Essentially, meditation is a process by which we begin to free the mind from distraction; from thoughts, sensations, worries, expectations, and desires. In meditation, we use a point of focus, to learn to notice the space between thoughts, and to dive deeply into the peaceful stillness of these spaces.

Our Mind’s, are so often busy with everyday life, things to do, things to plan, things to remember… During your meditation practice you’ll notice how often these thoughts come along and entice us away from the inner peace and stillness. Don’t be dismayed, this is part of the process. When you notice it happening, let go of the thought and bring your attention back to the original point of focus – whether it be the breath, a candle, or music.

With regular practice, you’ll find that meditation is no longer something you “do”, rather it becomes a way of ‘being’ in your life. A way of committing fully to the present moment - just as it is without the distraction of thoughts, desires or expectations. As you do the dishes, brush your teeth, or walk into your office, this mindfulness or one-pointed focus, creates the possibility of identifying instead with the stillness – beyond the thoughts.

Why Meditate?

Neuroscientists have discovered scientific evidence supporting what the wise yogi’s have known now for centuries.
Meditation – alters our brains activity, encouraging a more relaxed, more peaceful state. It can then reduce the negative effects of stress (all the one’s we have come to live with as a “normal” part of our everyday life - like digestive problems, high blood pressure, lowered immunity, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease). And with regular practice, allows us to manage daily stressors more effectively.
If you’re worried about having to spend hours a day to enjoy these benefits, don’t be. These are benefits you can begin to experience when you practice as little as 10 minutes a day!

But don’t just believe what you read, try out the practice below, come along to one of our classes and experience the power of meditation for yourself.

So how do I know if I’m doing it right?
There are numerous traditions, and as many ways to meditate as there are people practising it. But if you feel better by the time you finish, then you are probably doing it right. If you’re still not sure, come along to one of our classes and ask a teacher.

Begin by finding a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Allow your body to relax. As you release tension from your body, you begin to release tension from your mind.

In your minds eye, visualise yourself walking towards a stream. You stop beside the stream, and looking around, you notice a moss covered rock not too far away. The moss has been gently warmed by the sun and looks like a comfortable place to sit.

Sitting down, begin to turn your attention to the stream. Watching as the water ebbs and flows along. Begin to visualise your thoughts flow along with the water. Notice each thought, not trying to stop them, but not connecting with them either. Simply notice them as they flow past you along the stream…

You sit comfortably, on the rock; which is steady like that part of you that now watches those thoughts…

Any thoughts or sensations that you notice label them and allow them to continue to flow along the stream.
If it’s an itch, label it “sensation” and repeat, “sensation, sensation, sensation” for as long as you can see it in the stream.
If it’s a thought, perhaps about your day, or about something you have to do later on, label it “thought” and repeat “thought, thought, thought” for as long as it stays present in the stream.

If you notice yourself connecting with and following a certain thought or sensation, gently let it go, bringing your attention back once more to watching and labelling…
This may happen many times. Come back to a sense of compassion, and let go of any judgement, criticism or frustration. See these as further “thoughts” or “sensations” to watch flow along the stream.

Keep bringing your mind back to the rock… back to watching… coming back again and again and again…

When you’re ready, letting go of the rock, and of the stream, and bringing your awareness back to your body. Take a moment to notice how you feel… physically, mentally and emotionally.
Then begin to notice what’s around you, the sounds, and the light. When you feel ready, open your eyes.
Your practise is finished.