Libraries
East Greenbush Library (x193)
12-14-23 (x7 people)
The workshop was for 1 hour 30 minutes attended by 7 participants. Following is a summary of their feedback. Click for Scanned images of the feedback forms.
What I like about this meditation
These are techniques to calm the mind.
It can be done anytime, anywhere.
Ability to do something simple but will make a difference.
Easy, can do it anywhere, immediate effects as focusing on breathing lowers the heart rate and BP.
It is simple, easy to follow and carry out.
Multiple options.
The presenter was great!
I would like to try this meditation to help me with
Sleep - my kid teases me that I can't sleep because of my job.
Sleep
Relaxation, Keep in the present
Sleep, Anxiety
Dealing with anxiety
Anxiety management and helping my daughters
Stress of being caregiver
Workshop evaluation
Very satisfied x 6
Satisfied x1
Comments
Very different focus on the breath than others I've tried.
Very simple process, but so valuable. I love the ocean wave metaphor!
Very informational, Relaxing environment.
I enjoyed this class. Very informative.
Thank you for letting me just walk in.
7-13-23 (x3)
Three people attended the 1 1/2 hour workshop held at 2 pm. Scanned images of the feedback forms
I will use this technique to help me with
Stress reduction, Blood pressure
Getting better sleep,I fall asleep easily but have trouble getting back to sleep in the middle of the night.
Anxiety
My 'take home' ideas
Very useful especially with starting to sleep, Relaxing, Impulse control
Can't fail.
The metaphor of 'training a dog' was very helpful. I also like the idea of no rules, so that I can find success.
Workshop evaluation
Very satisfied - 3
Comments if any
Very informative and worth my time. Excellent. Enjoyed practicing the technique.
Thank you so much
Thank you
1-10-18 (x11)
I offered the 18th seminar at East Greenbush Community Library attended by 7 women and 4 men. Summary of their feedback follows.
I will practice this technique for my (concern)
Stress and Sleeping
For stress reduction, Improved sleep, Improved quality of life and health
Stress, Falling asleep
Getting back to sleep
Sleep
Sleep,Tension
Stress, Learning to relax
Relaxation, Relieve stress
General Stress reduction
My ‘Take home’ points
Practice breathing
Learn to relax
Practice for six months, Breathe through nose and counting
Focus of breathing to relax
Breathing meditation based on counting, Practice when you have time anywhere
I want to share with my sister who has chronic back pain
Fingertip counting
Breathing 1-2-3
Counting breaths and the times to do the breathing
Evaluation of the seminar
Very useful – 7
Satisfied – 3
Comments
Excellent presentation, Experienced presenter, Thank you for offering
Very good info.
Thank you!
6-14-2017 (x7)
The 17th seminar was attended by 7 women. Summary follows.
I will practice this technique for my (concern)
Insomnia and dizziness
Difficulty in falling asleep
Insomnia, Cancer depression with rumination
Sleep issues
Relaxation
Helping me to think less
My ‘Take home’ points
911 breathing, sleeping breathing
How to become calm
Breathing counting with fingers
All ideas, great presentation
The sleep techniques, I will definitely try at home
Evaluation of the seminar
Very satisfied – 3
Satisfied – 4
Comments
Very thorough
Helpful techniques for meditation – Thanks!
This will be helpful with my basic Yoga and walking to keep my mind focused
Very informative. Thank you!
Excellent program. Very good teacher.
3-30-16 (x9)
The 15th seminar was attended by 9 adults (7 female and 2 male). Summary of the feedback follows.
I will practice this technique for my (concern)
Anxiety and Stress
To lower stress
Daily stress
Need to relax after a stressful day
Relaxation – especially falling asleep
Stress, Back pain
Sleep problems
Stress
My ‘Take home’ points
Everything!
Thank you for all the good resources too!
I can pay attention to how I breathe; I know the difference that air “in” and air “out” makes in my body. I can remind myself to do this using the paper hand.
I like how this technique is so easy yet so relaxing. I never could “clear my mind”, now I can.
Techniques that made me very relaxed. (Thank you!)
Focusing on breathing will create relaxation and improved overall health.
