Mindfulness workshops start Tuesday,January11, 2016

The 8-week workshop is for good people, living good lives, who have got into a jam, just cant get rid of certain thoughts, however hard they try. All you lack is the proper tools. These mindfulness tools are for you.

You probably have lots of negative thinking. These toxic thoughts may have led to a lot of self-doubt, to a series of depressions, to an ongoing sense of depression, to generalized anxiety, or just a general sense of being adrift and out of control. The workshop teaches mindfulness skills combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques.

Participants learn how to

The next workshop meets:

Tuesday mornings, 10:00 am-12:15 pm, beginning January 11, 2016. 8-Week workshop. Pre-registration required.

Tuesday evenings, 6:30 8:45 pm, beginning Tuesday, January 11, 2016. 8-Week Workshop.

These workshopincludes the 8 weekly sessions of 2 1/4 hours each, a free 5-hour day of mindfulness, the workbook and 4 hours of guided meditations.

The Mindfulness Workshop meets in the Gramercy neighborhood, Park Avenue and 22nd Street in Manhattan.

In each class there is a guided meditation and extensive discussion with guidance from the teacher; much of the learning occurs during this discussion. there are no bad questions. Then there is a presentation of new skills, discussion, and explanation of how to do the home practices for the coming week. Each week there is an intention that participants do about 45 minutes of daily mindfulness activity.

To start registration, or to ask questions, please use the CONTACT form or call 917-202-5148.

The workshop includes instruction in mindfulness meditation practice, body awareness, group dialog and inquiry, and provides a 200+ page daily practice support workbook, and CD with 4 hours of guided meditations.

The workshop helps people reduce the power of negative thinking, helps people keep their moods more stable, helps people live more fulfilling lives. It does this by helping people learn to focus their attention onto present experience, without judgement. When noticing the present, they are not ruminating about the past, or worrying about the future and that in itself is of value.

Click here to request more information.

Mark Williams on stress and anxiety and how mindfulness can help.

Each week we meet for 2 1/4 hours, or a little longer. We typically start with a live, guided meditation, and discuss it immediately after it ends. Much learning occurs here, as there is no chance for the experience to get fuzzy from the passage of time, and plenty of time to explore the difficulties that come up. Next, we talk about the daily home practice from the previous week. Much is to learned by discussing any obstacles that have come up. Then new material is presented and discussed, and finally home practice for the coming week is reviewed.

Participants can attend a free Day of Mindfulness, held on a Saturday after the 5th session. Many report that this day helps solidify the mindfulness practices they have been learning. They also report experiencing routine existence in a new and vital way.

It is both new age, and scientifically validated. The workshop is based on the MBSR program created by Jon Kabat Zinn about 30 years ago. Ten years ago three world-renowned psychologists modified that, adding principles of cognitive-behavioral treatment to create Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This workshop has been researched with control groups, and replicated, all successfully. It has been found to be as effective as anti-depressants in certain circumstances.

It is the basis for a lot of the most exciting and innovative treatments now being developed in psychotherapy. Donald Fleck has taught this workshop 26 times over 8 years. It is clear that it can bring greater energy, improved self-compassion, and relief from the turbulence of stress, emotions and negative thoughts

Want to know more about the teacher? Go here: Donalds training and experience.

Questions? Want to Register?

Call Donald Fleck 917- 202-5148

We will speak briefly by phone, to get an idea of how the workshop might help you. You will also have a chance to ask questions.

Or use theContactform.

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Mindfulness, Meditation and Psychotherapy in NYC

How to Meditate

Part I: How to establish a daily sitting practice

Before you sit As with all things, start where you are. You have everything you need right now. First, decide to sit each day. Next, plan the time, place and duration for your sitting meditation.

Choose a time Morning is often best because the mind is calmer than it is later in the day. However, the best time is the time that you can commit to on a regular basis. If one longer sit isnt possible, try two shorter ones.

