Stage

Queens Hall arts centre, Hexham An 83-year-old resident rails against the lack of liberty, settling herself on a bench outside and refusing to return despite legal threats and offers of hot-water bottles and fresh knickers

Sun 15 Oct 2023 07.56 EDT

As protests go, it is no Tahrir Square but perhaps no less resolute. At the age of 83, Queenie Blair has had her fill of being nannied. She objects, in particular, to the care-home stipulation against unaccompanied smoking. The staff do not want her setting fire to herself. She prefers her liberty. So she claims what little control she has, sits on a bench and refuses to come indoors.

She spends much of Christina Castlings play sitting there, out in the cold, fending off the various attempts to force, cajole and sweet-talk her back to her room. If it is not legal disclaimers and form-filling, it is hot-water bottles and fresh knickers.

Not a major act of civil disobedience, then, but characteristic of the plays matter-of-fact portrait of life in a care home. Beyond Caring shows what should be the exceptional and the politically outrageous as it is seen from the ground up: the everyday business of a care workers life.

Drawing on interviews with relatives, residents and staff, Castling sets the play pointedly, but subtly, in February 2020, as the residents are coming down with a debilitating virus. At this stage, it is just another stress to add to a litany of shortcomings faced by an overstretched workforce who lack the time to take residents to the toilet, let alone sit down for a healthy chat.

Hanging in the air is the line from Amazing Grace about grace leading us home. After a lifetime of domestic familiarity, the residents find themselves permanently displaced. The heaven of the hymn sounds more promising. Are we too willing, the play asks, to farm out our elderly relatives to a place that is home in name only?

Yet its politics are not strident. Rather, this is a gentle meditation on love and loss, low-key but touching and humane. Fluidly segueing from scene to scene, it is more conversational than dramatic and sometimes loses focus as a result, but in Jonluke McKies production for Gala Durham and the Queens Hall, it is beautifully performed by Judi Earl, Jacqueline Phillips and Rosie Stancliffe, each of them precise, unsentimental and true.

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Beyond Caring review a low-key meditation on love, loss and care homes - The Guardian

SALISBURY A half-day class on mindfulness meditation will be offered Saturday at Internal Arts New England, 102 Bridge Road.

The program, taught by Matthew Daniell of North Shore Insight Meditation Center, will introduce participants to an open style of meditation, rather than focus on just one subject such as the breath.

The class will include instruction in sitting and walking meditation, and there will be time for questions and discussion.

Daniell, who has been practicing Buddhist meditation in various traditions since the 1980s, emphasized the value of mindfulness practice.

If applied in a light and steady way, mindfulness can disentangle us from our tendency to habitually believe and cling to the stories we tell ourselves about experience, he said in a news release. It can help open your mind and heart to living more deeply in the present moment in a way that is simple, inclusive and nourishing.

Before leading North Shore Insight Meditation Center, Daniell was the guiding teacher of the Insight Meditation Center of Newburyport.

The program Saturday runs from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The cost is $45. To register, visit northshoreimc.org.

Internal Arts New England is the home of Great Bay Tai Chi and is a venue for programs offered by other organizations, including North Shore Insight Meditation Center.

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Meditation class slated Saturday | News | newburyportnews.com - The Daily News of Newburyport

Peloton has released their first-ever walking meditation classes, which are meditations designed to be taken while walking instead of in a traditional meditation pose. Peloton shared the news via the @PelotonStudios Instagram Stories.

11 new classes are available, housed within a dedicated collection. The instructors include Mariana Fernndez, Anna Greenberg, Denis Morton, Kirra Michel, Chelsea Jackson Roberts, and Ross Rayburn; and classes range from 10-20 minutes in length. You can view the complete class list below:

Note that the classes are designated as a walking modality rather than a meditation modality. However, even though they are walks, at this time they do not seem to track your mileage as other outdoor walks / classes would. It is not clear if this will be changed in a future update or not.

As of publishing time the classes can only be viewed within the collection itself, not within the larger on-demand library. The collection is aptly called Walking Meditations, and the description reads:

Walking meditation is the practice of creating equilibrium in body and mind. Step-by-step, learn to focus on your surroundings and stay present as you mindfully move.

