Virtual: Zazen Inspired Breath Mediation - 12 min

Virtual: Zazen Inspired Breath Mediation
Roughly 12 minutes of silent sitting, with breath based focus. Short into-instruction will be provided.
The wandering mind is the default mode for many of us. This meditation can help in becoming more responsive vs. re-active, becoming familiar with our unconscious and repetitive mind patterns, and reach deeper layers of awareness. (The difference between thinking and being aware of thoughts coming and going)
The technique focuses on counting & observing each breath, from 1 - 10, then starting over again back to 1. So basically 1-10, 1-10, 1-10 and so on.
When (if) the mind wonders to past, future, physical sensations, or judgments, just notice you got carried away, and bring your attention back to counting and observing the breath again, without negative/punishing self-talk. Consistency over perfection is what counts.
REMINDER:
Avoid self criticism, keeping score or big expectations. It’s called practice, so think of a baby who falls many times over and over, but then suddenly one day just stays upright and walks. Or like push-ups, where it is the consistency and not the intensity that builds our attention “muscles”, allowing greater and greater clarity.
TIP:
If feeling sleepy, open eyes slightly
MODIFICATION:
Name each thought as it comes, ex. “memory”, “desire”, “judgment”, “sensation” etc. Gently notice when mind wondered off and forgot the practice, bring back to naming.
If you would like to learn more about meditation practice progression, I recommend checking out the “Mediation Journey Map” in the group’s photos. Feel free to send me a message if you would like to find out more before you join.
Occasionally sessions might be cancelled on short notice due to low rsvp numbers. Please use the rsvp feature to reflect your actual availability.
It costs $47.17 per month to run this group via the meetup platform. If you feel it is of value to you, please consider donating via e-transfer to hello@voyagesintobeing.com. Simply write: “Build your meditation practice Meetup donation or similar in the transfer details. I will keep 50% to cover fees, and donate the other half to the food bank. Thanks!