Hidden Gems: Meet Melanie Kuta of Outside Meditation

Today we’d like to introduce you to Melanie Kuta. 

Hi Melanie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Outside Meditation (OM) started with the little idea of bringing meditation outside the four walls of our homes and offices. As COVID-19 forced us to become more independent and digital, we saw the value in providing live, in-person connection so we set off on our start-up journey, and Outside Meditation was born! Fast forward a few months (and a lot of hard work), in the fall of 2021, our first pop-up mindfulness experience, ‘Boho Urban Oasis’, launched in PHX! Our attendees come back to us because our meditation experiences are 100% always outside providing a unique setting and new memorable moments each and every visit. Outside Meditation is revolutionizing what it means to be a modern meditator as we curate a variety of “on the mat” meditation programming as well as “off the mat” interactive mindfulness activities! Overall, here at Outside Meditation, we are driven to make mindfulness accessible, judgment-free, and fun! 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Outside meditation was built on a foundation of healing; whether healing from a short-term stressor like driving in traffic or a long-term trauma, everyone needs a strong wellness routine for balanced mental/physical health. Our Founder, Melanie Kuta, understands this first-hand as she states “I personally have gone through debilitating burn-out, depression, anxiety and panic attacks but I now consider anxiety and depression my superpowers. These challenges taught me that by practicing bringing our mind back to the present moment (rather the past or future), we can experience peace and well-being. Meditation is simply a way to practice training our minds.” Melanie created Outside Meditation to share with others what works for her own wellness routine and because she found a lack of accessible in-person meditation resources. By practicing regular awareness, appreciation, connection, and compassion, she experienced powerful growth which is why these four principles are the key components in every Outside Meditation session. 

We’ve been impressed with Outside Meditation, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Outside Meditation creates pop-up meditation experiences in unique and harmonious locations. We are a social impact business by actively supporting environmental sustainability, mental health awareness, and women empowerment. Outside Meditation offers signature mindfulness events, meditation sessions, and customizable private group sessions. The flagship events are highly curated themed pop-ups to encourage mindful interaction with our decor, signature scents, healthy food/beverage, and interactive installations. Outside Meditation Sessions are quick pop-up gatherings for on-the-go wellness but still with our signature flair! Sessions are typically scheduled outside at gardens, farmers’ markets, festivals, parks, coffee shops, etc. 

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
At Outside Meditation, we believe that by meditating in nature surrounded by a community, you can experience enhanced healing and well-being. This is why our purpose is “empowering well-being through the unity of humanity and nature”. We believe in the power of connection – to ourselves, each other, and the planet. By meditating outside surrounded by a community, we strive to form new connections, build a deeper appreciation for nature and experience enhanced joy. Outside Meditation Events and Sessions are led with the basic principle that meditation experiences can be fun, fulfilling, and memorable. However, it is not just a one-way street. We actively support environmental sustainability by appreciating nature, creating sustainable experiences with up-cycled decor from thrift shops, and giving back to the locations where we host our events. In addition, we also partner with local merchants, makers, and sponsors for our Outside Meditation experiences, for example, local plant shops, jewelry designers, bakers, crystal shop owners, juice cafes, coffee shops, etc. 

Contact Info:

• Email: omwellness.official@gmail.com
• Website: www.outsidemeditation.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outsidemeditation/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outsidemeditation