Being is the true nature of everything.”
-Adyashanti
Meditation is the gentle art of staying focused on your being, fully aware, relaxed, and unattached to body or mind. There are numerous pathways and traditions to help learn this artful practice. Any action done with mindful awareness is a form of meditation. One can sit, walk, eat, drink, wash dishes – all in a state of mindful meditation. Meditation allows us to become aware of our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions without becoming attached to them. Meditation is a bit like taking a long walk in nature, without concern about what is behind us (past) or in front (future), but in joyful awareness of the stones beneath our feet and the breeze on our face. Although a seemingly simple action, meditation takes focus, practice, and gentle patience. The mind often wanders restlessly, rather than remaining aware of being in the moment.
Deeper and deeper forms of meditation move beyond trying to achieve a certain state of mind. Trying to achieve anything during meditation only leads to bondage, dependency, and usually frustration. This is often a limited and impermanent meditation. In ‘True Meditation’ (Adjashanti), no effort is given to focus on or control any object of awareness. No focus on breath, no manipulation of mind or body. Rather, in being-meditation emphasis is on awareness; resting on conscious being itself. In this form of meditation you are not trying to change your experience but one’s relationship to experience.
I use different forms or methods of meditation in my clinical practice to help people become aware and accept what they are feeling. It can also help people learn to soothe themselves, feel more grounded, compassionate, and relaxed. Some people can integrate meditation quickly into their lives. Other people need more time and practice to cultivate this calm awareness. My goal is to inspire others to deepen their feeling of wellbeing. However, if someone is not interested in meditation, that’s fine too. Growth is a personal journey and unique for everyone.
For those interested in meditation, there have been over 1,000 published studies indicating the mental and physical benefits. Research shows that meditation can reduce blood pressure, heart rate, stress levels, respiration rate, and improve psychological wellbeing (depression and anxiety). Meditation has also been found to improve concentration, relaxation, problem-solving, and compassion. It has been widely studied for stress management and pain reduction.
Denver Seekers Meditation Circle
The Denver Seekers Meditation Circle is a guided meditation circle for those seeking inner calm, wisdom, and compassion. The dates and times are to be determined.
“Healing comes when you are no longer attached to the Mind.”
-Osho