Meditation Course
How to live a feeling great life.
I am truly grateful and blessed to have found the practice of meditation. It has such a profound impact on my life I really want to share my knowledge and inspire people to introduce meditation into there lives. To be able to access our own innate resources to heal ourselves on every level and live each day moment to moment and be completely absorbed in that moment hat nothing else matters except the experience in that present moment. No judgemental or analytical thinking about the past or future really is one of life’s blessings.
Meditation has become a passion of mine
This 2-day course will include:
Introduction and course overview – sharing some of my own personal journey and therefore bringing to life the benefits of meditation.
Definition of Meditation
It’s important for us to have a clear definition of meditation for ourselves. People will frequently ask you is meditation and how do you define it? So, it’s great if you have a simple, short, clear definition of meditation, one that incorporates all the different aspects, the important aspects of meditation.
We will explore a definition in more detail in this section.
Meditation Techniques
In this section we will explore the different types of meditation techniques. This will give you a variety to try and experience. There may be some techniques you like more than others. I think it is important you have a choice so that if you try one type and struggle to connect you have others to try. Although any meditation requires practice.
The Wandering Mind Exercise.
This is an exercise to demonstrate how active your mind is. Much of what we think about is automatic. Our minds fluctuate from subject to subject without any conscious control. So the purpose of the exercise is to allow you to engage with your own attention, your own awareness, and see the levels of control you have over that awareness.
This exercise, the mind wandering exercise shows students on an experiential level how very little control we have over our own attention. With meditation we can regain that control and therefore choose your thoughts which can help every experience become richer.
Breathing Meditation.
The first meditation we will try. Using the breath to meditate is popular and simple and is also powerful.
Challenges in Meditation
As with any new practice sometimes there maybe a few obstacles we need to overcome. If we can anticipate some normal issues experience, we can explore and overcome them. As with anything new it takes practice.
In this section we will explore some common challenges that people face when starting to meditate and overcome them.
Walking meditation.
Walking meditation is a great meditation technique. It grew out of monasteries where Buddhist Monks used to sit for hours and hours to meditate. They were looking for ways to keep on meditating while moving their body, and the walking meditation became an obvious and beautiful option to implement that experience of presence while moving.
Reactive vs Non-Reactive
Meditation is about focussing attention, need to focus our attention, in a very particular way, in a non-analytical non-reactive way. So, in this section we explore how the mind is conditioned to be reactive and analytical and what does it mean to be non-reactive. We will also practice being reactive and non-reactive.
Authentic Self
The ego-based self is not our only way of being. What would be your experience if you could let go of that ego-based self, even if it’s just for a few seconds. How would you feel? What would be your experience? What meditation does, because you engage with the moment in a way that lets go of these thoughts, ideas and expectations, in other words, you let go of that ego-based self, meditation peels away all the layers that normally surround the moment. So normally when we engage with, for example, a certain person, we don’t fully engage with them as they are, as we are authentically, because it’s all wrapped with our ideas, how this person is supposed to be, how I am supposed to be, all those thoughts, all those ideas, they overpower the moment, they take over, they kidnap the actual authentic clean moment as it is.
In this section we will explore what it means to be in touch with our inner being, that part of us that is pure positive energy. That part of us that is non-judgemental, compassionate, wise, kind and filled with pure unconditional love.
The Loving Kindness Meditation.
There are a variety of meditation techniques, which take us into that space which connects us to our inner being, that part of us that is pure positive energy. A beautiful example is the loving kindness meditation. So, in order to get in touch with this hidden undercurrent river, to dive into it, to fill some of the experiences that await within, we will practice the loving kindness meditation.
Emotional Cognitive Overload
We live in a fast-paced society. More is better, faster is better, and it creates a feeling as if life is some kind of marathon and we need to run and achieve more and achieve more. And this is especially relevant in Western societies where this kind of model of life is being held as almost the obvious way of living. Many people will be going through this kind of experience of stress, pressure and anxiety, participating in this marathon and achieving more and more and doing more and more.
In this section we will explore the impact of living this way and how meditation can really help.
Mantra Meditation
In the 1970s and the 1980s, TM, which is Transcendental Meditation, was very popular. A lot of people practiced it and it was a very interesting path and technique into meditation. In transcendental meditation the focal point is a mantra. A mantra is a sacred word or a sound which allows you to focus your attention on something that is beyond the random focal point. This is one of my favourite ways to meditate.
In this section we will explore a Buddhist Mantra and practice for you to experience this beautiful meditation technique.
From Auto Pilot to Choice
The cognitive option of moving into autopilot is an important one for us. For example, when we tie our shoelaces, we want to be able to do it on autopilot. So, without actually bringing every bit of our attention in thinking about it or contemplating or focusing, we can just do it without any thought. Or driving to work, is another example of being able to do it on autopilot and this is sometimes nice. However, the issue is that we use autopilot so frequently, that it turns into an unhealthy habit. Because what happens is that we’re using autopilot so frequently that we have lost the choice, the choice of being present with an activity. Because we’re doing something automatically, and the mind wanders somewhere else, we lose the depth of the experience because we’re not present with the activity. We do that with our work, we do that in our relationships in communication, we do that with food, which is a great example. We do all these things on autopilot, without real attention, without real engagement, and it has an impact on our experience of wellbeing.
