February 2017, page 44 | Arcadia News

February 2017

Page 44 February 2017 Now Accepting Applications for 2017-2018 Preschool – Grade 8 Schedule your private tour and learn why generations of families continue to choose STCS to help prepare their children for the high school of their choice! SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS · 2010 National Blue Ribbon School · 99% acceptance rate to Catholic High Schools · New 10,000 sq ft Early Childhood Center · National Junior Honor Society · ITBS scores above national and local averages · Chromebooks, Ipads and computer lab · Accelerated Reading Program · Competitive sports 5th – 8th · All school performances · PE, music, foreign language, library, art & computers · Vibrant Christ-centered community · Financial aid and scholarships available 602-840-0010 x200 5001 E. Thomas Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018 WWW.STCS.US A 2010 National Blue Ribbon School, Saint Theresa Catholic School offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students spiritually, academically and socially for the high school of their choice. Preschool through Grade 8 Accredited by Western Catholic Education Association (WCEA) Schedule your private tour today! Saint Theresa Catholic School Saint Theresa Catholic School By Riley Kissee It was my first time ever taking an instructed meditation class. A year or two ago, I tried Headspace, an app made for at-home meditation, but found myself distracted by my surroundings and the other things I could be doing with my time, such as the laundry I could be washing, the books on my shelf that I could be reading, the meals I could be prepping, and anything else that came to mind. I had heard about a new meditation studio in Arcadia, Current Meditation, and thought I would make another attempt to try out the ancient practice. The studio is located in a newly built strip-mall with a design that’s a departure from most developments in the area, with emphasis on red brick as well as industrial style lamps and accents. The space is outfitted in natural color tones and immediately I was welcomed by the attendant at the front desk and directed to the locker area. I slipped off my shoes and zipped off my jacket and stored them in one of the white, modern lockers. I walked into the dimly lit room, which I later found out was entirely soundproof, and was guided to a suspended silk hammock for the aerial mediation class. Once I collapsed into it, the fabric extended from head to foot. As I started to sink into my meditation cocoon, the instructor passed by and asked if I would like a pillow to support my head and I acquiesced. The instructor followed up with a slight nudge of the hammock that allowed me to sway back and forth like a pendulum. As I began rocking, the instructor asked the class to focus on relaxing different parts of the body and closing our eyes. Throughout the session there were moments of Tibetan singing bowls and traditional gongs that permeated through my eardrums, with what felt like, never-ending reverb. Initially I tried to take in every detail for this article but soon I was swept away with the visualizations and all of my attention was invested in that particular moment and nothing else really mattered. I remember the instructor walked us through visualizations of climbing a mountain, narrating all of the senses we would experience along the way; the feeling of the breeze against our face, the colors of the scenery and the feeling of accomplishment once we reached the top. I remember a moment where we focused on being on a beach, with sand in between our toes. But most importantly, I remember the instructor saying, “You are exactly where you need to be right now.” The instructor assured me that there was no other place I was supposed to be, which for being a simple sentence actually carried a lot of weight. Normally, in my day-to-day life, I realized I find myself focusing on the next thing. What’s the next activity? What’s the next chore? What’s the next season, the next holiday? For a brief moment, I wasn’t looking forward to the latest and greatest; I was dedicated to just being and concentrating on my senses. “Now with technology, we’re so far away from our natural environment. Technology is great but we don’t have those moments of nothingness,” said lead instructor Jeanene Farley. As I left the class and hopped into my car, I noticed myself just taking in the scenery, the surroundings, the scents, the sounds, in such greater detail than usual. What’s more, I wasn’t in a rush to get home, I enjoyed just having that time in the car. “Meditation is the formal practice of being mindful and in the moment,” said founder Ross Weisman. “I think everyone is looking for something beyond the physical health. How do you become mentally fit? There’s no shortage of people wanting to slow down and have some stillness in their lives.” Current Meditation is located at 4325 E. Indian School Rd. Taking in the moment at Current Meditation Suspended silk hammocks are part of the aerial meditation class at Current Meditation. By Kelly Potts Have you caught a glimpse of a yellow storage locker in front of your local gas station? These are just another way that Amazon is trying to make life more convenient for customers. Amazon Lockers are self- service delivery locations where customers can pick up and return Amazon.com packages. Lockers are available in and around major cities, allowing customers to pick up their packages at a time and place that’s convenient for them. How It Works Instead of delivering a package to a home or business address, when you make a purchase, you can select an Amazon Locker location and pick up your package at a time that’s convenient for you. Once your package is delivered to the Amazon Locker, you’ll receive an e-mail notification with a unique pickup code that includes the address and opening times for your selected locker location. When you arrive to collect your package, enter your pickup code or scan the barcode using the barcode scanner and follow the instructions on the screen. All packages delivered to Amazon Locker locations must be picked up within three business days. If you’re not able to collect your package within this timeframe, the package will be returned for a refund. Amazon Lockers Arcadia Amazon has locations for their lockers all over the Valley, with several in Arcadia and the surrounding areas. The one in the center of the neighborhood is in front of the 7-Eleven at the corner of 40th St. and Camelback Road. Other nearby lockers include locations at 24th St. and Campbell, 20th St. and Indian School, 24th St. and Thomas Road, and the corner of Hayden and Osborn Roads. For more: visit Amazon.com/locker. Safe pick up on your schedule