Meditation - An Introduction

Meditation - An Introduction


This can be taken with or separately from the practice begun in EL 201. Neither is a PRERQ for the other.

When practiced regularly, meditation and conscious relaxation have the power to create greater physical health, emotional equilibrium, mental clarity and a sense of peace. Most importantly, meditation can lead us to a deeper understanding of our true nature. So, how do we get there? By cultivating mindfulness, we tap into the essence of meditation: awareness. This introductory course offers an experiential exploration of both classical and contemporary mindfulness practices designed to support the mind/body approach to healing and wellness.

Topics covered include:
Learning to use the tools we have: the breath, the body, the voice;
Training the “monkey” mind: focused concentration;
Experiencing vibrational sound and color: Chakras--the body’s energy system;
Understanding meditation and inner listening: connecting to your source;
Practicing elements of Insight and Loving Kindness: we are all one and heart-connected;
Creating Sacred space: developing a personal practice for yourself, your students and clients.

Some of the guided techniques students will learn include:
Breath and body awareness, walking meditation, Vipassana (insight), Metta (loving kindness), slow motion prana (energy), mantra meditation (sounding), chakra meditation, yoga nidra (dynamic sleep), mindful eating, co-meditation and conscious listening, guided visualizations, journaling and creative expression.

This interactive, experiential approach is designed to provide skills to increase knowledge and personal understanding of meditation. Students will be sitting as well as walking and moving gently. Please bring a journal and any small personal items/photos for the creation of a sacred space. Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a meditation cushion or bench if you have one. Chairs, mats and blankets will be provided. Pair with EL 202 Meditation - An Introduction II the following weekend.

Instructor

Credits

Upcoming Class Dates

October 02, 2010 - 9:30 am session
1 Weekend
10/2/10 - 10/3/10
Sa Su 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

February 05, 2011 - 9:30 am session
1 Weekend
2/5/11 - 2/6/11
Sa Su 9:30 am - 3:30 pm

Also Available

• Meditation - An Introduction II
  Offered on 10/02/10, Meditation - An Introduction, 02/05/11