For those coming to mindfulness for the first time, there is often a sense of uncertainty. For tangible results – calm, productivity, resilience – we want tangible tools. Something as simple as being aware of our breathing for three or four minutes doesn’t (seemingly) hold much promise. Beginner or not, I believe it’s important to continuously challenge …
Meditation music has its own distinct, enticing quality. You know it when you hear it. You probably won’t be surprised to learn that it has a religious origin. Hinduism is the world’s oldest faith and lays claim to many of the contemplative practices, yoga being the most obvious, which we use in a secular context today. …
Nowadays, it is generally accepted that meditation is good for us. We might not be able to ground this belief in our own scientific understanding nor even (especially if we’re beginning) in our experience, but we tend to hold it. Yet as people who take our practice seriously it can be worth having a basic knowledge of the benefits …
Contents: Why Bother? | What is Meditation? | Foundations | Going Deeper | Quick Guide for Those in a Rush Practicing yoga or meditation can feel slightly overwhelming for someone unfamiliar with the practice. With so many different forms of yoga and meditation in our world, it might seem difficult to know where to start. Meditation is …
History | How to Use Prayer Beads | Product Guide Prayer beads, or meditation beads, are common, in some form, to most of the world’s contemplative traditions. Rosary beads are used by Christians. Buddhists and Hindus typically posses what is called a mala (the Sanskrit word for garland). Muslims beads are called misbaha. They are usually …
This article outlines an easily-practiced grounding meditation. There are two stages: the first stage involves settling yourself into a relaxed state whilst the second stage eases your attention deep into your body. These two practices work together to create a sense of calm and stability: beneficial mental qualities to have in any situation. What Does Grounding …
Meditation with the use of the mantra “om” or “aum” is worth learning. It’s a sublimely simple practice. It also happens to be one of the most ancient and is referenced in some of the earliest religious texts. This short article comprises an introduction to the history and meaning of “om meditation” as well as …
When you are somewhat experienced in the practice of meditation and can go in and out of the trance with relative ease, you may start pursuing a deeper meditation, more fulfilling meditative experience. Nothing else can provide a sense of peace and tranquility the way deep meditation can. Many experienced practitioners of meditation wish to unlock …
Anxiety is a very normal part of human existence. Whether you’re applying for a job or speaking in front of a group, chances are you’ve experienced some form of anxiety in your life. In mild cases you may experience an increase in heart rate and breathing, this is to direct the blood into your brain …
I hear so many questions from beginners questioning their ability to meditate. “I’d like to meditate but can’t seem to turn my mind off.” “I know there are so many benefits of meditation. But where do I begin?” “I’m no spiritual guru. Can I really meditate?” “When do I get to levitate?” Okay, maybe the …
The benefits of meditation are many. This is especially so when our lives are marked by hefty workloads, pressing deadlines and (often) a daily cavalcade of difficult people. When stress is the norm rather than the exception, the need for healing becomes pressing. This is why the power of meditation is so important. The monk Bhante Gunaratana …
All of the centers included here run formal meditation retreats. I purposefully haven’t included places that offer accommodation for independent practice (i.e. without any structure or guidance). The list would be too long! Most centers work on a donation basis and even those that don’t are very well-priced so I do hope you consider attending one! Amaravati Monastery, Hertfordshire Amaravati, …
Table of Contents: Benefits | Technique #1 | Technique #2 | Tips “Waking up this morning, I smile. Twenty-four brand new hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh Try beginning your day with a short morning meditation. …
Jump to: Benefits | Technique | Tips Have you heard about the benefits of chakra meditation? Chakras are the psychic energy-centers of the body. They are the confluence of the pathways through which sacred energy (also called chi or prana) passes. “Chakra opening” can be a deeply reinvigorating practice. As a quick point of guidance, don’t …
Meditation should be a joyous, uplifting experience. It should signify a calm space in our life, one where day-to-day turmoils cannot enter. We can heighten this feeling by treating ourselves to some simple accessories: a good meditation cushion, a timer and, perhaps, a well-made meditation shawl. It just goes to make our five or ten …