There are many types of meditation.
The one definition that fits almost all types is…
“Consciously directing your attention to alter your state of consciousness.”
There’s no limit to the things you can direct your attention toward, symbols, sounds, colours, breath, uplifting thoughts, spiritual realms, etc. Meditation is simply about attention… where you direct it, and how it alters your consciousness.
What is the purpose of meditation?
Traditionally meditation was (and still is) used for spiritual growth .i.e. becoming more conscious; unfolding our inner Light, Love, & Wisdom; becoming more aware of the guiding Presence in our lives; accelerating our journey home to our True Self, Our Spirit.
More recently, meditation has become a valuable tool for finding a peaceful oasis of relaxation and stress relief in a demanding, fast-paced world.
Other uses include:
• Healing
• Emotional cleansing & balancing
• Deepening concentration & insight
• Manifesting change
• Developing intuition
• Unlocking creativity
• Exploring higher realities
• Finding inner guidance
Caversham Meditation Group
The Caversham Meditation Group is an ongoing weekly meditation class for all levels of meditation mastery from I’ve never meditated to I’ve been meditating for 30 years and everywhere in between.
Each week there are practical lessons with a focus on creative visualization as a tool for everyday living. The classes provide an opportunity to learn basic meditations and over time we cover many different styles of meditating so that you can find a favourite. Each new meditation is explained and you will be guided through the meditation.
These classes are great for anyone who would like to introduce regular meditation to their life and experience the many benefits of having a peaceful mind.
The classes run for 1 1/2 hrs and the cost is $20, or save 25% and pay $150 for the term; there is a day and an evening class.
Contact Mandy for days and times 0412 808 373
Meditation Retreats
Our day retreats are held in a beautiful, serene venue on one and a half acres surrounded by natural bush. A day to revitalise your body mind & soul!
The retreats are designed to focus your attention and activate your desire to reconnect with yourself. Allowing you to relax physically, achieve mental peace and quiet and JUST BE.
The day includes guided meditations with practical instructions or if you prefer silent meditation there is ample room on the property to create your own space.
You will have opportunities to go for walks, none of the scheduled meditations are compulsory – if you would prefer to just have a cup of tea, chill out, rest your mind & enjoy the peaceful environment, please do so!
These retreats have a maximum of 10 people with lunch, morning and afternoon tea included in the cost of $180.
Discover the power of simple meditation practices and return home refreshed and inspired. Become the person you want to be by improving your own good qualities.
Contact Mandy for days and times 0412 808 373
Meditation Misconceptions
Misconception #1.
Meditation is turning off your thoughts or making your mind a blank.
Not True…Inner quietness is experienced in meditation, but not by willfully turning off thoughts. Quieting the mind results naturally from: the effectiveness of the method used… and a force beyond our own efforts.
Misconception #2.
Meditation is difficult and takes tremendous discipline.
Not True… Meditation can be easily learned, and can be quite enjoyable. Meditation is only difficult if one tries to do it perfectly, which is not really possible.
Misconception #3.
Meditation is not successful unless we see interesting things in our mind.
Not True… Although some meditations are specifically for visualizing, many are not. In those meditations, seeing things may be entertaining, but is not essential. Even visualization does not necessarily require seeing. Some people sense or feel things inwardly, and that’s all right.
Further Reading
There has been a lot of research and much written on the benefits of meditation. The graphic below ‘What Will Happen If You Start Meditating Today?’ gives a clear representation of some of the benefits of meditation. It comes from the blog by Giovanni Dienstmann Scientific Benefits of Meditation – 76 things you might be missing out on.
Two other excellent reads are:
100 Benefits of Meditation by @INeedMotivation.
Emma Seppala,Ph.D from The Science of Happiness, Health & Success has this to say: Benefits of Meditation: 10 Science-Based Reasons To Start Meditating Today
Put your expectations aside, and don’t worry about doing it right. There are infinite possibilities and no fixed criterion for determining right meditation. Just Meditate!