About Meditation
What is meditation?
At its simplest, meditation is the deliberate practice of sustained relaxed non-judgmental attention to the present moment. It is cultivated and strengthened during periods of formal practice, but can be applied during daily life in virtually any circumstance. Its origins go back at least 3000 years. Although it has traditionally been associated with Eastern religions such as Buddhism, meditation can be practiced in a purely secular context or as a complement to the practices of any religious or spiritual tradition.
As we progress in the practice of meditation, it reveals something far deeper than just a technique for relaxation or stress management. At its core, meditation is an exploration of our own consciousness - a way to discover the peaceful, aware presence that lies beneath our busy thoughts and daily struggles. Through this path of self-discovery, we uncover inner resources of compassion, wisdom, and unshakable wellbeing that transform the way we perceive and interact with the world around us, bringing a new sense of meaning and purpose to our lives.
Why practice meditation?
Every action and experience in our lives is mediated by our mind. The quality of our attention in any given moment is crucial in determining the nature of our experience and the course of action we take. If we have cultivated the ability to see our thoughts, emotions, and external circumstances in a clear unbiased fashion, we are free to choose how we will respond to any situation in a thoughtful and deliberate way rather than acting on impulse. This can be enormously beneficial in many facets of our lives, from work to interpersonal relationships to the quality of our leisure time.
However, the real promise of meditation lies in its ability to help us discover who we really are beneath the constant stream of thoughts, emotions, and daily pressures. When we're caught up in the whirlwind of life, we often feel disconnected and may question whether anything has real meaning. Through meditation, we can discover a deeper dimension of experience - one that reveals an inherent sense of wholeness, wisdom, and genuine care for ourselves and others. Far beyond helping us navigate daily challenges, this discovery has the potential to transform how we understand our true nature and our place in the universe we inhabit in a way that is completely consistent with a modern scientific worldview.
What are the practical benefits of meditation?
Meditation has been shown to have broad benefits to our psychological wellbeing, including reductions in stress, depression, anxiety, rumination, and emotional reactivity, and improvements in focus and working memory. It has also been shown to have an array of benefits to physical health, including lowering blood pressure, improving sleep quality, enhancing immune function, and helping with chronic pain.
However, despite its many benefits, meditation is not a cure-all. It should be viewed as a complement rather than a replacement for other treatments or therapies in cases where other treatment is warranted. It’s important to consult with a qualified professional prior to changing or discontinuing any existing course of treatment.
How can I learn more?
To schedule a group or individual teaching with James, please click here.
Further Reading
Practical introductions to mindfulness:
Joy of Living by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Joyful Wisdom by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn
How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind by Pema Chodron
Benefits of meditation:
Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson
Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
Why Buddhism is True by Robert Wright
Inspirational reading:
The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
In Love with the World by Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche
The Wisdom of No Escape by Pema Chodron