Mindfulness & Meditation

"Wherever you go, there you are"  Jon Kabat-Zinn

People have benefited from meditation millenia.  The practice is so widely accepted that most religious traditions use some form of meditation and contemplation. The key value of meditaion lies in its capacity to synchronize our minds and bodies in ways that are useful to living an authentic life.  With training and practice all of us can reach this worthy goal.

How I work with you regarding meditation

I have opened a meditation centre in Langley at 213-20226 Fraser Highway where people learn and practice meditate together as well as  study and discuss various books on the subject.  Participants may choose from books on meditation by Pema Chodron, Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche and other learned teachers.  For a small participation fee people can drop in on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings at 7:30 for meditation instruction, then sit together, do walking meditation, and sit together some more.  The first hour is followed by a reading or teaching and discussion.  For a schedule and more information go to:

http://www.meetup.com/Langley-Meditation-Centre/events/16648940/

About meditation

The Sanscrit word for meditation is "calm abiding".  By learning to sit with our thoughts we create opportunities to not react, to react differently, and to have compassion for our humanness. 

Scientific evidence shows that a regular meditation practice changes the mind in beneficial ways.  Dedicated practicioners learn compassion for the pain within themselves and others.  Through meditation study and practice, we begin to forge a more accepting elationship with ourselves and those around us to ease the pain we suffer.

For example, when we feel strong emotions, we can experience them directly rather than getting involved in the 'story line'.  Emotions are simply felt without adding to or subtacting anything from our experience.  In this way, emotions (which are energy) simply come and go and experience e moments of peace and a new confidence that our problems are workable.   Many people with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, or communication and relationship difficulties find that meditation makes a difference.

Other Resources

www.shambhala.org  This site provides access to many topics, discussions and ideas for beginner and experienced meditators.  There are also links to a Shambhala Centre near you.