QUESTION

Is there an ideal body position to meditate in? What do I do with my eyes, face and hands while meditating? 

REFLECTION

There are countless body positions and techniques of what to do with your eyes, face and hands. For a beginner, consistency is very important as you learn to sit and still your mind. We recommend you listen to our guided meditation (link), where we walk you through a basic meditation posture. As your practice grows, you may discover other positions for sitting, holding your hands, face and eyes that best suite your individual needs and comfort.

QUESTION

I’ve heard meditation is just about breathing, is that right? 

REFLECTION

Yes. In many ways, meditation is simply learning how to breathe consciously. Almost every form of meditation begins with awareness of the breath. Breath can be seen as the bridge that connects life to consciousness, which unites your body with your thoughts. With mindfulness meditation, whenever your mind becomes scattered, you use your breath to bring it back to the present moment.. 

QUESTION

Do I need a teacher? 

REFLECTION

Developing a practice of meditation is simple, but not easy. The foundation of a practice is commitment and discipline. The challenge is finding the method of meditation that is a good fit for you. There is no “one size fits all”. If you are seeking a teacher, be a skeptic: anytime someone tells you that their way is the “right” and only way, move on quickly with your search. You can learn meditation from books and videos, but it may be very difficult to get answers to individual challenges you may experience. Be patient with your search. If you can't find a teacher, please continue your meditation practice. “The teacher will come when the student is ready.”

QUESTION

I’ve heard you have to meditate for hours or don't bother, is this true?

REFLECTION

In practicing meditation, you are not trying to live up to some kind of ideal – quite the opposite. You are simply being with your experience, whatever that is. You are seeking to be your whole, authentic self, rather than a quantified self. 

QUESTION

I’ve been told not to have any expectations of meditation, why should I do it then? 

REFLECTION

Expectations prompt the mind to wander into the future and move us further from the only thing we have, this moment. With practice, we can train our mind to be with the experience, whatever it is. This very moment- simply observing it, is the perfect teacher and it is always with us.

QUESTION

I’ve meditated for awhile and lately I can’t bring focus to my breath at the beginning, are there any techniques that can help me? 

REFLECTION

Everything good in life begins with patience. Practice being gentle with yourself. When a technique is “not working”, you have three options: find a new practice; accept the unsettled feeling as your teacher and learn how to work through the challenging part of your practice; or use a tool within the existing practice such as the guided meditation to get back to the basics of your practice. 

QUESTION

How can I learn more about meditation? 

REFLECTION

Please view our Resources Page (Suggested Readings)

QUESTION

Both of my children are excelling in the accelerated academic programs at their schools, yet they are stressed, anxious and having trouble sleeping at night. Would meditation help them? If so, what is the best way to teach them?

REFLECTION

Meditation would help them tremendously. It will teach them how to create a quiet space within, where they can truly relax and connect with themselves. This will help them deal with the stressors in their lives, feel less anxious and sleep more soundly at night. 

The best way to teach your children how to meditate is to practice with them. Start with simply breathing slowly in and out together, thinking only of the sensation of the flow of each breath going in and out. Next, practice a progressive relaxation meditation. Begin with your toes and slowly move up the body, acknowledging and relaxing each part as you move up. Once your children are comfortable with these techniques, together you can explore other meditations. If you don’t feel comfortable teaching your children, there are several practitioners who offer this service. 

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