Choose a space There is no perfect place. If possible, dedicate a space exclusively to your daily sitting. Choose a relatively quiet space where you can leave your cushion (or chair) so that it is always there to return to. You may want to create an altar with a candle, inspiring photos or statues. These are not necessary, but are beneficial if they help to motivate you.

Choose a duration As long as is comfortable, plus 5 minutes. This is a general guide, not a rule. Even fifteen or twenty minutes will seem an eternity in the beginning, but that impression will change with time. If you sit each day, you will experience noticeable benefits (e.g., less reactivity, more calm) and be able to increase your sitting time.

Every time you sit: Set your intention: It is helpful to recall at the start of each sitting meditation why you are doing it. Remember that your purpose, to become more open and free, will benefit you and those around you.

Set your posture Alertness is one of the two essential ingredients in every meditation. Sit on a chair, cushion, or kneeling bench as straight and tall as possible. In the beginning, sitting against a wall can help you learn what a straight back feels like. Around this straight-back position, let the rest of your skeleton and muscles hang freely. Let the hands rest comfortably on your knees or lap. Let the eyes close, bringing the attention inward.

Relax deeply Openness is the second essential ingredient in every meditation. Once you feel your spine is erect, let everything else relax, hang loose, and soften. Breathing through the nose, loosen the face, neck, hands, and stomach area. You may want to begin at the scalp and move your attention slowly downward, methodically relaxing and softening each part of the body. Please dont skip the step of relaxing/letting go! Consciously releasing body tension will help you open to whatever arises during your meditation.

Choose an object of meditation Once youve established this alert and open posture, you are ready to decide where youll place your attention. Useful objects for beginners are:

The breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. Other body changes during breathing, e.g., the rise and fall of the chest. Sounds as they arise from within the body or outside of it. Other body sensations as they arise.

Whatever object you select, stay with it for at least ten breaths. Even with this effort, your mind will insist on going to its usual places. Make note of this when it happens, and gently lead your attention back to the chosen object of meditation. Your intention and persistence are the key ingredients for cultivating awareness, not the number of times your mind wanders. As often as you need to, check yourselfAlert and erect? Relaxed and open? and begin again.

The classical objects of meditation: The four objects of meditation that the Buddha outlined in the Satipatthana Sutta are called the four foundations of mindfulness or the four frameworks for cultivating mindfulness. They are:

1) Mindfulness of the body (starting with breath). 2) Mindfulness of feeling (there are 3 pleasant, unpleasant, and neutral). 3) Mindfulness of mental objects (thoughts and emotions). 4) Mindfulness of all dharmas (all phenomena), starting with the 5 hindrances and the 7 factors of enlightenment and proceeding to all the sense and thought experiences that make up human life.

If you are interested in learning more about the four foundations of mindfulness, read Breath by Breath by Larry Rosenberg, or The Heart of Buddhist Meditation by Nyanaponika Thera.

A different object of meditation Metta practice, also called lovingkindness meditation, cultivates both compassion and concentration. The practice uses specific phrases to send loving and kind wishes to (a) yourself, (b) your parents, (c) your teachers or mentors, (d) your family, (e) your friends, (f) neutral persons, (g) difficult persons (or enemies), and (h) to all beings everywhere, without exception. The phrases might be:

May I be filled with lovingkindness May I be safe from harm May I be well May I be peaceful and at ease May I be happy May my parents be filled with lovingkindness May they be safe from harm(etc.)

To learn more about metta meditation, read Lovingkindness by Sharon Salzburg.

Concentration and mindfulness It will be important as you practice to recognize and balance the qualities of concentration and mindfulness. Concentration is the ability to gather your attention into one place. Mindfulness is pure moment-by-moment noticing. Without some concentration, mindfulness is difficult to sustain. Without mindfulness, concentration bears no fruit. In meditation practice, both are developed gradually.