Ways to focus my mind. My mind wanders a lot. Restart at 3, not go up to 100.
Do this 2x per day. Work up to 3X.
Evaluation of the seminar
Very satisfied – 9
Comments
Thank you for the folder of information.
Very relaxing!
I felt very relaxed. I like the finger technique to keep me focused.
I plan to do this at bedtime & while walking into and out of work.
I recommend this seminar to (name the group)
Nursing homes in NYS, Elementary schools.
College students – they have a lot of stress.
9-26-15 (x9)
Feedback was lost.
The 13th seminar was attended by 13 adults (10 female and 3 male) and 1 teenager. It was nice to see a good number showing up within 6 months of my last seminar in Oct 2014. One woman who attended my seminar at the Castleton Library came to this seminar again along with her teenage daughter and mom. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
I will practice this technique for my (concern)
Sleep, Stress
Anxiety and sleep problems
Sleep
Sleeping issues
Sleeping & In Waiting rooms
Stress reduction and help sleeping
Stress
Stress, Anxiety
Stress/ Anxiety/ Anger
Focus and memory issues
Peaceful mind
Health and Wellbeing
Anxiety
My ‘Take home’ points
Take time to focus on breathing – Daily
Need to make it a habit
This technique can be with me always
Can be done anytime, anywhere for anything
Using all the different ‘finger counting’ with breathing
Focus on the present, not past or future, make time to relax/ de-stress daily
The base – do this @ night & in the morning
I will try to practice on a daily basis to calm
When I am upset/ angry focus on breathing
One one, one; two, two, two helps prevent my thoughts from being overwhelming
Focus only on the breathing $ don’t worry about the count/ finger placement
Breathe – Now
The past is dead! Live in the present
Counting exhales, Counting fingers, Focusing
To focus on breathing
Evaluation of the seminar
Very satisfied – 14
Comments
Excellent
This technique is very useful during stressful situations and at the end of a busy day.
I hope this helps with my relationship wit my mother and the relationship between my parents
Simple but effective
Excellent, Clear, Practical
Thank You
Great handouts, Effective presentation, Practice very helpful
I recommend this seminar to (name the group)
High school seniors preparing for college
Teenage high school seniors
All age groups
Teachers’ association
To all others
10-8-14 (x18)
The 12th seminar was attended by 18 adults - 14 females and 4 males. It was remarkable that this many showed up for the seminar within 6 months of my last seminar in April 2014 at this library attended by 14 persons. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
My expectation from the seminar is fulfilled to Grade …
A+ 9
A 7
B+ 1
No comment – 1
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Restless sleep
Sleeping, Getting back to sleep
Falling asleep at night
Sleep and Anxiety
Sleep issues, Anxiety
Sleep problems
Stress relief and sleep problems
De-stressing, Relaxation, Sleep
Health and sleep issues
To reduce stress – 3
Stress at work
Stress reduction, Focus and Spirituality
Shortness of breath
Pain/Anxiety
My ‘Take home’ from the seminar ….
I will try to use before sleep, When I wake up at night, On waking up
With practice I will hopefully sleep better
It is a new way to get back to sleep
Good reference
I will definitely try this
Since I already use the staring mode with the feeling mode for going to the dentist, Dr , Etc (Lamaze), I will try the tip mode
It is an easy technique: it doesn’t require any tool. I can use it anywhere.
All of this – anxious to read the folder – Thank you!
Focusing on breathing – 2
Keep your eyes open for the gold coins (3)
With practice various methods discussed can be used anytime, anywhere to de-stress/ Relax/ Focus. A very interesting and useful seminar – Thank you!
