Tawania Reggler
Uniformed Meditation is a one of a kind experience methodically curated by experts to provide mindfulness sound meditation for first responders directly impacted by COVID-19. By dialing a simple toll-free telephone number, first responders have access to several customized sound meditations that focus particularly on the most common stressors experienced during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Description
First responders are people with specialized training who typically respond to the scene of an emergency or accident first. In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, they’ve become front-line heroes, oftentimes risking their own lives daily in the name of public service. The overwhelming emergency calls and deaths have taken a toll on their mental health. The need for an easy to use, unobtrusive system where first responders have the space to decompress and release emotions are critical. Uniformed meditation provides that space.
UM is a meditation hotline for first responders. By dialing a toll-free number, professionals have access to six different guided meditation sessions. The meditations were created and customized to address specific responses based on an anonymous questionnaire completed by 49 first responders. I asked the following key questions in the anonymous survey:
Have you ever meditated before?
On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you with meditation?
Are you able to take a short break to meditate at work or at home?
During this time of high intensity and stress, which time increments are you willing to commit to for meditation? (shortest to longest)
What is something you are currently struggling with as a First Responder?
What work/life balance issue do you want to improve the most?
I focused specifically on questions 4 and 5 to create an overall theme of each meditation and assigned each session a number key:
Key ❶ 3 mins – Breathwork
Key ❷ 5 mins – Mindfulness
Key ❸ 7 mins – Stress
Key ❹ 11 mins – Fear
Key ❺ 15 mins – Anxiety / Depression
Key ❻ 20 mins – Grievance / Regret
The caller is prompted to listen to a meditation of their choice with an option to replay the recording, go back to the main menu, or end the call.
Additionally, sound healing techniques were used and specific instruments were hand-selected and played in conjunction with the meditation.
Live instruments used: Zephyr Chimes, Himalayan Singing Bowls, Tongue Drum, Various(Flower of Life & Chinese) Gongs, Ocean Drum, Swinging Earth Chime
The value of mindfulness meditation and sound therapy
“Everything in Life is Vibration” – Albert Einstein
Research suggests that meditation and sound healing may help manage stress, depression, high blood pressure, overall moods, emotions, anxiety etc.
Classes
Thesis
Presentation Video
http://uniformedmeditation.com/