Meditation FAQ
What is meditation?
Meditation is a mental state of clarity and calm, which we reach by using various techniques. Typically we sit for a few minutes while concentrating on a particular object, such as a candle or our breath. As we hold the object with our full attention, our constant mental chatter slows down and we may experience moments of stillness. This can be incredibly difficult to start with, but with regular practice it becomes easier, and the effects start to spill over into everyday life.
Do I have to sit on the floor to meditate?
No; the most important thing is that you have an erect spine whilst meditating. Some people prefer an upright chair, or a special stool, others prefer to sit on the floor cross-legged. For some meditation techniques lying down is best, and others require you to move around.
Is meditation religious?
While many meditation techniques originated as a religious practice, almost all can be carried out in a non-religious manner. I use techniques from several different traditions including Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian, but the emphasis in my teaching is always on using them as an aid to meditation rather than for religious reasons.
Will learning meditation help me to relax?
During meditation, breathing slows and deepens, heart rate slows down, blood pressure drops, and muscles relax – this is known as the “relaxation response”. If you start to meditate regularly you may find that you become more easy going, as some things no longer bother you. In addition, experiencing deep relaxation during meditation means that you know how it feels, which allows you to recreate that feeling more easily at other times too.
What styles of meditation do you teach?
I use a variety of concentrative and mindfulness practices from Buddhist, Yogic, and Western traditions. My classes encompass the use of mantra, visualisation, mindfulness, moving meditation, and working with the breath and the body, as well as external objects.