MEDITATION
Modern meditation practices are simply about training your attention. Mindfulness is the practice of observing one’s thoughts and emotions, without being overwhelmed or driven by them. Therefore, we can be more resilient to stressors such as change and other forces beyond our control. In uncertain times, meditation is more important than ever. Here are some of my favourite resources.
WONDER WITH ALISSA
Here are two audio-only YouTube videos, each under ten minutes long. Just a morsel of mindfulness to slip into your day. These are part of the “Start Where You Are” series.
Breath observation
Field of Awareness
TARA BRACH GUIDED MEDITATIONS
Tara Brach is a leading western teacher of Buddhist meditation, emotional healing and spiritual awakening. Her popular weekly podcast is downloaded over 1.5 million times each month in more than 220 countries.
Access her meditations on the Tara Brach website or access the podcast from one these links: iTunes | Android | Stitcher | Overcast | Podbean | Pandora | Spotify | RSS
I also recommend her reflections, especially RAIN: A practice of self-compassion.
WAKING UP WITH SAM HARRIS (APP)
“Waking Up is a guide to understanding the mind, for the purpose of living a more balanced and fulfilling life. Join Sam Harris—neuroscientist, philosopher, and New York Times best-selling author—as he explores the practice of meditation and examines the theory behind it.”
“There are hundreds of meditation apps on the market, and several do a fine job of teaching the basic principles of mindfulness. But most present the practice as though it were an ancient version of an executive stress ball—whereas it’s more like the Hubble Space Telescope.
The purpose of meditation isn’t merely to reduce stress or to make you feel better in the moment—it’s to make fundamental discoveries in the laboratory of your own mind.”
Waking Up is a paid service, but if you are not in a financial position to afford a subscription, you can email them and they will sign you up free of charge.
HEADSPACE (APP)
The Headspace app is great for beginners. It’s a simple and accessible mindful meditation programme with short exercises so they easily fit into your day. Like many other services, it encourages consistency in order to build a daily practice.