Getting Support For Your Meditation Practice
Meditation is a lifelong journey, and there is no rush to achieve a particular level of expertise. It is perfectly fine to start as a beginner and progress at your own pace. The key is to find the resources and support that resonate with your current needs and aspirations. Whether you are just starting or have been meditating for years, the mindfulness community is diverse and welcoming, with resources and support available to help you at every stage of your journey.
Many meditation teachers and organizations offer comprehensive online meditation courses, catering to beginners with introductory sessions and those seeking in-depth studies of specific meditation techniques or traditions. These courses often feature video lessons, guided meditations, and community forums designed for discussion and mutual support.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) by Palouse Mindfulness
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center (MARC)
The Power of Awareness by Sounds True
Sharon Salzberg's Real Happiness Meditation Challenge
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) by Oxford Mindfulness Centre
The Science of Mindfulness by University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMass)
The Great Courses - Practicing Mindfulness
Online Meditation Courses
Online video platforms like YouTube provide an extensive library of guided meditation sessions and teachings led by experienced meditation instructors. You can explore a variety of meditation styles, including mindfulness, loving-kindness, and transcendental meditation through these resources.
Mindful Movement with Adriene (on YouTube)
Deepak Chopra's YouTube Channel
Online Video Platforms
By joining online meditation communities or forums, you can connect with like-minded individuals on their meditation journeys. These communities serve as platforms for sharing personal experiences, seeking guidance, and offering support to fellow meditators, creating a sense of camaraderie and shared growth in your practice.
Meditation and Buddhism Stack Exchange
Online Meditation Communities and Forums
An excellent starting point for your meditation journey is the online world. Here, you can discover a diverse range of meditation options tailored to your level of expertise.
Online Meditation Sources
Local Meditation Centres
If you prefer in-person guidance, you can search for meditation centres or studios in your area. These centres often offer group meditation sessions, workshops, and classes led by experienced instructors. Local or virtual meditation groups and meetups can provide a sense of community and accountability and allow you can meditate together, share experiences, and learn from each other. You can also seek one-on-one guidance from meditation teachers or coaches who provide personalized instruction, answer questions, and offer support tailored to your specific needs and goals.
Meditation Retreats & Workshops
If you prefer in-person guidance, you can search for meditation centres or studios in your area. These centres often offer group meditation sessions, workshops, and classes led by experienced instructors. Local or virtual meditation groups and meetups can provide a sense of community and accountability and allow you to meditate together, share experiences, and learn from each other. You can also seek one-on-one guidance from meditation teachers or coaches who provide personalized instruction, answer questions, and offer support tailored to your needs and goals.
Vipassana Meditation Retreats
Zen Meditation Retreats like the Zen Mountain Monastery or San Francisco Zen Center.
Mindfulness Meditation Retreats such as Insight Meditation Society (IMS) and Spirit Rock Meditation Center
Tibetan Buddhism Retreats
Thich Nhat Hanh's Plum Village Retreats such as Plum Village
Online Meditation Retreats
Yoga and Meditation Retreats
Buddhist Forest Monastery Retreats
Secular Mindfulness Retreats like the Center for Mindfulness at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
Mindfulness-Based Therapies
Some therapeutic approaches, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), incorporate mindfulness and meditation as part of their treatment. You can seek support from therapists trained in these approaches to get the most out of the full health and wellbeing benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
In addition to these resources, a wealth of meditation literature is readily available through books, articles, websites, podcasts, and more. These materials provide opportunities to delve into diverse meditation techniques, philosophies, and practices, allowing you to explore the realms of awareness, breath, and meditation in-depth. The abundant evidence supporting the benefits of meditation in restoring balance to your health, wellness, body, and mind awaits your exploration. It is a world of wisdom and insight just waiting for you to discover.
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