What is the difference between “Meditation” and “Mindfulness”?

Mindfulness is rooted in meditation, which stems from the teachings of Buddha focused on tranquility and insight. Jon Kabat-Zinn introduced Mindfulness to Western culture through his MBSR program to present the practice in a secular way. Mindfulness is now considered a modern, Western approach to traditional Eastern meditation techniques.

Will Meditation/Mindfulness turn me into a Zombie?

No. Research does not support this idea. In fact, meditation and mindfulness help you become more aware of emotional and reactive changes, not less.

What form of practice is taught at The Meditation Tree?

The Meditation Tree teaches practices rooted in Eastern meditation such as Theravada Buddhism, Ānāpānasati, and Vipassana. These form the basis for a mindfulness practice, along with guided, contemplative, visual, metta, walking, and standing meditations. Teachings may occasionally include elements of Taoism and Confucianism.

Who is Buddha, any way?

Buddha, born as Siddharta Gautama, lived around 2600 years ago. He was a human being, philosopher, and teacher who discovered a method to overcome emotional and physical suffering through meditation and moral conduct. He is not considered a deity. His teachings form the philosophical foundation of mindfulness practices used today.

Will I have to say 'om'?

No. The focus of mindfulness training here is the breath. You will not be required to chant 'om.'

Do I need to believe in any religious doctrine to meditate effectively?

No. The meditation and mindfulness techniques taught are secular and not tied to any religious belief. Concentration, awareness, and wisdom are accessible to anyone.

How much time will I have to spend meditating?

You can meditate for as much time as works for you. Consistency is more important than duration. As your practice develops, your meditation time naturally increases without effort.

Am I required to sit on the floor?

No. You may sit on the floor or on a chair. The goal is simply to find a comfortable position with a straight spine that allows unrestricted breathing.

Can I take private lessons?

Yes. Private lessons are available, though group settings are encouraged because shared intention and group energy often make the experience more powerful.

How long will it take for me to see results?

The timeline varies for everyone. Results depend on consistency and daily practice. While weekly classes are helpful, daily meditation leads to the most meaningful changes. Early results are subtle shifts in awareness and reactions to thoughts, which develop over time.

Will I become enlightened?

Enlightenment is widely misunderstood. If viewed as increased awareness or insight, then yes, you may experience it over time. As Lao Tzu said, 'Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment.'

A PERSONAL NEW YEAR’S WISH! — The Meditation Tree

Happy New Year to All! May 2026 bring you not only much Joy, Happiness and Good Health, may it be a Year of Positive Change.

As pointed out by many of our great philosophers, we have so little (if any) control over the external events and circumstances in our lives. Happiness is a choice and it is dependent on our own thoughts and conditioned reactions to the frequent and inevitable challenges we have faced throughout our lives.

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When we experience disappointment or what we often label as “failure”, we tend to over-analyze and blame, we direct negative judgements and self-talk towards others and ourselves. We go into a “funk” or often sink into a depressed state of mind. So often, when we cling to our own self-declared expectations, we lose sight of the joy and beauty life affords us. We lose faith in the pursuit of our goals not realizing that the goals we set for ourselves are not always fixed. They are susceptible to change. When faced with a “let-down”, we have to remember we have a choice. We can choose to either suffer by clinging to our negative and detrimental emotional reactions or we can choose to find that renewable energy, that resides within us and then, to simply move forward in life with renewed aspirations, dreams and goals.

So, my wish for you this New Year, when the unexpected arises, you find a renewed sense of purpose in your lives. May we remind ourselves that we are here to enjoy life to enjoy and help each other to live with much compassion, with much kindness and respect towards ourselves and others. We must seek personal fulfillment and to move forward in our lives despite our “ups & downs”. This is what rewards us with HAPPINESS and all the joy we need and seek.

The ability to CHANGING our patterns of negative thinking and reacting to our behavioral patterns in the same harmful way over and over again is one of the many benefits of a daily Mindfulness Meditation practice. All it takes is determination and as little as 10 to 20 minutes a day to create the changes you need to find a more positive and productive alliance with your innerself.

"I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can CHOOSE which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn't arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I'm going to be happy in it,"- Groucho Marx

“Meditation and Mindfulness teaches us to know oneself as one is.”