Peloton first teased that this new content was on the way in their weekly This Week at Peloton Instagram post. Peloton also published a blog post with additional information about the new classes. In the article, instructor Kirra Michel shares how walking meditations can be beneficial:

Walking meditations are great ways to become present and grounded whilst in motion, says Peloton instructor Kirra Michel. It might be easier to purposefully pay attention to your breath and sensations while seated in a quiet room, but walking while meditating involves a variety of challengesor rather, opportunitiesto be mindful. (Conversely, some people may find it harder to commit to a seated or reclined meditation position, whether on account of discomfort or restlessness.

Though not confirmed, we anticipate Peloton will add to the collection over time with future walking meditation classes. They also may eventually become available within the broader on-demand library, and not solely within the collection.

For more information about walking meditation, check out Pelotons blog post. Will you be taking any of these new classes?

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New Peloton Walking Meditation Classes & Collection Released ... - Pelo Buddy

Our Top Picks

Meditation cushions are an essential tool for those looking to enhance their meditation practice and find comfort while sitting for long periods. After researching and testing numerous cushions on the market, we've identified the best options for you. When choosing a cushion, it's crucial to consider factors such as shape, size, and material. It's also essential to find one that provides proper support and comfort for your body type and personal preferences. Our list includes a variety of cushions, including zafu cushions, crescent-shaped cushions, and meditation benches. Remember to choose a cushion that suits your needs and the type of meditation you practice.

The Florensi Meditation Cushion is the perfect addition to any meditation or yoga practice. With its beautiful velvet cover and premium buckwheat filling, this large floor cushion provides comfortable seating for adults during extended meditation sessions. The traditional Tibetan design adds a touch of elegance to any space, while the supportive and breathable materials help to ease tension and promote relaxation. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting out, the Florensi Meditation Cushion is sure to enhance your practice and provide the comfort and support you need to achieve deeper states of mindfulness.

Rated 9.8 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Comfortable for meditation, Beautiful velvet cover, Premium yoga bolster

The Degrees of Comfort Meditation Floor Pillow is a large square cushion perfect for adults seeking comfortable seating during meditation, yoga, or relaxation. Made with tufted corduroy fabric, this cushion is both soft and durable for long-lasting use. Measuring 22x22 inches, it is the ideal size for outdoor use, as well as for the living room or around the fireplace. With its stylish grey color, it matches any decor and is sure to become a favorite for anyone seeking a comfortable and supportive seating option.

Rated 9.6 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Comfortable seating, Versatile use, Stylish design

Cons

May flatten over time

The Retrospec Sedona Zafu Meditation Cushion is the perfect addition to your meditation practice. Filled with buckwheat hulls, this cushion provides the right amount of support and comfort to enhance your meditation experience. The machine-washable 100% cotton cover makes it easy to keep clean, while the durable carry handle allows for easy transport. Available in both round and crescent shapes, and in a variety of colors, this cushion is perfect for any meditation space.

Rated 9.1 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Comfortable for meditation, Durable cotton cover, Easy to carry handle

Cons

Limited color options

The Codi Meditation Floor Pillow is the perfect addition to any meditation or relaxation space. Measuring at 32 inches, this round cushion provides ample seating for adults and is made with memory foam for added comfort. Its bohemian mandala circle design in a coral multi-color adds a stylish touch to any room or outdoor area. Use it for meditation, yoga, or simply as extra seating around the fireplace or in the living room. This versatile and comfortable cushion is a must-have for any relaxation enthusiast.

Rated 8.8 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Memory foam added, Bohemian mandala design, Suitable for indoor/outdoor use

Cons

Only one color option

The Getmo Resin Meditation Floor Pillow is a great choice for those looking for a comfortable and stylish cushion to use during meditation or other activities. With its chenille material and thick padding, this cushion provides a comfortable seating option for adults. Measuring at 20x20 inches, it's a great size for use in the living room, balcony, or even outdoors. The orange color adds a pop of color to any room and the durable resin construction ensures it will last for many uses to come.

