Where do our problems come from? Traditions that emphasize meditation for spiritual development usually recognize that "spirituality" is nothing other than understanding the mind and how our minds actually work. And our problems in life come from our mind. Outside circumstances in our lives vary constantly, and are unpredictable. They are not the source of our suffering. The source is the 6 inches between our ears...
If we are to look for control somewhere, working with our minds, looking inward, would be a good place to start. Its in how we perceive our world and circumstances that we have control. So we meditate to work with our minds, with our perceptions, because we recognize that our perceptions make us happy or sad, frustrated, angry, joyous etc. And perceptions are a choice, we have control over them if we practice having control. This is very good news!
Somewhat ironically, our basic meditation technique is a process of letting go of thoughts and feelings and control, letting thoughts be, letting them float away as they do naturally, or simply not holding onto them with a death grip. This process, over time, changes how we handle life, how we deal with everything that comes up in life. Isn't this what we want? To have a comfortable mind regardless of outer turmoil? "Stress" does not exist until we bring it into existence, artificially and contrived, in our mind. Meditation helps short-circuit this process. And the result is relaxation.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
April schedule changes
Greetings!
Class will not be held April 21'st, as I'll be away. We are scheduled for class each week in May.
Let's all keep practicing!
Class will not be held April 21'st, as I'll be away. We are scheduled for class each week in May.
Let's all keep practicing!
Monday, March 29, 2010
Enjoying Stress
Hello Qigong'ers,
It seems we're due for an update. Class is on every Wednesday, same as always. If it is ever cancelled, it will be posted here and at our front desk (call 774.6251 to check).
There is a guiding principle for this class and for my work in our office:
It seems to me like our minds are more imbalanced than our bodies, so lately we have been focusing on meditation. Soon we will be incorporating more Wujigong, a shamanic-qigong style from early Taoism.
Also, we have recently began working with Tonglen meditation, a special practice to change our relationship to life's challenges, extend kindness to others, and to relax into stress. FMI, come to class.
All we ever have to do is relax.
It seems we're due for an update. Class is on every Wednesday, same as always. If it is ever cancelled, it will be posted here and at our front desk (call 774.6251 to check).
There is a guiding principle for this class and for my work in our office:
Healthy bodies enjoy movement; Healthy minds enjoy stillness
It seems to me like our minds are more imbalanced than our bodies, so lately we have been focusing on meditation. Soon we will be incorporating more Wujigong, a shamanic-qigong style from early Taoism.
Also, we have recently began working with Tonglen meditation, a special practice to change our relationship to life's challenges, extend kindness to others, and to relax into stress. FMI, come to class.
All we ever have to do is relax.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Classes Resume in January
Warm Winter Greetings!
Here is our schedule for January-February:
6:30-7:15pm, every Wednesday night throughout January and February. We'll be focusing on shamatha meditation with some other eastern techniques mixed in, such as Qi self massage, stretching and Acupressure to assist us in sitting meditation.
Remember, all are welcome, so please invite friends! Our purpose for this class is to introduce people to meditation and qigong, and assist people in developing a daily practice.
You may call to register at 774.6251, or drop in. Calling ahead helps us know how much space we need.
Here is our schedule for January-February:
6:30-7:15pm, every Wednesday night throughout January and February. We'll be focusing on shamatha meditation with some other eastern techniques mixed in, such as Qi self massage, stretching and Acupressure to assist us in sitting meditation.
Remember, all are welcome, so please invite friends! Our purpose for this class is to introduce people to meditation and qigong, and assist people in developing a daily practice.
You may call to register at 774.6251, or drop in. Calling ahead helps us know how much space we need.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
November-December schedule
Hello fellow Qi cultivators!
Here's our schedule for the next few months:
Nov 4: Class is on
Nov 11: No class, I'll be in Colorado for a qigong training
Nov 18: Class is on
Nov 25: No class due to holiday
Dec 2: no class, I'll be out for meditation retreat
Dec 9: Class is on
Dec16: Our Last class till January 2010
Here's our schedule for the next few months:
Nov 4: Class is on
Nov 11: No class, I'll be in Colorado for a qigong training
Nov 18: Class is on
Nov 25: No class due to holiday
Dec 2: no class, I'll be out for meditation retreat
Dec 9: Class is on
Dec16: Our Last class till January 2010
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Seasonal Balancing
Hello folks,
As we transition from season to season, there are many things to consider in order to keep healthy. Many traditional systems of medicine including Chinese medicine state very firmly that people are more likely to become ill at the change of each season, because our natural environment influences our health. Our geography influences our health as well. We are best to adapt to local conditions, and to eat what grows in season, locally. The energy of food grown in El Salvador may not resonate with my energy here in Maine.
Seasonal changes alter the energy around us, and we transition from season to season with internal energetical movements as well. For example, as fall becomes winter, the predominant energy of Lung, in the metal element, must transition to Kidney, in the water element. A smooth transition helps ensure health.
Qigong and diet are two ways we can help move the energy along gently. Acupuncture is another method. We'll talk more about this in upcoming classes.
As we transition from season to season, there are many things to consider in order to keep healthy. Many traditional systems of medicine including Chinese medicine state very firmly that people are more likely to become ill at the change of each season, because our natural environment influences our health. Our geography influences our health as well. We are best to adapt to local conditions, and to eat what grows in season, locally. The energy of food grown in El Salvador may not resonate with my energy here in Maine.
Seasonal changes alter the energy around us, and we transition from season to season with internal energetical movements as well. For example, as fall becomes winter, the predominant energy of Lung, in the metal element, must transition to Kidney, in the water element. A smooth transition helps ensure health.
Qigong and diet are two ways we can help move the energy along gently. Acupuncture is another method. We'll talk more about this in upcoming classes.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
End of September Update
Hi All,
Next weeks class, sept.30, will be cancelled, as I'll be out of town. We'll resume the following week. Below are a few links for some enjoyable videos related to meditation and qigong...
http://www.pemachodronfoundation.org/bill-moyers-with-pema-chdrn/
http://www.shambhala.org/meditation/
See Ya'll soon!
Next weeks class, sept.30, will be cancelled, as I'll be out of town. We'll resume the following week. Below are a few links for some enjoyable videos related to meditation and qigong...
http://www.pemachodronfoundation.org/bill-moyers-with-pema-chdrn/
http://www.shambhala.org/meditation/
See Ya'll soon!
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