"AND YOU? WHEN WILL YOU BEGIN THAT LONG JOURNEY INTO YOURSELF?"
And You? When will you begin that long journey into yourself?
-Rumi
Q&A About Mediation
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“Meditation” is the formal practice of creating change within us. This formal practice is rooted in the teachings of Buddha who spoke most highly about tranquility and insight. “Mindfulness” comes about as a result of our formal Meditation Practice. What we gain from the formal practice, i.e., changes in our brain and body, how we become more aware of our negative thought patterns and behaviors eventually become part of our “everyday”life. We can then adopt a more “Mindful” approach to our lifestyle.
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Not research supported! More likely just the opposite...you will become far more aware of your emotional and reactive changes allowing you to make healthier and more productive choices.
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Roots of Eastern Meditation, derived from, particularly, Vipassana Meditation will lay the foundation for a Mindfulness Based Practice but forms of these practices such as guided, contemplative meditation, gratitude and affirmations. self-compassion towards yourself and others, learning how to use your energy for healing (self & others), learning a Mindful apprach to “eating”, how to enhance relationships, how to deal with chronic pain and illness, worry and self-doubt and, of course, stress and anxiety…and more. Certain aspects of Taoism and Confucianism may also be incorporated in the teachings from time to time.
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Buddha, born asSiddharta Gautama some 2600 years ago was a human being (just like an Aristotle or an Alan Watts) who discovered a way to find freedom from physical and emotional suffering, and taught others to reach it through his teaching of meditation and moral conduct. He was an ascetic, philosopher and teacher whose personal beliefs centered on the principle of kindness....to oneself and to others. He was neither a deity nor a man of divinity, He started the movement of Zen-Buddhism. Although many may think of it as a religion, Buddhism is a philosophy and way of life whose roots form the the basis of the Mindfulness practice that now prevails in our Western culture.
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No, but you might find yourself saying “OY”! (Personally, if I had a choice, I’d rather say “OM”). The focus and object of our mindfulness training will be the breath.
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No. The mindfulness/meditation techniques taught here are secular...unrelated to any particular religious belief. Concentration, awareness and wisdom are not bound by religious beliefs.
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Whatever works for you; however, the more time you spend the greater the results. The practice relies more on consistency and once that is developed, the amount of time you spend will organically increase without your realizing it and without a great deal of effort
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No. Nor will you have to stand on your head. We ask that you dress comfortably in “not too tight” clothing. You may sit on the floor or on a chair. It is more of a matter of finding a position where you can sit with a straight spine and breathe without any restriction.
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Certainly. Many of our students prefer private instruction. We also find that that many couples also request private sessions as well. And, of course, if you and a few of your friend(s) wish to book small group sessions during the week, we will do our best to accomodate!
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It is different for everyone. It is dependent upon your consistency and the minutes you meditate on a daily basis. Meditating once a week in a class is certainly beneficial but it’s the consistent daily personal practice that produces results. The benefits and results are subtle at first. They begin with a subtle shift in the way you become aware of your reactions to your conscious thoughts (a change in how you think and the subsequent changes in your neural cellular patterns) that will manifest through practice and patience.
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Perhaps…if you stick your finger in a socket! Enlightenment is an often overused and misunderstood term. If you liken the term “enlightenment” to the term “awareness” or “insight” then you may experience it at some level. The Taoist poet, Lao Tzu, puts it this way: “Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment”.
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You can join live online mindfulness meditation classes through The Meditation Tree. We offer guided sessions, beginner-friendly Zoom classes, and supportive programs for personal wellbeing.
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Our virtual workplace mindfulness sessions are hosted live on Zoom and designed to help teams reduce stress, improve focus, strengthen emotional balance, and support healthier work environments.
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Yes. The Meditation Tree offers private mindfulness sessions online, personalized to help with anxiety, stress relief, burnout, self-doubt, emotional clarity, and better sleep.
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Absolutely! We offer group sessions via Zoom where participants will learn how to develop their own effective Meditation and Mindfulness daily practice. Group beginner classes are generally held Saturday Mornings. After beginner classes, we also hold Advanced 1 hour classes Saturday afternoons,
But we are also open to scheduling groups (and pivate classes) during the week if such interest is shown.
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The tecniques we teach can be applied towards, educators, health professionals, staffs of companies or corporations, and organizations. Our mindfulness sessions support emotional balance, enhanced productivity, stress reduction, and overall well-being. They are available online from all locations.