Meditation
There are a number of different approaches to and definitions of meditation. A good starting point is seeing it as a focused practice of mindfulness with the intention of expanding these mindful moments into daily life.
Meditation can be practiced in fully secular ways, and no specific beliefs are required. There is no right or wrong way to meditate. Whether your mind is racing or your emotions are overwhelming, you are doing it right.
The aim is to notice and gently acknowledge your thoughts and emotions as they come and go. Over time, you will become more familiar with the steady awareness that observes your experience and, in doing so, create more space between stimulus and reaction.
If you find yourself wanting more structure, this guide offers a clear, practical introduction.
Resources
Audio
- Tara Brach - Guided Meditations
- UCLA Mindful - Guided Meditations
- Mindful.org - Guided Meditations
- AudioDharma - Guided Meditation Archive
- Tergar - Audio Library
- Ram Dass - Guided Meditation & Mantra Library
- Satipaṭṭhāna Guided Meditations (Bhikkhu Anālayo)
- Shambhala Guided Buddhist Meditations
- Palouse Mindfulness - MBSR Audio Practices
- Insight Meditation Center - Unguided Meditation Timer
- BuddhaNet - Buddhist Chanting Audio
- Plum Village Chants and Songs
Teachers
- Adyashanti
- Tara Brach
- Pema Chodron
- Thích Nhất Hạnh
- Sam Harris
- Sharon Salzberg
- Eckhart Tolle
- Alan Watts