Class Topics

Meditation

Meditation is not doing. We are always taught how to do, but we have never been taught how NOT to do... how to just be, in the present moment. Meditation is a stopping... When you stop your thoughts, emotions, and strategies, what remains is peace, freedom, and pure joy.

There are many meditation techniques and they all work. As they say, "All roads lead to Rome." What is important is to find a teacher and to begin practicing a meditation technique for a given period of time. Do not be frustrated in the beginning if you find you are restless and that your mind is wandering ceaselessly. Our mind has been on autopilot for years, and now we are taking over the controls. Have patience. It will take a bit of time. If you continue to focus on the technique you have been taught, eventually your mind and emotions will slow down, and eventually you will stop altogether. As you begin to slow down, you will experience a deep sense of joy and release. You will realize that meditation is simple and extremely fundamental to the nature of existence, and it is something you have always known deep inside how to do.

By meditating, even for 15 minutes twice a day, you will be rejuvenated and will begin to notice the subtle effects of meditation spill over into your daily life. You will notice that you can walk through life with more patience, more freedom, more joy, and the ability to react differently to challenging situations. The trick is to practice meditation consistently each day. It is making the commitment to yourself that each day, you will set aside "Your Time" to drop out... and just be, in stillness, in peace.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a complementary practice to meditation that you can incorporate into your daily activities. Mindfulness is the practice of watching and noticing the types of thoughts we have. Our thoughts have immense impact on us. They shape us and define who we are. A principle concept in Buddhism is "What you focus upon, you will become." Otherwise stated as "We are what we think." Consequently, if we are thinking negative, depressed, and destructive thoughts most of the day, that will form our reality. We will become negative, depressed and destructive.

Fortunately, there is a choice! By incorporating techniques of mindfulness, you can reframe your thoughts and emotions. If a negative thought arises, you can notice it, step back and decide... I don't have to think that. Instead you can take a breath and choose to focus on a positive thought. This practice may sound simple, but mindfulness coupled with meditation is incredibly powerful.

You are invited to attend our free classes to find out for yourself.