Part II: Common issues for meditators

Monkey mind At first, you may be surprised at how active and uncontrolled your mind is. Dont worry you are discovering the truth about your current state of mind. Accept and sit with whatever comes up. Dont try to change it by force, use patience. Sit up, relax, and gently bring your attention back again and again to the object of your meditation.

It is common to mistake thinking for meditating. It takes practice to distinguish pleasant, dreamy thoughts from having your attention connected to the changing experience of this moment. Staying focused on the body/breath is a good way to stay grounded in the present.

The hindrances The classical five hindrances to practice are:

Grasping: wanting more (or something different) from whats present right now. Aversion: fear, anger, any form of pushing away. Restlessness: jumpy energy, agitation. Sloth and torpor: sleepy, sinking states of mind and body. Doubt: a mind-trap that says, its no use, this will never work, maybe theres an easier way.

Meditators experience all of these states. During sitting practice, if you notice one of the hindrances arising, it is useful to name it silently to yourself, e.g., grasping, grasping or sleepy, sleepy. If it is strong, try not to pull away from the difficult energy, but bring all of your attention to it. Let yourself experience it fully through the sensations in your body, neither getting lost in it nor pushing it away. Watch what happens without expectations, and when it dissipates, return to the primary focus of your meditation. As Ven. Henepola Gunaratana encourages in Mindfulness in Plain English: Examine [the hindrances] to death. When you clearly see the suffering created by grasping and aversion, you will naturally start to let them go.

Part III: Sustaining a practice

Here are just a few helpful hints for sustaining your sitting practice:

Sit every day, even if its for a short period. A few times during each day, establish contact with your body and breath. Remember that everyone wants to be happy, just like you. Practice regularly with a group or a friend. Use inspiring resources such as books or audiotapes of dharma talks. Study the Buddhadharma (e.g., the 4 Noble Truths, the Noble 8-Fold Path). Sign up for a retreat one day, a weekend, or longer. The experience will deepen your practice. If you miss a day, a week, or a month simply begin again. If you need guidance, ask for help from an experienced meditator or teacher.

L.J. Kelly, April 2001. Reprinted here with her permission Insight Meditation Community of Washington

See more here:
How to Meditate | New York Insight Meditation Center

If we were able to control our desire there would be no basis to experience most of our daily problems.

We are always trying to escape from problems, even in our dreams. Buddhas teachings are the real method to solve human problems.

In reality, all the problems we experience day to day come from our self-cherishing and self-grasping misconceptions that exaggerate our own importance.

Buddha taught that the mind has the power to create all pleasant and unpleasant objects.

If we want to be free from problems, we must transform our mind.

Problems arise only if we respond to difficulties with a negative state of mind.

If we want to be truly happy and free from suffering, we must learn how to control our mind.

Happiness and suffering are states of mind and so their main causes are not to be found outside the mind.

All functioning things our environments, enjoyments, body, mind and our self change from moment to moment.

Whenever we meet other people, instead of focusing on their delusions we should focus on the gold of their Buddha nature.

We should maintain renunciation the sincere wish to attain permanent liberation day and night. It is the door to liberation the supreme permanent peace of mind and the basis of more advanced realizations.

It often seems as if our mind is like a balloon in the windblown here and there by external circumstances. If we practice meditation eventually we will be able to stay happy all the time, even in the most difficult circumstances.

Bodhi means enlightenment and chitta means mind. Bodhichitta is a mind that spontaneously wishes to attain enlightenment to benefit each and every living being directly.

Compassion and wisdom are like the two wings of a bird with which we can fly to the state of full enlightenment.

By contemplating the many sufferings which humans experience, we should extend our compassion to animals.

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Meditation & Buddhism in NYC

Generally, the purpose of breathing meditation is to calm the mind and develop inner peace. We can use breathing meditations alone or as a preliminary practice to reduce our distractions before engaging in a Lamrim meditation

The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid. This can be accomplished by practising a simple breathing meditation. We choose a quiet place to meditate and sit in a comfortable position. We can sit in the traditional cross-legged posture or in any other position that is comfortable. If we wish, we can sit in a chair. The most important thing is to keep our back straight to prevent our mind from becoming sluggish or sleepy.

