Hello :) Great cues for releasing in meditation. I tend to focus on physical release cues and not emotional but you have inspired me to work some of that into the meditation track. Thank you :)
I too found that many people leave for the meditation. So I started at the beginning of class in my intro saying that the meditation part of the class is also an exercise tract! As we practice moving our body we too must practice stillness , as we practice engagement of the body we to must practice release! I like to say that it is unlikely for your mind to come to a clear and precise point of consciousness spontaneously during your busy day.
Giving space and time for this to happen, becoming connected to the body in a state of stillness with just as much awareness as you bring to the rest of the class. Exercising the muscle of the brain is part of what makes you stronger. I will also remind them that it is in the state of homeostasis that the body begins to heal and absorb what has just happened and that taking that time for healing will greatly benefit their practice.
Really there is so much to say about such a quiet part of the practice, and so many ways to encourage it :)
Now many more of my students stay than leave, and many times now they all stay :) Now too I mention to those who run off to keep their heart going and hit the cardio machines, that if they can after their done take the time to find that clam moment then instead. It seams to work :)