Rated 8.6 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Thick and comfortable cushion, Perfect for meditation and yoga, Stylish and attractive design

Cons

Limited color options

The Boho Floor Pillow is a versatile piece of home decor that doubles as a comfortable meditation cushion. With its large size of 22x22 inches and memory foam filling, this pillow provides ample support for adults during yoga or meditation sessions. The multi patchwork design adds a unique and bohemian touch to any living room or tatami area. This square pillow seating is perfect for those looking for a comfortable and stylish seating option in their home.

Rated 8.3 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Memory foam for comfort, Attractive multi-patchwork design, Versatile for various uses

Cons

May not fit all decor

The Hihealer Meditation Cushion Floor Pillow is the perfect accessory for anyone looking to enhance their meditation practice. With two sets of comfortable pillows and a large floor mat, this cushion set is perfect for women and men of all ages. The buckwheat seat and Tibetan Zafu provide maximum comfort and support for extended periods of meditation, while the calming grey and white design will help create a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned meditator or just starting out, the Hihealer Meditation Cushion Floor Pillow is a must-have for anyone looking to deepen their practice.

Rated 7.9 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Comfortable for meditation, Comes with 2 sets, Stylish design

Cons

May not fit all body types

The Third Eye Export 32" Blue Mandala Hippie Room Decor Floor Pillow is a versatile and stylish addition to any home. Made with high-quality materials, this cushion is perfect for meditation, yoga, or simply lounging around. The beautiful mandala design adds a touch of boho charm to any room, while the comfortable and supportive filling makes it ideal for extended periods of sitting. The round shape and large size provide ample space for seating, and the durable cover is easy to clean and maintain. Whether for indoor or outdoor use, this cushion is sure to impress and provide a comfortable and relaxing seating option.

Rated 7.6 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Colorful and vibrant design, Comfortable seating cushion, Versatile use for indoor/outdoor

Cons

Slightly smaller than expected

The TokSay Buckwheat Large Meditation Cushion Floor Pillow is a must-have for anyone who enjoys meditation or yoga. This comfortable and supportive cushion comes with two covers and measures 16"x16"x5.5". Made with high-quality buckwheat, this cushion conforms to your body and provides excellent support for your spine and hips. It is perfect for sitting on the floor during meditation or yoga practice, and is suitable for both adults and children. The gray color is both calming and stylish, making it a great addition to any meditation or yoga space.

Rated 7.5 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Comfortable sitting experience, Two covers included, Suitable for adults and children

Cons

May be too firm for some

Sioloc Round Floor Pillows are the perfect addition to any home looking for comfortable seating options. These thick meditation pillows are ideal for use as floor cushions for chairs, sofas, or even yoga practice. Available in a beautiful burgundy color and a generous size of 23''x23'', these pillows are suitable for both adults and kids. Made with quality materials, these pillows are durable and easy to clean. Upgrade your home decor and add some extra seating with Sioloc Round Floor Pillows.

Rated 7.1 based on 10

JPOST

Pros

Thick and comfortable, Great for meditation/yoga, Suitable for adults and kids

Cons

Limited color options

Q: What are meditation cushions used for?

A: Meditation cushions are used to provide a comfortable and supportive surface for meditation. They help elevate the hips and promote good posture, which can help reduce discomfort and distractions during meditation.

Q: Can floor pillows be used for yoga?

A: Yes, floor pillows can be used for yoga. They provide a comfortable and supportive surface for restorative yoga poses and can be used to prop up the body in various positions.

Q: What is the difference between a yoga cushion and a meditation cushion?

A: While both yoga cushions and meditation cushions can be used for meditation, yoga cushions are typically larger and more versatile. They can be used for a wider range of yoga poses and can also be used as a bolster or prop during yoga practice. Meditation cushions, on the other hand, are designed specifically for meditation and are typically smaller and more portable.

After conducting in-depth research and testing, we have found that meditation cushions are an essential tool for anyone looking to enhance their meditation practice. These cushions vary in design, size, and material composition, but they all serve the same purpose of providing comfort and support during seated meditation. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced meditator, a high-quality meditation cushion can make all the difference in your practice. We encourage you to invest in a meditation cushion that suits your needs and preferences, and we hope our reviews have been helpful in guiding your decision.