The first stage of meditation is to stop distractions and make our mind clearer and more lucid.

We sit with our eyes partially closed and turn our attention to our breathing. We breathe naturally, preferably through the nostrils, without attempting to control our breath, and we try to become aware of the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. This sensation is our object of meditation. We should try to concentrate on it to the exclusion of everything else.

At first, our mind will be very busy, and we might even feel that the meditation is making our mind busier; but in reality we are just becoming more aware of how busy our mind actually is. There will be a great temptation to follow the different thoughts as they arise, but we should resist this and remain focused single-pointedly on the sensation of the breath. If we discover that our mind has wandered and is following our thoughts, we should immediately return it to the breath. We should repeat this as many times as necessary until the mind settles on the breath.

If we practise patiently in this way, gradually our distracting thoughts will subside and we will experience a sense of inner peace and relaxation. Our mind will feel lucid and spacious and we will feel refreshed. When the sea is rough, sediment is churned up and the water becomes murky, but when the wind dies down the mud gradually settles and the water becomes clear. In a similar way, when the otherwise incessant flow of our distracting thoughts is calmed through concentrating on the breath, our mind becomes unusually lucid and clear. We should stay with this state of mental calm for a while. Even though breathing meditation is only a preliminary stage of meditation, it can be quite powerful. We can see from this practice that it is possible to experience inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind, without having to depend at all upon external conditions.

So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind

When the turbulence of distracting thoughts subsides and our mind becomes still, a deep happiness and contentment naturally arises from within. This feeling of contentment and well-being helps us to cope with the busyness and difficulties of daily life. So much of the stress and tension we normally experience comes from our mind, and many of the problems we experience, including ill health, are caused or aggravated by this stress. Just by doing breathing meditation for ten or fifteen minutes each day, we will be able to reduce this stress. We will experience a calm, spacious feeling in the mind, and many of our usual problems will fall away. Difficult situations will become easier to deal with, we will naturally feel warm and well disposed towards other people, and our relationships with others will gradually improve.

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Breathing Meditations | How to Meditate

The Cincinnati Zen Center was founded in 1994 and is part of the Furnace Mountain Sangha, a world-wide Zen community under the direction of Guiding Teacher Zen Master Dae Gak.

The intention of the CZC is to provide a space and the support of community for those looking directly into the matter of this human life so that all beings may be free of suffering. Membership is not required for participation. In the spirit of Sokei-An, the first Zen teacher in America: All who come are welcome and those who leave are not pursued.

Other local centers affiliated with Furnace Mountain include the Northern Kentucky Zen Center, the Zen Fellowship of Dayton and the Christian Meditation Group at Northern Hills United Methodist Church in Cincinnati. See our Weekly Schedule for details.

The Cincinnati Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit religious organization solely supported by donations, event fees, and the generosity of its participants. See our Membership page for details on ways to contribute.

Thank you for your interest in the CZC and in the Dharma. May your efforts save all beings from suffering.

Myogetsu Osho, Resident Teacher Todd Juengling, Abbot Mark Shores, Vice Abbot

Continued here:
Cincinnati Zen Center - Ohio Buddhist Meditation Practice Sangha

Sahaja Yoga means spontaneous union from within. It is an enhanced and enjoyable meditative state of awareness where thoughts are slowed down and stopped. At this level, our sense of self broadens and we start to understand the bigger picture of our existence. There is no trance, hypnotism or creative visualization involved.

To achieve this state one only needs the desire to experience it and a vibrational spark from another to awaken an inner energy called Kundalini. As the energy rises, it enlivens the subtle chakra system that controls many aspects of our lives.

In the short term we gain peace and joy from a pleasant meditation. But with longer-term practice, we open ourselves to transformation as negative and destructive energies and influences in our lives are gradually self-exposed and thus easily discarded. Our system becomes cleansed and we evolve into a better state of balance physically, mentally and emotionally.