Breath and Focus on the breath
Very useful
Putting the technique into practice, so it becomes habit
The more you use the breathing, the more relaxed & Stress-free you will feel
I recommend this seminar to (name the group)
Seniors – Sleep issues
Everybody
Husband
ISIS
Family and Friends
Granddaughter
4-16-14 (x14)
The 11th seminar was attended by total 14 adults (12 female and 2 male). Summary of the feedback follows. Scanned images of Feedback forms
I knew about this seminar from
Library newsletter – 4
Library website – 2
Sign in the library – 2
Friend – 2
My sister
Dr. Padma Sripada’s office
Prior seminar by same speaker years ago at Curves (East Greenbush – which has closed a couple of years back)
My expectation from the seminar is fulfilled to Grade …
A+ 8
A 3
B+ 1
No comment
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Better sleep, Relaxation, Health, Reduce stress
Sleep – 2
Helping me sleep better
Stress, Anxiety
Stress
Stress release, Improve anger
Stress, Grief, Pain, Insomnia, Worry and Relaxation
Anxiety, Worry and Stress
Anxiety
To quiet my mind
To concentrate
Relaxation
My ‘Take home’ from the seminar ….
Practice and stick with it
How to sleep faster
Calmness, Acceptance
I really enjoyed the class, I hope this will help turn off my monkey mind when I try to sleep!
Very important breathing technique that I didn’t know
“Practice”
Breathe
Hope for less stress and anxiety, peace and serenity in our lives (husband and myself)
I am making a commitment to do this in the morning and night
Take time to practice the technique
I hope these techniques will help me sleep better
Live in the present, not in the past or future
Easy technique that I will try on obesity. Hope it works.
I recommend this seminar to (name the group)
Sister
Teen groups
Anyone young or old
You should teach this in every school
To my friends and family
My sisters
10-22-13 (x13)
The 9th seminar was attended by total 20 adults, 18 female and 2 male. Summary of their feedback follows. Scanned images of the Feedback forms
I knew about this seminar from
Library newsletter – 10
Library website – 3
Sign in the library – 2
Facebook/ Library home page
The Advertiser newspaper
The Hindu Center
My daughter
Friend
This seminar is …
I loved it – 1
Very useful – 14
Useful – 5
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Pain, Sleep
Sleep
Fibromyalgia and insomnia
To sleep + Relax
Sleep
Stress & Lack of sleep
Falling and staying asleep
Insomnia and stress
Relaxation, Sleep inducement
Restful sleep and alertness
Back pain and stress
Stress, migraines and back pain
Work stress
Migraines, stress and muscle stiffness
Stress
Back pain
Mindfulness
Mind clarification
Relaxation
Comments about the seminar
It was very helpful, handouts are wonderful, atmosphere was calm even though we were sitting in a library
Handouts are very helpful, easy to refresh/ remember
Wonderful, excellent instructor, great handouts. Please do another follow up session.
Great, so easy something I can do so easily
Very friendly and informative and easy to understand
Presenter was often difficult to understand but was good at demonstrating the techniques
It was very beneficial. Things like breathing appear simple but they are not.
Good, entertaining and useful
A very helpful was to relax, increase sleep etc.
Thank you.I am looking forward to trying these techniques.
Very interesting
I enjoyed it
Very relaxing
Thank you – Will try daily
Very good seminar, the hour went quickly and the content fit well in that time frame.
Very good
The information I have had before in things I read but have not been practicing
Interesting, worthwhile
Calming, relaxing, meditation techniques usually warn about falling asleep
1-30-13 (x9)
The sixth introductory seminar was attended by 10 people. One of the participants was my past client who motivated and brought two of his friends to the seminar. He is a staunch advocate for this technique, having derived remarkable benefits from it. Summary of their feedback follows. Scanned images of the completed feedback forms.
The seminar was …
Very useful x 9
useful x 1
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Asthma
Meditation, possibly smoking
Help with sleeping, anxiety & meditation
Sleep and waking up
Better breathing
Anxiety
Stress, Breathing
Reduce stress in everyday life
Sleep aid
Overall health
Comments/ Suggestions (about the seminar)
Very nicely done. Thank you
Very thought provoking
I believe this will help me. Thank you.
Very much like Silva Mind control.
Very relaxing
Thank you. I am going to use them daily.
The teacher was wonderful.
Fantastic teacher – thank you for sharing your talents.
Wonderful presentation – charming, impossible not to like.
Good. A+
How did they come to know about the seminar?
Library website – 5
Library newsletter – 2
Through friend Kent Pugliese – 2
I have been before
At the end, the seminar organizer of the library said the people leaving the seminar were happy with it.
