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 …

This is the most comprehensive guide to meditation cushions available online. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using meditation cushions, or if you’re a do-it-yourself type, we’ll even teach you how to create your very own meditation cushion. Plus we’ll provide our top picks for those people that simply want …

Benefits | Technique #1 | Technique #2 | Tips “What brought us depth and character are the very things we are often ashamed to talk about, namely, our inferiorities – being bullied on the playground, some physical inadequacy, an abuse inflicted upon us that we were powerless to stop, our failure to achieve what we’d …

I’ve read a lot of books on the topic of meditation over the last few years. Occasionally one will stand out as special. You can just seem to tell when the writing comes from a place of true knowledge and experience. I have, of course, my own tastes and inclinations but I’ve tried to keep …