New to Meditation?
The Basics
Establishing a meditation practice is one of the most beneficial things we can do for ourselves, our relationships, and our communities. By taking care of our mind, we are taking care of our life.
At first meditation can feel challenging. Our bodies are not used to being still and our minds are accustomed to overstimulation.
We are here to support and encourage you in developing a practice and making it your own. We hope you will discover the profound benefits of meditation and mindfulness in all areas of your life.
What is meditation?
The practice of meditation is simply to sit, with awareness and attention, noticing whatever is happening without judgment, attachment or expectations. We are practicing becoming intimate with who we are, just as we are.
We begin this practice with seated meditation, then expand the practice to walking, moving, relating, creating, working and other activities of daily life. We are developing our ability to be fully present with awareness in whatever we are doing.
Meditation disciplines the mind so it doesn’t jump from thought to thought all the time — like a wild monkey jumping from branch to branch or a puppy running around from place to place. Even in times of difficulty, there is ease and equanimity, and a natural functioning that arises which is our true nature. By practicing regularly with whatever arises, we notice that we are developing a more accepting and responsive relationship with everyday life.
Here are several resources to help you get started.
Download our free Meditation Guide
Join a Meditation Class or Course
A live Introduction to Zen Meditation session is offered on the 1st Saturday every month from 9:30-10:00am MDT, before our Sangha Gathering and Practice Discussion. RSVP for June 7th here.
The second Zen Foundations Course Module “The Body-Mind of Zen” explores the principles of seated meditation - body, breath and mind - and the essential qualities of mind that support Zen practice.
Watch Lisa Gakyo’s introduction to the Fundamentals of Zazen here:
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities.
In the expert’s mind, there are few.
Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
Developing a Regular Practice
At first, you may only sit a few times a week, for a few minutes. Sitting regularly everyday is more beneficial than sitting for a longer period once a week.
Some people prefer to sit in the morning, others at night, and some do both. Experiment to find which of these works best for you. It can be useful to sit in the same place and at the same time of day, if possible.
Patience, gentleness, consistency, and perseverance are important in establishing and settling into your practice.
Download our Meditation Guide for more pointers.