The fifth introductory seminar was attended by 16 people. Summary follows. Scanned images of their feedback forms.
The seminar was …
Excellent – 13
Very Good – 3
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Stress – 3
Stress, Insomnia
Stress/ Stiffness of muscles
Stress, Also would like to use during child birth
Stress, Tension
Stress, Lack of focus
Stress & Anxiety
Stress & Anxiety throughout the day
Tension
Sleep, Anxiety, Mind wandering
Anxiousness/ Anxiety – 2
Anxiety, Insomnia
Help me sleep & Relax
To sleep
Comments/ Suggestions (if any)
Very relaxing, I hope I can continue to do this
Very useful & Relaxing
Very relaxing.
Very interesting
CS was very engaging and thorough. I like how he framed the technique by the different narratives ~ Very interesting! I really enjoyed the session. Thank you.
CS was an amazing and informative instructor. I found my breath. Thank you so very much.
Presenter was very helpful.
Very good presentation
I thought it was very good. I enjoyed learning this.
Thank you. Very useful technique.
I hope there will be additional seminars.
Enjoyed it immensely, Hope to come to more of this kind of class
It would be nice to have regular follow up on this at the library.
Wonderful – I needed this & hope to use it.
A wonderful experience. I will use it personally and professionally.
I will use it in my therapy practice
When I visited the library two days later, one of the librarians said that at the end of this seminar, several participants in the seminar voluntarily told her that they liked the seminar very much.
The fourth introductory seminar attended by 19 persons. Feedback summary follows. Scanned images of the completed feedback forms PDF
The seminar was …
Excellent – 15
Very Good – 4
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Stress – 11
Insomnia – 6
Anxiety- 5
Quality of sleep – 2
Tension- 1
Muscle aches due to Fibromyalgia – 1
Heart disease – 1
Road rage – 1
Impatience – 1
Hypertension – 1
Comments/ Suggestions (if any)
Relaxing
I really like it – 2
Stress
Would like to take another class
Very informative and effective
You did a super job in explaining the techniques
Thank you! Very helpful
Great! Please come again
Very good
Very pleasant and enjoyable
***
E-mail message from the Library Head of Adult services
“Dear CS,
I wanted to thank you for bringing your ‘Focusing on Breathing’ program to our library. The excellent comments from those who attended show how valuable this technique is. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and your enthusiasm with our library patrons.
Sincerely,”
Lois Papp
The third seminar was attended by 14 persons but the feedback was given by 13. Feedback follows. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
Overall rating for the class
Excellent – 8
Very Good – 3, Very Good to Good – 1
Not useful – 1 (his comment is conflicting “It is really good technique to get good relaxation”. He also registered for ‘Follow up’ classes.
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Insomnia, Anxiety, Stress
Difficulty sleeping
Insomnia, Migraine, Stress
Job stress and unwind at the end of the day
Stress
Stress from worry over family member’s problems
To clear my mind from every day stress
Insomnia
Stress management
Chronic Insomnia and sleep apnea
Will help me in relaxation
Stress and anxiety
Stress and getting sleep quickly
Comments/ Suggestions about the class (if any)
Very interesting + informative. I have been trying to find something like this for quite a while.
Enjoyed practicing the different modes to see how each is different
Great class. This will be very useful. May be helpful to eliminate some medication, especially for my migraine.
This class was particularly good for me today because I became very stressed earlier today about helping a cousin in Florida. It is about money and my desire to help. I wasn’t sure I could rise above it tonight but the class experience helped me to totally relax & forget about it temporarily (& I will help him).
This was a very good seminar. I do Yoga and this is a great alternative when I have less time. It is wonderful that something as simple as focused breathing has so many benefits.
Very good to know new methods of breathing.
Session was simple and informative.
Very simple. Instructor was friendly with sense of humor. Interactive – Was expecting more science/ theory behind the matter.
It is really very good technique to get good relaxation.
10-29-09 Teens (x10)
Number of participants was 12 (including 2 staff members from the Library)
and the feedback was given by 9. Summary of their feedback follows. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
Overall rating for the class
Excellent x 2
Very Good x 5
Good x 2
“I will use this technique to relieve my (concern) ….”
