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About Michelle Thornell


Contact Information


Name: Michelle Thornell
Email: ZenSoldier@choprateachers.com or michelle@meditatewithmichelle.com
Website: http://www.choprateachers.com/ZenSoldier
Work: 801-518-9284
Location: Murray

I began my journey with the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in 2008, while looking for a holistic way to reduce chronic pain, resulting from injuries sustained in a car accident.  While attending “Journey into Healing” taught by, the late, great, Dr. David Simon, Co-Founder of the Chopra Center, and Davidji, Dean of Chopra Center University, I was immediately drawn to the teachings and the positive effects that meditation and yoga had on my mind and body.    

During that time, I was working with Army Soldiers, many of whom were dealing with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Unfortunately, I found that some Soldiers were self-medicating with alcohol and drugs in order to cope with their injuries and memories of war.  I was inspired to teach my fellow Soldiers meditation as a healthy alternative.   

Approximately one year later, one month shy of my 45th birthday, I found myself facing a major life changing event, when I experienced a stroke. In spite of this challenge, I continued my meditation practice, and truly believe it has helped in my healing process, and to cope with the many challenges facing me as I continue to recover.  I now feel more centered, grounded, and peaceful about my “new life.”  I felt so compelled to share meditation with other stroke survivors and brain injury patients, that in May of 2012, I became a Volunteer and began teaching a free weekly meditation class at Intermountain Neuro Rehab, where I am a patient, and also at the VA Medical Center in Salt Lake City.

I am honored and privileged to share Primordial Sound Meditation, Breathing Techniques, Mindfulness and the incredible teachings of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing.  I welcome you to join me in learning simple, easy to practice, yet invaluable techniques that can assist you in managing stress, reducing anxiety, finding inner peace, and living a more nourishing and fulfilling life.  Namaste!

SAVE ON CHOPRA CENTER EVENTS AND PROGRAMS!

To receive a discount on programs and events, please call Merwan Ramsden, 760-494-1698 and mention my name!

I am certified in:

Chopra Meditation

Chopra Events Attended:

Journey into Healing
Seduction of Spirit
Perfect Health
Living in Balance
Silent Awakenings

Photo Gallery

  • Seduction of Spirit 2012 Great friends and trusted Mentor Davidji
  • Seduction of Spirit 2012 Incredible Man and Mentor, the late, Dr. David Simon, and wonderful friends Pam and Susan
  • Nike My baby Girl and Trusted Companion
  • A Beautiful Evening at Ponto Beach A Beautiful Evening with Special Friends
  • Chopra Family Beautiful Souls
  • Archetypes Deepak Chopra and Oprah Winfrey
  • Special Souls Dear Friends Tris, John, and Patricia
  • Mentor Davidji
  • Archetype Archetype-Ellen
  • Archetype-Wayne Dyer
  • Dear Friends-Amanda and Rene

Class Schedule

Wednesdays at 3:00 p.m. Introductory Class
Along the Wasatch Front

Event Details:

Introduction to Primordial Sound Meditation Class-75 minutes. 

You are invited to experience a free introductory class which will clarify how the ancient technique of meditation, which is now verified by modern science, can shift your mind and body toward a more grounded sense of self and wellness.

The Benefits of Daily Meditation include:

·         Managing Stress

·         Reducing Anxiety

·         Lowering your Blood Pressure

·         Improving Quality of Sleep

·         Creating Inner Peace

·         Improving Relationships

·         Awakening Intuition

·         Connecting to Spirit

This class includes a guided meditation, relaxing breathing techniques and a group meditation. 

EVERYONE WELCOME!!!


Why Meditate?

http://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/15/7-fascinating-facts-about_n_899482.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/meditation-brain-aging_n_6629858.html?ncid=tweetlnkushpmg00000067

Who Meditates?

Business Executives and Leaders:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/18/leaders-meditation_n_3916003.html

Athletes:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meditation-modern-life/201402/how-meditation-won-the-super-bowl

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/30/athletes-who-meditate-kobe-bryant_n_3347089.html

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9581925/seattle-seahawks-use-unusual-techniques-practice-espn-magazine

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/robert-piper/athletes-meditation_b_4597269.html

Celebrities:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jason-wachob/13-things-you-can-learn-a_b_685634.html

Medical Benefits and Findings:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-kravetz/telomeres-aging_b_3618321.html

http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/10/health/can-meditation-really-slow-aging/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/10/15/scientific-american-meditation_n_5991084.html

Meditation Myths-Facts About Meditation That May Surprise You:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/09/meditation_n_3806336.html