Sahaja Yoga International

A registered non-profit group under the name of Vishwa Nirmala Dharma, Sahaja Yoga Meditation is active in cities throughout the US and in more then 100 countries worldwide. It was founded in 1970 by Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi (1923 2011), who was the wife of retired 4-time UN Maritime Secretary General, Sir CP Srivastava. There is not, nor has there ever been a charge for the practice of Sahaja Yoga Meditation. Money cannot buy what has already been created inside. More information maybe found at http://sahajameditation.com/

You can log on anytime to enjoy a free Sahaja Meditation online course at the website, http://www.onlinemeditation.org/

You can join online guided sessions EVERY DAY (Monday Friday) at 8 PM EST at the following link, http://live.sahajameditation.com/stream Here, you will also find the pre-recorded session which will let you meditate any time in case you are unable to attend the live session.

Sahaja Meditation is a unique discovery. Its spontaneous awakening of the internal energy is a precious personal experience. As you meditate, you will notice the positive changes in you and around you. Sahaja practice draws on the great strength of group meditation, which has a more pronounced effect on the practitioner, and we invite you to attend more classes to enjoy growing deeper in your journey of self-discovery.

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Sahaja Meditation in Cincinnati | Free Meditation Instruction ...

The rest in meditation is deeper than the deepest sleep that you can ever have. When the mind becomes free from agitation, is calm and serene and at peace, meditation happens.

The benefits of meditation are manifold. It is an essential practice for mental hygiene. A calm mind, good concentration, clarity of perception, improvement in communication, blossoming of skills and talents, an unshakeable inner strength, healing, the ability to connect to an inner source of energy, relaxation, rejuvenation, and good luck are all natural results of meditating regularly.

In today's world where stress catches on faster than the eye can see or the mind can perceive, meditation is no more a luxury. It is a necessity. To be unconditionally happy and to have peace of mind, we need to tap into the power of meditation.

Sahaj Samadhi Meditation

Sahaj Samadhi Meditation is a mantra-based meditation where a sound vibration (mantra), when used in a specific way, gives you deep relaxation and also keeps you alert. It effortlessly allows the conscious mind to settle down. And when the mind settles down, it lets go of all tension and stress and centers itself in the present moment.

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Meditation | Art of Living India

Meditation Tampa offers crystal-clear meditation instruction and guidance at all levels, from beginners with no experience to those interested in advanced retreats and practices. The center strives to provide high-quality meditation instruction and both weekend and long-term retreats with opportunity for earnest and joyful practice of the core liberation teachings of the Buddha.

All of the teachers at the center are accomplished Western practitioners with substantial experience in deep meditation retreat. These teachers provide both group instruction opportunities and individual guidance, and focus on the core practices of Buddhism: mindfulness, awakening and methods leading directly to realization.

The principal meditation focus is mindfulness of breathing, of feeling tones and of mind. These are in concert with loving kindness, compassion, joy and equanimity practices. As you focus on the heart of the Buddhas teaching, you may find your practice becomes more deep, more rich and that you have a greater understanding of the practice..

Weekly classes, held in Sarasota, Tampa, St Pete, Venice, Ft Myers and elsewhere, are on-going, and each has a purposeful & intentional focus which shifts each month. Classes usually also include a guided meditation. Every meditation session begins with development of Shamata the practice of calm abiding. The second part of the meditation session uses the calm mind as a base for vipasanna or insight and the development of wisdom.

Class focuses include mindfulness of body, mindfulness of feeling tones or vedana, and mindfulness of mind. Teachings are given on both the calming aspects of meditation practice and the investigative elements involved with each of these bases of mindfulness. People may enter the classes at any time, with any level of experience, or from any meditation background as the teachings are non-sectarian all are welcome.

Please feel free to contact us with any question you may have, or simply drop in for an evening class to get a firsthand experience. There is no obligation.