Insomnia
Anger – 2
Insomnia
Stress – 3
Sleeping habits
Comments/ Suggestions about the class (if any)
Very Good
Sleep more
More sleep time
I enjoyed the sleeping activity
It was very relaxing and hope it will help my sleeping
I liked it a lot & when I use it , it will hopefully help me a lot.
It was very interesting. I think the folder with hand outs should have been handed at the end. I had been doing something similar focusing on my breaths, rather than counting them. So I have a natural appreciation for it.
9-10-2005 (x10)
The second seminar was attended by 10 people. Feedback record was lost.
6-9-2004 (x10)
The first seminar was attended by 10 people. Feedback record was lost.
Castleton Library (x10)
5-11-16 (x2)
The third seminar was attended by 2 adults. Feedback summary follows.
I will use this technique for
Stress
Thought change, Sleep, Quit smoking
My take home from this seminar
Breathing in any situation: driving, waiting in lines, always concentration on breathing
Plant seed, Clear the mind
Seminar evaluation
Very satisfied – 2
3-24-14 (x 4)
This second seminar was attended by 4 adults and one child aged around 9. Their feedback is summarized below. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
I knew about this seminar from
Amy Peeker
Bookmark advertisement from the library
Library schedule in the Advertiser newspaper
Castleton Library
My expectation from this seminar was to
Learn alternate techniques
Have the technique explained and demonstrated
Learn something about breathing
My expectation was fulfilled to grade
A+ x3
A x1
I will use this technique for my
Anxiety, To stay focused & calm @ work & at home
Overworked, Multiple activities
Calming too many thoughts at once
Sleep
My take home from this seminar
I am excited to practice my breathing to sleep and feel good again
Totally portable, can use anywhere
Practice at bedtime, Take a few minutes during the day to just breathe
Learn different techniques
I recommend this seminar to another group
Castleton Girl Scouts
5-2-2013 (x4)
The first seminar was attended by five women. Four of the participants offered feedback which is summarized below. Scanned images of the feedback forms
I came to know about this seminar from
Amy Peeker – the librarian – 3
‘C S’ (my short name)
The seminar was …
Very useful – 3
No Comment -1
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Exercise, Sleeping and Driving
Relaxation, Anxiety and Stress
Stress management, Anxiety
Difficulty some nights in falling asleep
Comments/ Suggestions (if any)
Very enjoyable, learned a lot
Just using breathing techniques can be so beneficial
Very clear explanation on the techniques and provided helpful tools to help individuals implement the techniques
Very helpful to actually practice the techniques while being observed to make sure we are doing them correctly. I am going to tell my daughter and mother who both have sleeping difficulties about the counting techniques.
Rensselaer Public Library (x15)
2-27-13 (x5)
The third seminar was attended by 5 people. Summary of their feedback follops. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
I came to know about this seminar from
Local Pennysaver newspaper
From ‘C S’
Maureen at the library
My wife
Somebody mentioned it to me
The seminar was …
Very useful – 5
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Blood pressure and to aid me in quitting smoking
Stress
Well being
Stress in shoulder and loss of sleep
Comments/ Suggestions (if any)
Very helpful, will try this
Very well done
Made me very relaxed and I learned new techniques
It was wonderful, helpful and relaxing
12-29-11 (x3)
The second seminar was attended by three women. Summary of their feedback follows.
The seminar was …
Excellent – 3
I will use this technique to relieve my (concern)
Sleeping difficulties/ Pain from recent car accident/ Stress/ Anxiety x 2
Comments/ Suggestions (if any)
I learned a lot on how to relax
E-mail message from the Library Director ‘Jane Chirgwin’
“Everyone loved your program! Thank you! I learned that you were going to leave hand-outs for us, but somehow they disappeared. Can you bring some at your convenience?”
5-26-11 (x7)
Feedback was not collected due to shortage of time.
Voorheesville Public Library (x30)
5-17-16 (x19)
The second seminar was attended by 19 people (including 3 high school/ college students). 17 people filled out the feedback forms.