In this section we explore in detail how much of your life is on auto-pilot and how to retrain the mind to be fully present in moment to moment enabling our experiences to have more depth, more meaning which brings so much more joy
Eating Meditation
A practice to really enjoy your food instead of eating on autopilot.
Mindfulness Meditation.
In this section we will explore the differences between mindfulness and meditation and practice mindfulness.
Mind and Body
As human beings, we have three dimensions that work together: cognition or thoughts, our emotions, and the body. I want you to think about these three as interlinked. They work together. Thoughts influence emotions, emotions influence thoughts, thought influence body, body influence thoughts, and emotions influence body, body influences emotions.
In this section we will explore in detail the connectedness of mind, body and emotions and the impact they have. We will practice the Body Scan Meditation.
Body Scan Meditation
The body scan is one of the most effective ways to begin a mindfulness meditation practice. The purpose is to tune in to your body and reconnect to your physical self and notice any sensations you’re feeling without judgement. While many people find the body scan relaxing, relaxation is not the primary goal. The goal is to train the mind to be more open and aware of sensory experiences and ultimately, more accepting. With time and practice, the body scan will build your ability to focus and be fully present in your life.
Developing greater awareness of bodily sensations can help you feel more connected to your physical self and gain greater insight into potential causes of unwanted feelings. This knowledge can make it easier to address what’s wrong, leading to improved wellness in body and mind.
Meditation and Emotions
Meditation allows us to let go in a healthy manner, of painful, difficult, challenging emotions within us. Now, how does that work?
In this section we will explore how many of us deal with painful emotions in unhealthy ways. We will explore how meditation can be used to really help process painful emotions. We will practice the emotional presence meditation.
Emotional Prescence Meditation
A really useful meditation to release painful and challenging emotions in a healthy manner.
Smiling Meditation
To finish of our Introduction to Meditation we will practice the Smiling Meditation. It really is lovely.
Minute Meditation
The minute meditation is amazing. It can help you many times through out your day. It is especially useful if your day is busy, and you are feeling overwhelmed.
Price £225
The Profound Benefits of Meditation
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of tranquillity is more crucial than ever. That’s where meditation comes in. It’s a powerful practice that has been revered for centuries across numerous cultures. Here are some of the incredible benefits that meditation can offer:
1. Stress Reduction
Meditation is renowned for its ability to alleviate stress and anxiety. By focusing the mind and fostering mindfulness, it helps you gain a sense of control over your thoughts and emotions, leading to a calmer and more centred state of being.
2. Improved Concentration and Focus
Regular meditation enhances cognitive functions and concentration levels. By training the mind to stay present, distractions are minimised, and focus becomes sharper, making your daily tasks more manageable.
3. Enhanced Emotional Well-being
Meditation encourages self-awareness and introspection, allowing you to better understand your emotions. This heightened emotional intelligence will enable you to respond to challenging situations with greater resilience and empathy.
4. Better Sleep
Many individuals struggle with sleep disturbances due to stress and overactive minds. Meditation promotes relaxation and a peaceful mental state, leading to improved sleep quality and overall restfulness.
5. Physical Health Benefits
Meditation has been linked to numerous physical health improvements. Lower blood pressure, boosted immune system and reduced inflammation are just some of the positive effects attributed to a regular meditation practice.
6. Increased Creativity
As meditation opens up the mind to new perspectives and ideas, it can foster creativity and innovation in various aspects of your life, including problem-solving and artistic endeavours.
7. Greater Sense of Connection
Through meditation, you’re likely to experience a deeper connection with yourself and others. This sense of interconnectedness leads to more fulfilling relationships and a greater sense of community.
Our meditation courses in Hampshire provide expert guidance and support for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock the remarkable benefits that meditation can bring to your life.
Call us to start your practice today and experience the positive changes unfolding before your eyes!
Why Choose Lotus Complete Therapy?
Are you seeking a profound inner transformation and a path to lasting well-being? Here’s why you should choose our meditation courses in Hampshire. Whether you prefer online learning or in-house experiences, Lotus Complete Therapy has got you covered.
1. Expert Guidance
With highly experienced meditation instructors, Lotus Complete Therapy is dedicated to helping you embark on a successful meditation journey. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your practice, we offer personalised guidance to suit your needs.
2. Flexibility
We understand that life can be busy, so we offer both online courses and in-house sessions in Hampshire. Join our online courses from the comfort of your home, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your schedule. Alternatively, experience the serenity of our in-house courses at our wellness centre in Hampshire, providing a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
3. Comprehensive Curriculum
Our courses cover a wide range of meditation techniques, from mindfulness and breathwork to loving-kindness and body scan practices. You’ll receive a holistic understanding of meditation, empowering you to integrate this transformative practice into your daily routine.
4. Supportive Community
When you choose our meditation courses, you become a part of a supportive community of like-minded individuals. You can connect with fellow practitioners, share experiences and find encouragement to stay committed to your meditation journey.
5. Measurable Results
Our meditation courses are designed to deliver tangible results. You’ll experience reduced stress, improved focus, enhanced emotional well-being, and a deeper sense of inner peace as you progress through our courses.
Choose our meditation courses, and embark on a life-changing adventure towards self-discovery and well-being. Whether you choose online convenience or the charm of Hampshire’s in-house courses, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Start your transformative journey today!
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