Life can sometimes be a whirlwind of things to do, making it difficult to find time to meditate. But finding silence and tranquility, even in the midst of a busy life, can bring countless benefits. As practiced meditators will tell you, being able to control your thoughts during meditation is akin to having a superpower.…
Self-compassion exercises, as critical parts of one’s mental health regimen, involve showing a degree of kindness and understanding toward yourself when you, as a person, find yourself suffering, failing, or feeling inadequate in some way. These exercises prompt each individual to consider the aspects of their lives wherein they may often overlook the importance of…
Self-care is vital as we navigate through life, and serenity often comes when we take the time to look inward and explore our own hearts. Metta Bhavana meditation is a magnificent way to delve into this process. Often translated as “loving-kindness meditation,” it is a practice aimed at cultivating unconditional friendliness, goodwill, and love towards oneself…
Candle gazing meditation, also known as trataka, is an ancient and powerful form of meditation that involves focusing your gaze on the flame of a candle. This centuries-old yogic purification practice is meant to train both the mind and eyes, offering profound spiritual and physical benefits. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to…
Loving-kindness Buddhism, or metta in the Pali language, is one of the most fundamental teachings and practices. Cultivating loving-kindness aims to develop care, compassion, friendliness, and benevolence towards all living beings. This comprehensive guide will explore the origins, purpose, and methods for practicing loving-kindness according to Buddhist thought and traditions. Key Takeaways: What are the…
As a longtime practitioner of Zen meditation, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the simple yet profound practice of mindful walking, known as Kinhin. After long seated meditation sessions, Kinhin offers a chance to stretch the legs, reconnect with the body, and immerse oneself in walking with awareness. Far from just being a break from zazen,…
As someone who has struggled with anxiety and overwhelm for many years, I was drawn to exploring meditation as a way to cultivate inner peace and stability. Though many forms of meditation exist, my journey led me to the ancient Buddhist practice known as Shamatha meditation. Key Takeaways What is Shamatha Meditation? Shamatha (“calm abiding” in…
As a long-time meditator, I have found Tonglen meditation to be one of the most powerful practices for cultivating compassion. In this article, I’ll share my experiences with Tonglen and how this Tibetan meditation technique can open our hearts. Key Takeaways: What is Tonglen Meditation? Tonglen refers to a meditation practice found in Tibetan Buddhism where…
As I began exploring different types of meditation, one Japanese word kept popping up in my research – Shikantaza. Shikantaza is a Zen Buddhist meditation that emphasizes ‘just sitting’ without any goals or methods. The name Shikantaza means ‘nothing but precisely sitting.’ At first, this concept seemed confusing to me. Wasn’t meditation supposed to involve some…
Pregnancy can be an exciting but anxiety-provoking time. Hormonal changes, physical discomforts, worries about labor and delivery, and the enormous responsibility of raising a child can all contribute to feelings of anxiety for expectant mothers. While some anxiety is normal, excessive worry during pregnancy has been linked to premature birth and low birth weight babies.…