Local business owner of Westcott Graphic Print, Marcy Westcott, is taking on a second job. A calling if you will, as a meditation teacher.

Westcott explains that meditation is a technique that settles your nervous system and trains your brain to become more focused, more engaged and responsive, and less reactive.

Westcott began meditation when she was asked by a friend to attend a meditation class. Never having considered meditation or even thought about it, she threw caution to the wind and attended the class.

“The experience was so profound that I kept going back and I started practicing on my own,” Wescott said. “As I continued to practice, I started to notice the changes in myself.”

It’s been several years since that class and Westcott attributes meditation to lowering her blood pressure, helping her sleep and concentrate better, and even increasing her creativity.

Westcott soon began to feel the pull to share these benefits with others and teach the practice.

“I want to help people find peace and walk through life easier,” Westcott said.

So, she attended the McLean Meditation Institute where she became a certified meditation instructor and even earned her advanced certification in training businesses and organizations on implementing mindfulness practices in the workplace.

“Marcy is passionate about meditation and mindfulness and is dedicated and honored to help anyone discover the life changing benefits of establishing a meditation and mindfulness practice,” Sarah McLean of the McLean Meditation Institute wrote in a recommendation of Westcott.

“As a newly minted teacher I was astounded that there were some many misconceptions around meditation,” Westcott said.

She wants to explain to people that meditation can be practiced by anyone, anywhere, in any position and in any clothing; more importantly she wants them to know the benefits.

One of the most common misconceptions is that people often believe that meditation is about clearing the mind, but it is actually about handling your thoughts and putting space between them.

Westcott will soon begin teaching the second round of a six-class series of the SEED method of meditation at the Blanco Library.

SEED stands for Simple Easy Every Day, a technique developed by Sarah McLean. This technique encompasses different aspects of different types of meditation. The class will also cover the brain science, self-compassion and neuroplasticity of the actual act of meditation.

Most people don’t know what is happening in their brain when they meditate but she’ll explain the technical aspects of how it truly changes your brain.

Science proves that long-tome meditators are biologically younger than their physical age.

Westcott’s teachings aren’t limited to the SEED series held at the Library. She’s also available for private and group sessions. She notes that the SEED series is a great introduction to meditation for the beginner.

While Westcott is a proponent of any and all meditation, whether learned or practiced on a person’s own or from a book or even a cell phone app, she believes the benefits from group meditation are plenty.

She described how in a group atmosphere her classes are different, similar to how experiencing music is different alone versus at a concert. Also, in a group or a class, a person can ask questions that benefit everyone.

“It is an environment of safety and respect for the students,” Westcott said.

Westcott relayed that her private or group classes can be adapted for anyone with varying schedules or physical constraints.

Westcott can be reached by visiting her website thestillstatemeditation.com.