[audio:MM-Four-Pebble-Meditation.mp3] Adapted fromThich Nhat Hanh’s “LivingWithout Stress or Fear”… Prior to beginning this meditation practice, you will need to gather four different pebbles each representing distinct aspects of your true nature to live in happiness and free of fear and suffering. The first pebble shall represent a flower; the second a mountain; the third, still […]

From our “soft spot”,we can come to understand the pain & suffering of the world. Bodhichitta helps us to dance with our struggles between letting go and holding on. To actualize and embody this sense of heart and state of mind, one disengages from the relative snare of habitual ego patterns, solidity, separation, and permanence […]

It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. ~Antoine de Saint Exupéry Bodhichitta is a Sanskrit word often referring to the compassionate and loving nature of one’s own being… the noble or awakened heart… like bodhi, which in itself refers to the awakening and […]

All endings are beginnings… Mindfulness can become lax with the anticipation of finishing a meditation practice. It’s important how you handle this transition from simply being back to doing. If you are not particularly careful and attentive toward the end of a formal practice, before you know it you will be off doing something else […]

[audio:MM-Lake-Meditation.mp3] A body of water parts to be receptive then it resumes itself… The mountain image is only one of many that you may find supports your practice and makes it more vivid and elemental. Images of trees, rivers, clouds, and sky can be useful as well. The image itself is not fundamental but it […]

[audio:MM-Mountain-Meditation.mp3] A mountain remains still with calmness abiding all change… When it comes to meditation- mountains have a lot to teach having archetypal significance in all cultures. Rising above all else on our planet, they beckon and overwhelm with their sheer presence. Their nature is elemental… rock…. rock hard, rock solid. In meditation practice, it […]

Befriend oneself unconditionally and listen to the whispered longings of the heart. Maitri is a Sanskrit word that is often translated into meaning unconditional friendship to oneself- or unconditional acceptance of oneself- rejoicing in one’s whole self… one’s light and one’s shadow. More often than not,we disapprove of ourselves, and in some cases we may […]

“Conscious breathing can harmonize the mind with the body.” Breath or conscious breathing is critical in any meditation practice. It’s the universal foundation of the practice. A steady breath yields a stable, calm mind. In meditation, the breath rhythm flows in and out of the nose. If you haven’t done this before with awareness, just […]

Most people who decide to engage in the meditation practice as part of their regular fitness/wellness routine typically purchase a Zafu (pillow) and Zabuton (mat).Whether you are using a Zafu or a block with a blanket, it is usually placed almost in the center of your Zabuton (Mat) or folded blanket. Listed below are some […]

“In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, in the expert’s there are few”. ~ Zen Master, Suzuki Roshi Before you begin your meditation practice, you must understand two essential elements… posture (asana) and breath.We will begin with briefly discussing the first meditation posture… Sitting Posture or Asana (Sanskirt).The purpose is to select a seated […]