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10 Top Selling Meditation Cushions for 2023 - The Jerusalem Post

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Iva Poshnjari, BNN Bloomberg

Financial planning is often viewed as an analytical, numbers-driven process, but a growing movement is applying mindfulness practices to managing their money. Taking time to calm your nervous system through meditation, journaling or a moment of reflection may lead to better financial decisions through an increased level of self awareness, according to experts. Meditation impacts the way we think and the way we perceive things, Erika Polsinelli, founder of the mediation app Evolve, told BNNBloomberg.ca. It can change how we look at money, how we save money and how we choose to spend it, among other things.

When someone practices meditation, they are influencing their nervous system through breath, Polsinelli explained, which can make an individual less reactive and impulsive in their decision-making.

A meditation practice can take as little as three minutes of your day to be effective and create a shift in your state of mind. Its a really quick way to make changes in your life as fast as possible, she said.

Kundalini mediation, which the Evolve app uses, involves breath work, mantra, movement and mediation to guide people through that inner shift. MONEY HABITS A REFLECTION OF OURSELVES Robyn Thompson, president of Castlemark Wealth Management, said the ability to slow down can help someone reflect on their overall money habits. "When someone overspends repeatedly on things that provide little value, it puts them further from their goals and they will start to feel conflicted inside, she told BNNBloomberg.ca.

According to Thompson, thats because how we spend our money can be a reflection of how we think and feel about ourselves.

When our money is handled, we feel great. When it isnt, we start to doubt ourselves and question who we really are, because who we think we are and what were moving towards (are) in conflict with each other, she said. People forget that finances have two sides. One is analyzing the numbers, the other is emotional. You need to understand why you have certain money habits. PORTFOLIO MANAGER SAYS MEDITATION GIVES HIM CONFIDENCE A portfolio manager who oversees $205 million in assets told BNNBloomberg.ca that practicing meditation has been a huge asset to his career. Meditation made me push past this idea that I wasnt worthy of the success I had created for myself financially, Michael Preto, portfolio manager at Hillside Wealth Management, iA Private Wealth Inc., said in an interview. When you have those daily moments of concentrated breath, you find a level of calmness and confidence you didnt know you had. Preto said meditation has benefited his work and his personal life, as it has allowed him to think bigger, view life from a different perspective and stay calm in stressful situations. Its caused me to step back and make decisions from a place of great confidence when perhaps others may be panicked, like during a market selloff, he explained. For others, practices like journalling may help them explore how they view money and what patterns they need to change. HOW TO TAKE A MINDFUL APPROACH TO MONEY Wendy Brookhouse, certified financial planner and chief executive officer of Black Star Wealth, told BNNBloomberg.ca about how she encourages her clients to take a mindful approach to their money from the very beginning of their work together. Before I build a spending plan for clients, I have them journal the following questions: Whats your first memory of money? How did you parents handle money? What did you love about it? and What are some financial habits you wouldnt want to take on from your family? In Brookhouses view, these questions allow people to safely explore where they stand on these subjects and see how that perspective may be influencing their money decisions. A weekly moment of reflection also helps lift the veil of money, she said. You become less afraid of it and come to understand it and your relationship with it much better.

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Money manager of $205M in assets explains how meditation ... - BNN Bloomberg

Artist Drew Austin was inspired by dappled light when creating the works for In-Dwelling. Amanda Tipton Photography, provided by Leon Gallery.

Drew Austins In-Dwelling is a tiny jewel box of an art show, full of things that glisten and glimmer, that twinkle like tinsel, that collect, refract and reflect light and splash it along the walls and floors of Leon Gallery.

In a sense, it is a lesson in the rays and waves of physics and how the interaction between light and various surfaces determines how we see the world. Each of the nearly 40 objects on display read like a mini-experiment in how shadows form and help our eyes to comprehend shape, texture and dimension.

But that is a cold way to describe a show that is really a collection of intimate moments. The artist wants us to reflect on, and honor, the beauty and wonder of light as it filters through our lives, as it dapples through leaves and drops delicate, radiant beams along pathways, and how that can delight us when we pay attention.

Austin keeps his tactics simple, very simple in fact, creating work out of inexpensive materials and objects recycled from secondhand stores that he mixes and matches to get the effects he wants. This show has a hand-made, thrift-shop feel, in contrast to the refined aura of objects one often encounters in a well-programmed art gallery.

