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.'

Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners: Top 5 Tips to Stay Consistent

Busy schedules make mindfulness hard to stick with, but small steps can help. Start with short sessions, use daily gaps, and don’t wait for silence. Set reminders and accept each practice as a learning experience. Stay consistent with simple effort. Over time, mindfulness improves your mood and will become a natural part of everyday life.

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Stress, anxiety, or depression can negatively affect your mental health. You may not always be able to opt for regular counselling sessions. This is where mindfulness meditation for beginners comes into play. These techniques can help you improve your mood and emotional well-being without taking up much time. But still, many beginners fail to maintain consistency.

Hello! I’m Sandy Orkin, a mindfulness meditation teacher. In our classes, I will help you maintain consistency even when you are maintaining a busy routine. Let’s dive in!

How Beginners Become Consistent with Mindfulness Meditation

1. Start with Small Steps

No need to practice all the mindfulness meditation techniques on the same day. It may feel heavy, and you may lack motivation and consistency after a few days. Start with just a few minutes of practice. Just simply focus on your breathing, and when you become distracted by thoughts, feelings and sounds, just “Let them be” and keep returning to your breath. These small techniques can be powerful, and you will notice it gradually how easily it becomes.

2. Find Out Gaps

If you are maintaining the same routine every day, integrating mindfulness meditation into your life is much easier than you think. All you need to do is find the gaps. Pick a moment in your day when you have nothing to do, set aside your phone and just focus on your breath during that short gap.

3. Don’t Wait for Perfect Silence

Some people try to find quiet spaces to practice. Mindfulness meditation is all about reducing the noise (thoughts and rumination) inside, not outside. So, no need to wait for perfect silence. Focus on your breath, and, when thoughts arise, just observe them without judging or fighting with them. Learn to allow them to come and go! Don’t cling to them.

4. Use Reminders

You will forget. Busy life does that. Set a phone reminder. Or keep a sticky note. Something simple. In my online Zoom sessions, I help individuals become more consistent in practicing mindfulness meditation….and with the added element of enjoyment.

5. Keep it Real, Not Perfect

Some days, your mind will run rampant with thoughts. That’s normal. You are not failing. You are simply in the process of changing your relationship to your thoughts; thereby, learning to make healthier choices when you react detrimentally to your thoughts.

You don’t need long hours or a quiet life to meditate. You just need to make a small, honest effort, even on busy days. Stay gentle with yourself. Keep showing up. That’s how mindfulness becomes part of your everyday life. I am starting a new series of group of 6 weekly 90-minute classes on Saturday, May 16th, 10:30 AM PDT. You can contact me to learn more about my online sessions and register onsite.