Cost: $0.00

Start: 5/16/2012

End: 12/31/2021

Intermountain Cottonwoood Medical Clinic

Address: 181 East Medical Tower Drive, 1st Floor Conference Room

City: Murray

Map Details: Google Map Link

Testimonials

"Dear Michelle, I just wanted to let you know how much I have been enjoying and learning from the "Primordial Sound Meditation" Group that you facilitate. Thank you so much. For me it has been an uplifting, and very balancing experience. I'm being able to re-center and respond to events in my life, rather that just react. If there is a day that I'm unable to fit the silent time into my day, I can surely tell the difference. After the time "in the gap" I feel like I am really myself. It brings such calm and clarity into the daily stresses and challenges. Another totally unexpected bonus, for me, is that there is power in the group energy. I've made some new friends in the group, and I love that. Thank you so much for the time, planning and energy you invest in us. Blessings to you, Michelle."
--Sue, November 2012

"Dear Dr. Russo- A quick note to say how pleased I am with Michelle's class in Meditation. She brings to us ancient teachings along with the concepts of the great Dr. Deepak Chopra. Please pass along compliments to Michelle for the excellent work she is doing in imparting to us the gift of meditation. And thanks to you for selecting her as the instructor. Best regards."
--Barbara, June 2012

"Dear Michelle - I want to thank you for the Primordial Sound Meditation group that you lead. I had occasionally practiced guided meditation but not been able to sit in silence and be "in the gap". A psychologist suggested that I come to your class to make meditation a practice to combat anxiety. I am very grateful for the suggestion because the relaxation, calm, peace and inner joy that come from the meditation time is helpful. This type of meditation makes it possible to recenter in the midst of stress and life circumstances. I have been really impressed by how you are able to incorporate new people who come to the class without diminishing the experience for the "oldies". The time you set aside for an "Attitude of Gratitude" is especially beneficial for building relationships and learning within the group. Thank you for your dedication! Namaste."
--Evelyn, January 2014

"Dear Michelle- I had heard about meditation, but never tried it, as I was very skeptical. When I saw your flier posted in the waiting room of TOSH Physical Therapy, I suspected meditation must have some validation. It has been several months since we started your class and I want to tell you how glad we are that we came. Here are some of the benefits I have noticed. The breathing exercises really help me to relax. After our hour session I have a deep peaceful feeling of serenity. I am in a better mood to enact with a sometimes cranky husband. By trying the alternate nostril breathing when in bed, I sleep 7 hours without awakening. You remind us to be grateful for small everyday things in our lives (Attitude of Gratitude). We are encouraged to do something for someone else. My sincere thanks for introducing me to meditation."
--Bea, January 2015

"Dear Michelle- Thank you for teaching me how to do diaphragmatic breathing. It has really blessed my life. I have been able to cut back on my medications and still breathe normally. I also practice meditation at home and remember to take "time out" when things get stressful!"
--Cheryl, May 2015

"Dear Michelle, I have to be honest. For most of my adult life I didn't see how meditation could possibly be worthwhile.  I didn't understand what a profound experience meditation could be because I thought the whole goal was to sit still and not think, and because I had only attempted meditation when I was alone.  Of course I didn't keep thoughts from occurring, and I couldn't relax because I was so focused on trying to sit still.  Simply put, I didn't have the foggiest notion of what meditation is actually about. I also knew I needed to make some changes in my life, but this seemed insurmountable.  I felt stuck and I had no clue of how to move forward.  So I decided to try the meditation classes suggested by Dr. Russo at the Neuro Specialty Clinic.  In the meditation class, when we were invited to silently set intentions (as is the case every class), and then let the universe sort out the details, I decided that because I really wanted to go to law school I would set that as my intention.  And that was when I began to discover what meditation is really about.  Without telling anyone about how I had connected my goal of law school to the intentions set during meditation, I continued to set the intention and then let the universe sort out the details.  I found that I was able to focus  just on each task at hand during the ensuing weeks and months, without burdening myself with overwhelming thoughts of everything I would need to do to actually go to law school.   I focused on studying for the Law School Admission Test (and set it as another intention), and worked very hard to prepare for the test. Several months later - as I was driving to the testing location - instead of experiencing extreme stress, I was quite calm, and I experienced a sense of joy.  Whether or not I passed was immaterial because through studying hard and meditating I had achieved my intention of sitting for the test. The rest is history.  I did well on the test, applied and was accepted by two schools, both with offers of scholarships!  (Admittedly, the scholarship offers were just plain unexpected surprises!) At each stage in the process I was not focused on the stress of possibly failing; instead I became focused on the satisfaction of personal growth.  I believe this paradigm shift was in a large part due to setting intentions and connecting them with my goals during meditation. I attended the meditation class for over a year now, and I realize that I am only just beginning to experience meditation for what it is.  At this point for me it is a deeply personal and yet communal experience of feeling connected, both with others in the class and with the universe.  It is also a way to release the worries of failure and focus on the positives of personal growth. I have come a long way since that first meditation class, and I am truly grateful that you are such a capable and patient meditation teacher, and that you are willing to volunteer your time to share this gift of meditation and healing. You are truly remarkable. While I am looking forward to going to law school, I will also miss the weekly meditation classes very much.  Thank you for being a part of my success! Best regards,  Donna"
--Donna, July 2016