How to gain Winnie-the-Pooh’s wisdom for only $5.

“Don’t underestimate the value of Doing Nothing, of just going along, listening to all the things you can’t hear, and not bothering.” Winnie-the-Pooh

What can you buy on Maui for $5? 20 minutes of peace. Really. I’ve been learning how to meditate and, boy, do I have my work cut out for me. It’s amazing to notice the array of random thoughts zipping through my mind at any given moment from ‘Why does Flatbread cut their pizza into rectangles, not triangles?‘ to ‘Wherever did that broken beach umbrella in my trunk come from?’ These are not pressing topics, and yet, there they are taking up precious space in my mind.  But as I understand it, and this gives me great comfort, I am not alone. The issue isn’t whether you might need a break from your thoughts, but how to get a break from them. After attending several morning sessions  over the past few months, and one completed workshop, I find myself catching at least some of my thoughts before they spiral completely out of control. Thus, I am less consumed by the thoughts and ultimately, more at peace and more in control.

Paia Meditation is a non-religious meditation studio. There is no pressure and no agenda. The sole purpose of the studio is help participants get to know their minds. The studio is open every morning for a 20-minute meditation that costs $5. Go once a week, once a month, or every day. It’s a beautiful space with views of palm trees and ocean. Afterward, you can stop by Green Banana for delish coffee and a chocolate croissant, and then go beach hopping or Paia shopping. There are also regular evening salons and monthly open houses, as well as workshops, any of which you can follow up with a cocktail at Flatbread where, you too, can ponder the pizza slice shapes.

Located at 137 E Hana Hwy, Unit E, in Paia, directly behind The Green Banana Coffeehouse on the second floor.

Visit www.paiameditation.com for more info.