Using that intuitive process, the artist makes pieces like Multi-Level Home, with Guests fashioned from an old decorative, living room mirror, some plastic grapes and a rock made of clay. Or Heaven Ascending which appears to be constructed from an old silver candy dish draped with mylar cut into the shape of tiny tree leaves. Sometimes it is hard to tell exactly what the source material is. Door knockers? Push pins? Make-up mirrors? There is some adventure in trying to deconstruct all of the elements while looking.

But it is not fancy, and its all right at home at Leon, which is a nonprofit with a very open mind about what it brings to the public. Leon does go high-end Ive seen shows there from top-tier, regional artists, like Diego Rodriguez-Warner and Laura Shill but it also gives a break to up-and-comers, like Austin, a recent graduate from Rocky Mountain College of Art + Design who has been working overtime to earn a place in the Front Range art scene.

Leons mission is a worthy one, and it is all in the name of bringing the community together around visual art and because the gallery allows experiments like In-Dwelling, it puts Leon in a sweet spot in the citys art eco-system. (You can support it, by the way: Leon has its annual fundraiser, the Outliers Ball, on Oct. 21.)

It would be easy for this show to fall into the trendy immersive art category because entering the gallery can feel like dropping into a fantasy world of sorts. The pieces do connect and come together as a single, vibrant environment. Everywhere you look there is a 360-degree sparkle. I think it is possible to enjoy the show in that way, in the manner of popular art attractions, such as Meow Wolf.

Only this offering is smaller, just a single room in a 17th Avenue storefront, and less overwhelming. While the pieces do coordinate, they still feel like singular works of art. Part of that is because Austin works in many different media and the objects have personalities of their own.

There are the things that dance in the light: glass and metallic objects, in botanic shapes, like Heaven is All Around Us, a piece that resembles the branches of trees and stretches across the ceiling like a mobile. There are three-dimensional, table-sized sculptures made of clear acrylic, upon which Austin has applied decals cut out of vinyl.

Notably, there is a series of framed prints digital illustrations on paper that capture in two or three tones of color snapshots of various flora. These renderings, free of politics and full of personal observation, are a highlight of the exhibit.

In his artist statement, Austin refers to the Japanese word komorebi, which refers to the sensation of light dappling through leaves and branches, noting how there is no equivalent term in the English language. He talks about wanting to recreate the kinds of emotional content typically too nuanced for language with the objects he concocts.

These small sensations dwell in his mind and in his installation at Leon, one quick instance after the next that is waiting, welcoming, returning, honoring, repeating its cycles. That is how he came up with the title for his show.

But in dwelling on the small, he has come up with something big. A mirror-ball meditation on the natural world, executed, ironically, with the most unnatural materials possible. This show invites us to reflect on our relationship with the sun and other sources of brilliance, and then to take that new awareness back to the outside world around us.

IF YOU GO

In-Dwelling continues through Nov. 4 at Leon Gallery, 1112 17th Ave. Free. Info: 303-832-1599 or leongallery.org.

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Drew Austins installation at Leon Gallery uses mylar, glass and other glistening things to explore how light enriches our lives - The Denver Post

Peloton has announced a special global peace meditation to acknowledge tragedy and pain in light of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel. Peloton shared the news via the @OnePeloton account on Instagram.

Pelotons statement said:

In the wake of the recent terrorist attacks in Israel, we want to acknowledge the tragedy and pain so many are suffering. Violence against innocent civilians, Jewish, Palestinian, and Israeli, is heartbreaking. Tomorrow we will host a peace meditation to hold space for ourselves and each other.

The 10 minute Peace Meditation will be led by Anna Greenberg, and will take place on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at 8:00am ET. The class was recently added to the upcoming schedule and will occur live.

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Peloton Adds Global Peace Meditation & Statement to Acknowledge ... - Pelo Buddy

With hundreds of miles of coastline and rugged landscape, there is no doubt that Cornwall is the ideal destination for those who wish to seek a haven of tranquillity. One Buddhist centre is looking to bring peace to the county by finding a premises to hold its meditation sessions.

Ganden Ling is a centre for modern Kadampa Buddhism in Cornwall founded by Venerable Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Rinpoche, a world-renowned meditation master. Although they do not currently have a physical centre, Ganden Ling aims to serve as a special place of peace and refuge.