For more informationemail info@Meditation-Tampa.com or call 941.323.3372.

We look forward to seeing you in class.

Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it, no matter if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. Buddha

Original post:
Meditation Tampa

Meditation classes and Modern Buddhism

Kadampa Meditation Center Florida (KMC Florida) is the central hub for Kadampa Buddhism in Florida, located on North Washington Blvd and 7th street. Its purpose is to offer people throughout Sarasota the opportunity to learn about meditation and the practices of Kadampa Buddhism.

We offerweekly meditation classesat the Center and branch locations. The classes are suitable for everyone, from complete beginners to experienced meditators.

KMC Florida also providesmeditation workshopsat the Center andweekend retreatsat the Temple. The workshops and retreats are suitable for everyone, including people with no experience of meditation and experienced meditators.

The Center also offersBuddhist retreats,study programsand daily pujas orchanted prayers. These provide an opportunity to deepen our understanding and experience of Buddhism through systematic study of texts written by Geshe Kelsang Gyatso. A Buddhist Temple in downtown Sarasota, KMC Florida is a place for anyone to enjoy a peaceful and harmonious environment. Everyone, regardless of age, culture or beliefs is welcome to enjoy the peace of mind that the World Peace Temple offers. KMC Florida is open to everyone to enjoy the meditation room, bookshop and garden, or to relax over a cup of tea. Please contact us for more information.

Taught by qualified Western teachers, the meditation classes are very easy to understand and apply to our daily lives. The classes are suitable for both beginners and more advanced practitioners, and emphasize how to meditate and practice in our modern lives. Meditation is a simple yet profound method to improve the quality of our lives and develop inner peace. Through following very simple, practical instructions we can learn to let go of the causes of our pain and dissatisfaction and to gain the inner peace and clarity we seek. We offer a wide range of classes from basic introductions to Buddhist meditation, applying Buddhas teachings to daily life issues such as anger and improving relationships, to comprehensive study programs of Buddhist view, meditation and action. Everyone is welcome.

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Kadampa Meditation Center Florida - Buddhist Temple for ...

Hello all, My name is Hal Martin, the new organizer of Miami Meditation. I am inviting a co-organizer to the group, Laurie Wilson. What I have coming up is way bigger than my little self could possibly handle by myself.

I recently retired from Miami Dade Fire Rescue, after 28 years in the fire service. I spent the first 3- years with Hallandale Fire Rescue, then came to the county. It was a rewarding career and I cherish all the life experiences that it afforded me. Now I move on to my next adventure.

The form of meditation that is me in this now moment is the process of self inquiry. The simple process for knowing who you are. I found it through the teachings of ramana maharshi, who left his body in 1950, and was drawn to his ashram in India 17 years ago. My wife Marcia and I have continued going back every year since. There is a growing lineage of teachers that are sharing their own form of self inquiry. Some that resonate in me, some that do not. My intention is to share with you those that do. Not that I feel the others are wrong or bad. Its just that I want to share with you what I am passionate about.

I looked around the room and from our Meetup website, which is all I have to go by, it looks as if Candace, who I have never met, was sharing a particular style of meditation. I see this as a major change that I suggest we implement in this Meetup. I am open for suggestion. Even though I stepped up to keep this group going, I do not know anything about Clairvision, and I obviously cannot share a style of meditation I do not know. Although, there are many similarities between who I am what she appeared to be sharing.

With that said, here is a brief overview of what I would like to propose to you as a possible outline of Miami Meditation:

1. We are an open and diverse group of meditators, both in members and presenters. 2. Our calendar will offer a wide range of options to choose from allowing the group to find what works for them. 3. This calendar, like life, will be constantly changing.

I look forward to meeting you in the upcoming meetings and can only hope that our offerings can be of service to you in finding your Self through some form of inner experience.

Om shanti, shanti, shanti

Namaste Hal

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Miami Meditation (Miami, FL) - Meetup