C. Marie Long

C. Marie Long, M.Ed is a team member of Nature Center for Meditation and is one of our Summer 2021 Grant Recipients. Learn more about their work and support!

Tell us – what excites you about your work?

The relief that I can bring to someone in pain, whether it be physical, emotional, or spiritual. It's also exciting to introduce a new healing modality to a client. To see their eyes light up when they experience a biofield tuning never gets old.

What feels rich and abundant in your work right now?

The support that I receive from family and friends. I've experienced some devastating losses since the beginning of the pandemic. Without the loving support and guidance that I've been given, I don't know if I would be able to continue to serve others.

Who do you dedicate your work to? Who inspires you?

I dedicate my work to my parents and my grandparents. I believe that my will and calling to serve my community came from them. Over the years, I've watched them tirelessly give to others; family, friends and strangers - even if it was their last. They carry (ed) themselves with an air of abundance and confidence that I've always admired and sought to emulate.

Who inspires you, who are you learning from, what books are you reading? We are really excited to learn this about you!

I'm inspired by anyone who dares to be original and lives as authentically as possible. I'm always learning from my son, Christopher. As a future tech genius/phenom, each time we talk he never fails to teach me something new. Right now, I'm reading L'atmosphère: météorologie populaire by Camille Flammarion.

“Poorly coping with body image negation and emotional malnutrition, I turned to plant-based foods, contemplative practices and sound healing as a way to heal and seek a spiritual awakening.”

What is something you didn’t know, that you now understand differently about wellness?

You have to be able to reach people at their level. Many people in my community here in Chicago and our sister city Los Angeles are so stressed and filled with anxiety that they don't have the initial energy to perform the most basic yogic practices that are introduced to them. Even meditation is intimidating to some in the communities I serve. That's why we developed our 7 level guided meditation series (Kriya Power Guided Breathwork Meditation) and released it on all streaming platforms - Apple Music, Spotify, etc.

What is your own wellness practice? How do you find balance?

The first thing that I do when I wake is smile. I program myself that no matter what happens for the rest of the day, I will end it with a smile on my face. Then I dive into some pranayama to clear the cobwebs from my mind. Next on the menu is to get the heart pumping. I try to ride at least 10 - 15 miles on my bike but if I can't, I use asanas to wake up the body more fully. If I don't have time to do anything else, sun salutation is a must. I find balance by spending time with trusted friends that ground me.

How can people reading this support the work you are doing?

Hi everyone reading! You can support the work I'm doing by visiting www.naturecenterformeditation.org and getting a more in-depth understanding of what we are all about. Donations of money, time, and/or equipment are also welcome.

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