Meditation classes currently take place in hired venues across Cornwall but practitioners have been in search of a dedicated centre for 25 years. However, with the help of a new resident teacher, it is hoped that one will be found soon.

Read next: Cornwall Islamic Community Centre welcomes people in to break down barriers

Read next: Cornwall's most inspiring teachers nominated by you

When Kelsang Yonchen first found Buddhism over 12 years ago, she was going through a difficult time in her life and wanted to find something that brought her happiness. I had been looking for a spiritual journey for a while but I never found anything that ticked all of the boxes, she explained.

It felt like it had filled in all the gaps that I had previously found and it was like the missing piece of the jigsaw. The people were friendly and relaxed and calm, they were just amazing examples around me as well.

Yonchen found a Buddhist centre in Norfolk and started attending classes before later deciding to join a deeper study programme to enhance her knowledge further. As her experience grew, she began helping out with teaching classes in Northamptonshire.

In 2023, she was ordained as a Kadampa Buddhist Nun and has since moved to Cornwall to become the countys new resident teacher through Ganden Ling. It got to a point in my life where I realised other things werent fulfilling me in the same way, Yonchen said. Life naturally changed over time until it became apparent that perhaps now is the time to take a deeper step.

There is no expectation for people to become ordained, its a completely personal choice. It just felt like the right thing for me to do at the time. I wanted the practice of Buddhism to be the complete focus of my life. I became ordained to be able to help others find inner peace and help train their minds to become more happy and more comfortable, and have a deeper sense of purpose as well.

Yonchen had been on an intensive teacher training course at the mother centre of Kadampa Buddhism in Ulverston, Cumbria to become a qualified resident teacher. She then decided to take ordination at their spring festival, before being allocated the role of resident teacher of Cornwall.

Since moving to the county three weeks ago, Yonchen has run between eight to 10 mediation classes in a number of towns. She has also joined the search for a site to become Cornwalls first physical Kadampa Buddhism Centre.

I was so delighted to have been asked to come down here and help make that dream a reality. I think meditation is so important for people, Yonchen said. Its such a busy, overwhelming world these days and to be able to find a little bit of peace, I think is just so important. I couldnt think of a better job. KMC (Kadampa Meditation Centre) in Plymouth is the nearest centre and has been supporting Cornwall the best way they are able to, to help it flourish in their own right.

Currently, sessions are run on a drop-in basis in St Austell, Newquay, Penryn and Falmouth and people who take part sit on chairs for the guided meditation. There are also classes available in Liskeard through KMC Plymouth.

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Everyone is welcome to attend the sessions, regardless of your expertise or whether you are Buddhist or not. By encouraging more people to attend their sessions, Yonchen hopes to be able to help people find peace in their everyday lives.

I want to help anyone who wants to access meditation to be able to learn the basic techniques to help bring some inner peace and calm, and to support people to go further into that journey, she explained. It does not matter if people are Buddhist or not, we still have something that can benefit everybody.

By bringing Kadampa Buddhism into Cornwall, it is like a beacon of hope that however difficult things become in someones life, we do have the opportunity for peace and we just need to know how to find it. Having a physical centre means we have a focal point, so hopefully it will become a place people feel comfortable to go.

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World-renowned meditation master wants to bring peace to Cornwall - Cornwall Live

Many people see meditation as something we have to do sitting down, eyes closed, and without moving. Thats one of the myths of meditation, along with trying to not have any thoughts. There are many forms of movement and activities that can be done in a mindful way, such as hiking, walking, dancing or even stretching.

Being outdoors is a way to relax when life is stressful and to connect intimately to nature. Im grateful to live in Northern New Mexico, where there is so much open space. I especially enjoy hikes and walks during this season of autumn, feeling the cool air on my skin, the sun on my face, noticing bird calls and seeing many interesting creatures. Horned lizards are one of my favorite wild friends, as well as bluebirds and jackrabbits. In the mountains, we can see and feel the effects of the breeze through the trees and bird calls that are very different from those that are heard at lower elevations.

