It is true that we are called to create a better world.
But we are first of all called to a more immediate and exalted task:
that of creating our own lives.
~Thomas Merton
Private Mentoring
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In these one-on-one sessions, Gayathri Narayanan draws on her intuition and training to tailor mindfulness, nonviolent communication (NVC), breathing, and movement practices to support your individual needs. Whether you are learning meditation and mindfulness, working to unhook from habits that no longer serve you, or cultivating new ways of relating with greater clarity and wisdom, Gayathri serves as a compassionate guide and sounding board as you meet the challenges you face.
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While these are not therapy sessions, they can be deeply therapeutic. Practices such as meditation, self-compassion, self-acceptance, forgiveness, and lovingkindness support healing and transformation, fostering greater freedom and well-being in daily life.
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Some areas where these individual sessions can be helpful include ~
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Learning meditation and mindfulness practice
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Cultivating authentic self-compassion and self-acceptance
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Working skillfully with anxiety, stress, and low mood
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Recognizing and shifting unhelpful patterns and habits
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Navigating parenting challenges with greater clarity and care
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Sessions are 60 minutes and offered remotely via Zoom. In-person sessions may also be available in some instances, primarily in the Palo Alto and greater Bay Area. Gayathri works with both adults and children. Fees are offered on a sliding scale to support accessibility. To inquire, please use the button below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. What happens in a private mentoring session? Gayathri customizes mindfulness, breathing, and nonviolent communication practices to address your specific needs. She serves as a compassionate sounding board and guide, helping you develop practices that bring clarity, calm, and well-being to your daily life. Sessions can also include individual instruction on wisdom texts for those seeking ongoing contemplative study.
2. Are these sessions the same as therapy? These are NOT therapy sessions, though they can be highly therapeutic. Gayathri focuses on teaching mindfulness, meditation, self-compassion, and practices that support your well-being. If you are working with a therapist, these sessions can complement your therapeutic work beautifully by giving you practical tools for daily life.
3. How long are sessions and where do they take place? Sessions are 60 minutes long and offered remotely via Zoom. In-person sessions may also be available in the Palo Alto area and nearby Peninsula and South Bay communities. After each session, Gayathri follows up with clear instructions and guidance for your practice between sessions.
4. Do you work with children as well as adults? Yes, Gayathri works with both adults and children. She tailors her approach to meet each person where they are, using age-appropriate practices and language. Whether you are seeking support for yourself or your child, she creates a warm, welcoming space for learning and growth.
5. How much do sessions cost? Fees are on a sliding scale to make sessions accessible. To discuss pricing and schedule your first session, please reach out using the Get in Touch email button above or via the Connect page. Gayathri is happy to discuss what works for your situation.
I am new to mindfulness and even though I have always believed in the benefits of this practice, I have felt intimidated by the discipline and thus reluctant to take on a serious approach.
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Gayathri has helped me overcome my hesitations. We met for a few private sessions where she coached me in the basic practices of mindfulness. Her approach is personal, kind, compassionate and, most importantly, joyful. She is very organized and after every session, she follows up via email with clear instructions for that week’s practice.
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While certainly prepared and very professional, Gayathri also conveys a sense of lightness in her teaching which has been instrumental for me in opening up my heart and mind to the practice. Thank you, Gayathri.
This past year, when I spent some time in the Bay year, I was fortunate to get one-on-one sessions with Gayathri. Although I had known the concept of mindfulness, I had struggled putting it into my daily practice. Through her gentle guidance and exploring with me normal events in my day, she showed me an alternate way to experience all that life was bringing my way.
The importance of pausing, of staying with an emotion, with one's breath and most importantly being gentle with one's self.
This practice, initiated with her, has brought about in me, a stillness, which is noticed by my teenage son - and where I used to chase him before for crumbs of connection, he now seeks me out. In being gentle with myself, my sense of self-worth has revived immensely and this it appears, is being noticed in my work as a doctor and healer - made clear by my small but steadily growing practice.
My journey is young, but thanks to Gayathri and her methods, I feel that I can sustain a healthy dose of mindfulness in my day.
Lorenza M.
Rachna K.
Gayathri has the gift of total acceptance. This gift makes one feel the ability to completely open up in her presence and uncover the sources of pain that cause stress while at the same time journey into peaceful meditation. Her guidance is so compassionate, you end the session feeling like you just hugged a real live teddy bear and you walk away with a full heart. I highly recommend Gayathri's mindfulness groups.
Gayathri embodies a wisdom of the ages and is a true gift to our community! Gayathri's ability to stay rooted in the depths of truth even in the midst of churning on the surface of life is a rare and precious quality.
I have had the good fortune on many occasions, to turn to Gayathri for counsel and support and I have benefitted greatly! I have also recommended Gayathri's services to family, friends and clients and the feedback has been nothing short of glowing.