I will practice this technique for my (concern)
Sleeping
Stress & Sleep
Anxiety & Trouble sleeping
Anxiety – 3
When I wake up during the night and need to rid my mind of endless thoughts & problems
Stress, Medical issues post surgery that were caused by an unnecessary surgery
Release stress
Stress
Stress management
Sleeping, Driving “Road rage”
Memory focus
Become calm before medical appointments
To feel grounded
Self and grandchildren
My ‘Take home’ points
Practice at bedtime & in the morning, short amounts of time during the day
Use this technique to fall asleep
Use at sleep nightly
Do upon going to bed; Do after waking
Practice breathing before bed and after lunch
Using the techniques in the morning before work; Helping me fall back to sleep; keeping mouth open when breathing
911 mode and Segment mode
Counting on fingers
Breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth
Very good handouts
Seminar evaluation
Satisfied
Very satisfied – 16
Comments
Just 2-3 minutes break for a stretch would be more comfortable
Excellent – ties together lots of similar techniques i’ve learned – this seems more relaxing; I think the physical body touching of fingers brings thoughts to physical
I took the same class last year when it was offered. I came back this year because I loved it so much and I wanted to share these teachings with my brother. I was able to stop taking sleep hormones and use breathing instead.
Very simple – will not be hard to follow through which is always the hardest part
Would be better earlier in the day to avoid being very tired
Good stuff
Due to the trauma of my surgery I think it will take me a while to get adopted to this process. I have lost much feeling.
Very relaxing. I wrestle a bit with my thoughts while counting but I can see the benefits.
Thank you
This was a new simple technique
I feel the techniques I learned will help me cope with stress and help me with sleep
Excellent – Thank you
Should be a 3 hour high school health course
It was very simple to learn the basics, so I can practice at home regular way. Thank you!
I recommend this seminar to (specify the group with contact details if possible)
High school Juniors/ Seniors before college – health course
For new parents
My coworkers
Collaborative divorce Association of the Capital District. I am the Executive director.
College students, International students
2-9-15 (x11)
The first seminar was attended by 11 people. Feedback summary follows. Scanned images of the feedback forms.
I will use this technique for my (concern)
Daily stress and mind focus
Stress/ Relaxation
Calm my mind,reduce stress level
Anxiety, develop concentration
Hypertension
Pain, tension and stress
Stress level and migraines
Focusing practice
Better sleep, less stress
Stress level
Anxiety, falling asleep, concentration
My 'Take home' points
Meditation can be used anytime and anywhere, "Each breath is a life", You can't change people's actions, you can only change your reaction.
To try it at night and in the morning as a start. Don't worry about rules, just do it!
Will practice with my 4 year old grandson. This will help to concentrate my mind.
How to relax by controlling my breathing.
Try to use this technique in everyday activities, use it before I fall asleep.
Relax
Breathing, posture and better focus.
Different counting techniques, can do lying down (yes!), also it is Ok to count (I was taught to be quiet, no thoughts), so helpful.
Start, just start theraptic and take steps to meditate.
I plan to use the breathing techniques, they seem to very effective.
Incorporate breathing technique into my daily routines especially upon waking & going to sleep.
My expectation from the seminar was fulfilled to level
A x 9
B x 2
Comments
Thank you - much food foe thought.
I appreciated your philosophical perspective in reinforcing the importance of meditation and mind/body.
It is hard to hear you when the heater is running.
I have a hard time hearing the presenter's soft voice and missed some of the talk. Seems to be an excellent way to quiet the mind. I am excited to try it at home.
My husband always tries to get me to meditate but the way you broke it down made it more understanding and simple.
Great tips! I am eager to try the technique.
I like that there are no rules.
I really enjoyed the presentation. I am looking forward to try the breathing. I will consider contacting you about more classes.
I loved your presentation and I know I will be able to use these techniques to relax.
I recommend this seminar to (name the group)
Everyone could use these techniques.
The teachers at my school.
College students dealing with stress.
Maybe my book group. If there is enough interest I will contact you.
South Brunswick Library NJ 2002 (x9)
Organized by HumNRI.com (now closed)