As the seasons cycle forth, walking or hiking brings us intimately in relation with our environment. In the spring, the greening of wild parsley, phlox, wild primrose and other plants wake up. In the summer, wildflowers and home gardens are awash in bright colors. In autumn, trees announce the change of season with hues of yellow, orange and red leaves. Soon, all will be monotone as the cycle of the seasons continues.

Although hiking can also be a time to think, plan and work out situations, that is very different from walking meditation. Mindful walking is a meditation practice that invites us to disconnect the thinking mind and bring awareness to the present moment through our senses. Walking meditation, Thich Nhat Hanh (Thay) taught, is a profound and pleasurable way to deepen our connection with our body and the earth. It is a meditation practice wherein we breathe, take a mindful step, and come back to our true home." What Thay calls our true home is the present moment the here and now that connects and grounds our awareness in the body.

When I teach mindful movement to students and adults, the instructions are to move slowly, step-by-step following the rhythm of the breath, and then stop every so often to look around. When done with eyes closed, we notice everything much more directly and intimately. Many people have never walked this way since the more common way is to move quickly and to engage in conversation along the way. It takes focus to stop the mind chatter and to connect to the environment around us without words. Its really grounding to walk slowly without a destination, to notice trees, plants, birds and other natural elements.

Herein lies our true home: connecting to the body through all of its sensations.

First, make sure you have enough space around you so you wont bump into anyone or anything as you move. This activity is really fun to do outside bare-footed and with eyes closed.

Anne-Marie Emanuelli is the founder and Creative Director at Mindful Frontiers LLC. With over two decades of meditation experience, she leads meditation workshops, classes and provides coaching for children, families, individuals, groups, and classrooms. She is a certified meditation leader as well as a certified labyrinth facilitator. A full audio version of featured practices can be heard on the Welcoming a Mindful Future podcast. Our website can be access at mindfulfrontiers.net.

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Mindful movement: Hiking, walking as a meditation practice - The Taos News

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Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of Heard and McDonald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras, Republic of Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of China Hrvatska (Croatia) Hungary, Hungarian People's Republic Iceland, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Republic of Iran, Islamic Republic of Iraq, Republic of Ireland Israel, State of Italy, Italian Republic Japan Jordan, Hashemite Kingdom of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kenya, Republic of Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait, State of Kyrgyz Republic Lao People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon, Lebanese Republic Lesotho, Kingdom of Liberia, Republic of Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein, Principality of Lithuania Luxembourg, Grand Duchy of Macao, Special Administrative Region of China Macedonia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar, Republic of Malawi, Republic of Malaysia Maldives, Republic of Mali, Republic of Malta, Republic of Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania, Islamic Republic of Mauritius Mayotte Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco, Principality of Mongolia, Mongolian People's Republic Montserrat Morocco, Kingdom of Mozambique, People's Republic of Myanmar Namibia Nauru, Republic of Nepal, Kingdom of Netherlands Antilles Netherlands, Kingdom of the New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua, Republic of Niger, Republic of the Nigeria, Federal Republic of Niue, Republic of Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway, Kingdom of Oman, Sultanate of Pakistan, Islamic Republic of Palau Palestinian Territory, Occupied Panama, Republic of Papua New Guinea Paraguay, Republic of Peru, Republic of Philippines, Republic of the Pitcairn Island Poland, Polish People's Republic Portugal, Portuguese Republic Puerto Rico Qatar, State of Reunion Romania, Socialist Republic of Russian Federation Rwanda, Rwandese Republic Samoa, Independent State of San Marino, Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, Democratic Republic of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Senegal, Republic of Serbia and Montenegro Seychelles, Republic of Sierra Leone, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia, Somali Republic South Africa, Republic of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain, Spanish State Sri Lanka, Democratic Socialist Republic of St. Helena St. Kitts and Nevis St. Lucia St. Pierre and Miquelon St. Vincent and the Grenadines Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Suriname, Republic of Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland, Kingdom of Sweden, Kingdom of Switzerland, Swiss Confederation Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand, Kingdom of Timor-Leste, Democratic Republic of Togo, Togolese Republic Tokelau (Tokelau Islands) Tonga, Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Tunisia, Republic of Turkey, Republic of Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda, Republic of Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe

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MEDITATION: Please don't try to eat your own fruit - Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal