Learn to Meditate

Meditation has been scientifically demonstrated to have great benefits for happiness, health and well being. But it's not enough to do it once or twice, meditation is a practice that must be brought into a regular routine over time to understand how it reduces anxiety and stress, increases focus and listening skills, brings out our natural compassion, and generally makes us more awake and available to the world around us.

There seems to be a general respect for meditation in our society. But many folks seem to say: "It's so cool that some people meditate. They seem really awake and together. But I can't do it. I tried it once and I was bad at it. My mind is too speedy, too messed up, too crazy, too [insert self-loathing statement here] to meditate."

Nothing could be further from the truth. Buddhist meditation is about the clarity and compassion that come from seeing your mind as it is, on increasingly subtle levels of experience. Anyone can do it - all you need are patience and curiosity. All you have to bring your body and your mind, exactly as they are. The idea that everyone possesses the innate ability to work with their own mind is at the heart of Buddhist psychology.

Go to a Group Class: The most important thing is to seek out live-instruction and the support of a group of people practicing and studying together. This will help with all of the subtle questions that arise about practice and your mind. Having a supportive group of people who are also struggling with life and practice will also help guide you through all the obstacles that inevitably arise in the practice. So, if you can, get yourself to a group class! IDP Introductory and Drop-In Classes are listed below.  If you are not in New York or Austin where we currently have Interdependence Project meditation classes, you can find a local meditation center by following the below links:

Shambhala Worldwide Meditation Community: http://www.shambhala.org/centers/

Find an Insight Meditation Community: http://www.dharma.org/ims/mr_links.html#dharmacenters

Find a Zen Center: http://sfzc.org/zc/maps.asp?catid=1,11

Read Great Books on Meditation Practice:

• One City by IDP Founder Ethan Nichtern (simple practice instructions in the glossary) http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0861715160
• Turning the Mind into an Ally by Sakyong Mipham (excellent book on view and practice of meditation) : http://www.amazon.com/Turning-Mind-Into-Sakyong-Mipham/dp/157322345X/
• Lovingkindness by IDP Lineage Mentor Sharon Salzberg http://www.amazon.com/Lovingkindness-Revolutionary-Happiness-Sharon-Salz...

Other Online Resources: The IDP has an awesome weekly podcast if you want to download it There are many great podcasts about meditation/Buddhist psychology and philosophy.

Top 10 Reasons to Start Meditating Today: Check out this great article by Jerry Kolber on reasons you should get started today: http://blog.beliefnet.com/onecity/2009/07/top-ten-reasons-to-start-medit...

See you soon!