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Posts Tagged ‘how to meditate’ Simple Choices
The choices in meditation cushions here are actually simple. It all comes down to a question of height and flexibility. What, for you, is the right distance between your bottom and the floor? The Goal: you are high enough so your thighs angle downward from your hips. When they do, your back can be straight without straining. An upright meditation posture that allows you to relax and breath freely is the point.
A Cloud Bench is like a meditation chair, just lower. The firm foam block in a beautiful fabric cover ... continue reading
 Giving and Knowing
Generosity is our genes. The word comes from the root genus, meaning of good or noble birth. Noble, in turn, comes from the root gnosis—to know. Generosity speaks to the natural expression of an inherent goodness in human beings that both knows, and by its expression, is known.
This summer, my wife and I are hosting Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and his family at our home in Vermont. The Sakyong (a Tibetan title meaning ‘Earth Protector’) is leading back-to-back retreats at Karmê Chöling, the meditation center in Barnet.
For the month-long visit, Jeanine ... continue reading
 Practice Makes Perfect
Not too long ago, the New Yorker magazine reported on a study of successful start-up companies. What makes some new ventures take off, they asked, while others never seem to get anywhere? We could ask the same question of spiritual practitioners. Like entrepreneurs looking for a market, seekers seek to understand what the world is asking of them, and how by uncovering their own potential, they can offer something of themselves. Something that will meet a real need in their community, in their world.
Karmê Chöling is a residential retreat center ... continue reading
 When Suitcases Fly
As if by magic, the suitcase was flying through the air. Well, in my defense, it wasn’t a suitcase really, more of a carry-on bag. But it was definitely airborne. It flew through the open door, crossing the threshold of our house well off the ground and landing with a thud that startled our granddaughter who had just entered the mudroom.
Later, I would defend myself, saying that at least I didn’t throw the thing at anyone. It landed safely. No one was hurt. Suffice to say, none of these explanations ... continue reading
Starting Over
It’s been too long since we took the time
No-one’s to blame, I know time flies so quickly
But when I see you darling
It’s like we both are falling in love again
It’ll be just like starting over, starting over
—John Lennon (Starting Over)
The initial love affair with our sitting meditation practice is over. We can’t remember anymore why we do it. We began our practice with high hopes and enthusiasm. We imagined what life would be like with the “new” mind that our meditative discipline would bring us. But nothing has panned out ... continue reading
Ten Ways to Support Your Meditation Practice
1. Lighten Up. Meditation is making room to be kind to yourself (and by extension to others). Sure, in this economy it’s good to have extra work, but being hard on yourself is a job you can afford to quit. Just “let it be” a little. It’s simple: breathe, look, listen. It’s a long story. Let it go.
2. Tell the Truth. In sitting meditation you face facts (other things too). Scheming doesn’t help; you’re only fooling yourself. Choose your words, but say how you feel. Don’t defend your point of ... continue reading
Meditation: Your Cup of Tea?
Sometimes, the formal practice of sitting meditation feels like a stretch. What does sitting quietly, upright on our meditation cushion, have to do with, well, anything, we ask ourselves? Life is moving fast. It seems to require speed and efficiency. Meditation practice is about slowing down. Aren’t these two heading in opposite directions? We feel trapped in a choice of our own making — life and living it — and our discipline of meditation, which doesn’t relate.
There is the vague sense that the regular practice of meditation had been important ... continue reading
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