers. I am always a student first and foremost, and strive to continue learning from others. However, my absolute favorite place to practice yoga and meditation is outside. There is something so nourishing about having the sun shining on my skin, with blades of grass between my toes. To me, there is nothing more grounding or connective than nature.

Kenny: I feel the same way about facilitating events outdoors! How or where can readers access more information about you and the work you offer? Better still, when and where do you lead yoga and meditation classes?

Lauren: The bulk of my schedule consists of corporate/private classes, where I bring my services to your office setting or home. However, I also love the atmosphere of a studio, and the ability to meet new people. I teach weekly Noon classes Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday at The Dallas Yoga Center on Lemmon Ave, and Tuesday mornings at Yoga Chikitsa in Richardson. I lead a monthly women’s event at DYC, as well as other workshops. My absolute favorite workshops though are the ones where I get to work with you, my dear friend Kenny. We share the same views on the ability for sound to be a sacred and transcendent practice, and that shared energy translates to the participants every time.                        My website is the best place to find more details: www.LaurenMargolies.com

You can find more information about Kenny at www.gongmeditation.com or on Facebook.

Kenny Kolter October Events:

Oct 1st – 2:30pm Vinyasa & Gong Workshop – Movement Meditation with Lauren Margolies at The Dallas Yoga Center

Oct. 4th – 7:00pm Intentional Drum Circle with Allison Fulmer in Southlake please contact me for location

Oct. 6th  – 6:30pm Gong meditation at The Dallas Yoga Center

Oct. 7^th – All day YOGA FOR ALL – Blue Anjou Yoga, Music & Wellness Festival featuring The Bhakti House Band

Oct. 8^th – 2:00pm Gong Meditation and Healing Touch with Lia Mata at Sacred Soul Yoga in Hurst

Oct.10^th – 6:00pm Gong Meditation & Reiki with Farahana Surya Namaskar at Cancer Care Services in Fort Worth

Oct. 20^th – 7:00pm Gong meditation & yoga at Yama Yoga with Summer Lynn Smith in Canton, TX

Oct. 21^st – 11:30am Healing Sound Bath & Tibetan Bowl Workshop with Karen Bonds at Longview Yoga Studio in Longview, TX

Oct. 22^nd – 3:00pm Blessed & Refreshed Gong & Restorative Yoga with Taylor Clark at Be Free Yoga in Tyler, TX

Oct.23rd – 6:00pm Gong Meditation & Reiki with Farahana Surya Namaskar at Cancer Care Services in Fort Worth

Oct. 26^th – 6:30pm Restorative yoga, Reiki and Gong meditation at The Dallas Yoga Center with Laura

Oct. 27^th – 6:30pm Double Gong Gonzo with San Diego are Gong Master Kenneth Goff at The Dallas Yoga Center

Oct. 28^th – 2:00pm Tibetqan Bowl Workshop with Lisa Nicholson at Blue Anjou Yoga in Lewisville

Oct. 29^th – 1:30pm Acupuncture and Gong meditation at The Dallas Yoga Center with Mark Hernandez