Effortless Meditation.
Sustainable Living.
If times are urgent, let us slow down.
BAYO AKOMOLAFE
True wellness is disruption.
While wellness is often translated as “self care,” true wellness is disrupting the idea that we are separate from the needs and realities of each other. It is also an interruption in the patterns and systems that keep us distracted, overwhelmed and disconnected from our own wisdom. When things fall apart, how do we find a felt sense of safety and stability? How do we practice possibility and care for one another while external conditions are rapidly shifting?
I believe we hold the possibility to be of service and impact others. That should not come at the cost of our own health and nervous system.
Meditation is a top-down approach, meaning we are using the mind under the function of the cerebral cortex. Top down processes like meditation, pranayama or talk therapy can help to create capacity, perspective and clarity with overall thinking and being. While it has a correlating effect on the body, there are also bottom-up approaches as well to help metabolize the effects of chronic stress and trauma. Working somatically is utilizing the language of the body to release contractions or patterned responses. One is not necessarily better than the other. In fact, by utilizing both top down as well as bottom up approaches, we are giving the body and mind an equal place in an integrative and holistic process of healing.
My mission is to deepen the ways in which we relate to ourselves as well as each other.
I look forward to working with you.
About Alchemy Collective
Alchemy refers to the transformation of matter, a process of creation from one state to another. I began Alchemy Collective 10 years ago with the intent of fostering a community for individuals looking to create change in themselves as well as the world around them. My interests and strengths lie at the intersection of meditation, somatics, and social change to help others alchemize stress into expansion, knowledge into action and wellness into collective care.
About Mark
I am a student of sustainability, decolonization, somatics, and Vedantic philosophy. With decades of lived experience as an artist, teacher and coach, I know what grind culture and hustle can do to a nervous system but also have keen insight into the psychology of high performance, creativity and innovation. Work demands and personal loss left me with PTSD a number of years back which led to initial studies into Vedic meditation. From there I saw the challenge/opportunity to support traditional instruction with a practice of embodiment as well as tools for collective care. This was the catalyst for a decade long journey of inquiry and training to be of service to others and to foster sustainability in practice.
Accountability
As a cis-white male of privilege, I am committed to disrupting patterns and systems of dominant culture to bring about more just and equitable chages. To practice collective care starts with unpacking one's relationship with power and privilege, one’s relationship to self, which is a lifetime of work. Because I believe in sustainability, 25% of profits from all meditation teaching is directed towards land regeneration organizations in India and portions of somatic work are dedicated to supporting organizations dedicated to mental health awareness. And whether facilitating meditation, somatics or coaching, all courses are taught through the lens of being trauma-informed, which means you are always in choice and agency throughout the sessions.
Current Offerings
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Investing 3% of our day into a practice of meditation can help build capacity, adaptability, as well as lower the effects of chronic stress. Vedic meditation is an effortless and natural top down approach. It’s ancient knowledge designed for modern living, delivered in 4 modules in addition to an Intro session and ongoing follow up support upon completion of the course.
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Somatics is a bottom up approach to healing, helping to re-establish pathways of ease, expansion and safety within the body. Whether it’s a personalized 1 on 1 program or group course, they are simple practices to release contractions and patterning within the body and restore a felt sense of authenticity and embodiment.
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Innovation, performance, better sleep and immunity are just a few of the reasons to invest in sustainability training for your team. Whether it be working individually, with CEO’s, and/or with teams, having an understanding of what stress is, how it reduces relationships, as well concrete tools can help redefine sustainability in high demand work environments.
Here’s what people are saying…
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"A game changing encounter in my life."
“Incredible depth, care for others and superb combination of IQ and EQ. Mark has and will continue to impact thousands (hopefully millions) of lives. A game changing encounter in my life.”
Darleen, global Human Resources executive
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"This practice was a lifesaver for me"
Working with Mark has changed my life. I first started working with Mark when I was in crisis, dealing with an extended family emergency. Mark taught me how to meditate using the Vedic mantra method of meditating twice a day for 20 minutes. This practice was a lifesaver for me and enabled me to navigate through that stressful time and maintain a robust self care practice that I still use 6 years later. Moreover, Mark’s somatic healing sessions have helped me to use these techniques to interrupt negative thought patterns and calm down my nervous system.”
Sarah, artist
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"It’s easy to stay disciplined when you’re seeing results."
Being a person in long-term recovery, the importance of stilling my mind and shedding self cannot be overstated. Over the course of my journey, I’ve been to the doctor; I’ve drank from the fountains. Then I met Mark and discovered what I believe to have been the missing piece. In just one month of practice, I have noticed an observable improvement in my stress responses and my sleep. It’s easy to stay disciplined when you’re seeing results.
Richie, Attorney
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"Ideas pop into my head in a much clearer way"
Meditation has enabled me to hold many tasks at once with far less stress or anxiety than before. Ideas pop into my head in a much clearer way and I retain them... which is AMAZING! This practice has really been a game changer for me!
Stephanie, nutrition coach
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"One of the best investments I have ever made."
Having tried meditation apps, 20-day challenges, etc. I felt like I was missing something and was left feeling frustrated. Mark made meditation accessible, which is exactly what it should be—easy, stress-free, and something you enjoy. This meditation course with Alchemy Collective is one of the best investments I have ever made.
Chris, actor and fitness trainer
Certifications and Trainings
MEDITATION
Vedic Meditation teacher training-2 years, including studies in India as well as Vedic philosophy study
Essence of Ayurveda, Dhatus & Srotas-Dylan Smith
Meditation Teacher training- David Harshada Wagner
Pranayama Teacher Training-Alexandra Moga
Pranayama-Sundar Balasubramanian
Bhagavad Gita-Hari Kirtana Das
Living the Gita-Bhakti Center
Trauma Sensitive Mindfulness-David Treleaven
RACIAL JUSTICE
Race and Resiliency-Kripalu
Skill in Action-Michelle Johnson
Race and Resiliency Leadership Cohort-Level 1 & 2-Michelle Johnson & Kerri Kelley
Embodied Social Justice Certificate
Cultural Appropriation in Yoga & Meditation-Priya Verma
Pivot Into Equity-Dive In Well
SOMATICS
Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy Certificate
Somatic Stress Release Certificate - Level 1, 2 & 3
Focalizing Practitioner Training - Focalizing Institute
Vagus Nerve Program - Jessica Maguire
Integrative Somatic Parts Work
Somatic Attachment Therapy