tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82637456919956271462024-03-13T22:34:54.403+11:00quiet mind meditationA space to inspire, nurture and support your meditation practice...
finding your own Quiet Mind...the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.comBlogger893125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-27123615172609442752018-10-30T11:07:00.001+11:002018-10-30T11:07:30.215+11:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGHmK8PhE-Y/VtUv6-YwQ8I/AAAAAAAAJ9I/RdcziGa8ZyI/s1600/SeedSarahcoverfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PGHmK8PhE-Y/VtUv6-YwQ8I/AAAAAAAAJ9I/RdcziGa8ZyI/s320/SeedSarahcoverfinal.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>
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The Simple Easy, Every Day Meditation Method (SEED MEDITATION<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 115%;">® </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Method - is a collection of powerful and time-tested meditation practices that can reduce your stress and enhance your life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The SEED Meditation method is learnt in a three hour (half day) workshop that will provide direction and insight into becoming intimate with the way your mind works, the benefits of meditation, learning the 5 Essentials for a successful meditation, and experience a range of practices that you can use anytime to find peace.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The program includes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Silent Mantra Meditation</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Mindfulness</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">BOdy Awareness Pracice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Breath Awareness Practice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Heart-Centered Breath</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Self-Inquiry</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Long, Slow, Deep Breahthing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Peacefinder Practices.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">You don't have to sit cross-legged onthe floor or alter your beliefs. Where you are a beginning meditator or want to get back on track with meditation, come join our Simple, Ease, Every Day Meditation Method.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">To register xxx</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">course is a three hour</span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-15194370741447633522016-11-02T12:53:00.000+11:002016-11-03T13:50:23.587+11:00Start Here .. Meditation 101<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJtWazpy2OA/U92bQyc5SdI/AAAAAAAAH-A/_IrsrvN2kMA/s1600/flat-white-coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="391" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EJtWazpy2OA/U92bQyc5SdI/AAAAAAAAH-A/_IrsrvN2kMA/s1600/flat-white-coffee.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; color: #666666; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 10px;">By thesuccess</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sunday mornings. Yum.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Waking to a blue sky. Perfect.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Meditating in the natural stillness of a house asleep. Ideal.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Followed up with some time in my favourite chair by the window, soaking up the sunshine, a perfect latte in hand, the weekend magazine in my lap. Ready for a day of leisure.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">And the first two pieces of writing that I read - are about meditation!</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Yes</span></b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - meditation is highly valuable for our health with loads of known benefits</span></div>
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"><b>Yes</b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;"> - meditation is 'trending' with articles now appearing in popular media with our Sunday coffee</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Yes</b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> - meditation is being taken up with gusto by celebrity types, everyone appears to be 'doing it'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BUT .. m</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">ost commonly I then read ... the big disclaimer .. </span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZ9b1ShA1pA/U92UvFE6Z1I/AAAAAAAAH9o/eLv6W0rSAy8/s1600/I+dont+have+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YZ9b1ShA1pA/U92UvFE6Z1I/AAAAAAAAH9o/eLv6W0rSAy8/s1600/I+dont+have+time.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As a meditation teacher, speaker and writer this ..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">DRIVES ME BONKERS</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">If I had a free day spa voucher that had to be used tomorrow .. I know without a doubt most of you would </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">MAKE TIME</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Following on from this .. I received an email last week from someone questioning how to find the time to meditate and where to start. And this morning it occurred to me (light bulb moment) as I finished my coffee that for a beginner in this wide open land of meditation ..</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">Where does one start?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I have promised myself that I am going to focus on this new task .. to make the journey a little easier .. a little simpler .. a little more fun!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">First off .. I have renamed my previous '101' PAGE to - </span><a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/p/101.html"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>'START HERE'</b></span></a><span style="color: #666666;">. And this week I shall be putting together a sequence of steps that will allow me to share your meditation journey. I want to share with you a steady footpath of steps .. some tips and hints .. a little insight of the road ahead .. with loads and loads of resources. So there will be ..</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">No excuse but to start</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">As I finished my Sunday reading, the final article include some inspiring words from </span><a href="https://www.michellebridges.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: justify;">Michelle Bridges</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: justify;">, talking about incorporating exercise into daily life (but valid for any other plans we wish to implement for our health and well-being)..</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">"Like, for goodness sake: just get on with it. Stop procrastinating, making excuses, bitching and whingeing. Just. Freakin'. DO IT"</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">If you would like to learn how to meditate we have <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/p/classes.html">local classes (here) </a>and an online <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/p/e-course.html">E-Course (here)</a></span></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-76963602134234359002016-06-24T15:56:00.003+10:002016-06-24T15:56:56.647+10:00New Website Home<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGejEsfVXfc/V2HzvQPinVI/AAAAAAAAKD4/61K7Nec24YERqhE6u13tNNDUFM120OVDgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2BNew%2BWebsite.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qGejEsfVXfc/V2HzvQPinVI/AAAAAAAAKD4/61K7Nec24YERqhE6u13tNNDUFM120OVDgCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2BNew%2BWebsite.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am super
excited to share with you .. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">my new website!</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">It is
finally here – </span><a href="http://www.quietmindmeditation.com.au/"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">www.quietmindmeditation.com.au</span><span style="color: #666666;"><o:p></o:p></span></a></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This has been a complete labour of
love. One that has consumed me and distracted me, nourished and confused me.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But it is here. Not finished or highly polished as yet .. but a starting point.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I realised it was time to upgrade my website over a year ago. I needed more space and clarity and clean lines. Like all the exciting projects and ideas that I come up with (often after meditation) there was, at first, a big rush of activity to get started, closely followed by a severe case of overwhelm at all the new technology, then family life and studies became my focus .. but after </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">finishing the meditation retreat in Sedona in February; I
came back to this project with renewed 2016 energy!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;">Huge thanks to my sister who managed all of the uncertainty, mind changes and techie stuff .. and my teen who gave me beautiful images and patience when trying to interpret my vision.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is no surprise to those who know me, that I enjoy the conceptualising and the dreaming - even the last minute push to the finish line .. but I also need space to process and ponder, allowing time for the path to present itself. I know to trust that it will.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I shall continue unpacking and moving things around in our new home. There are over 1000+ posts on this old site and it is going
to take some time to review and shift good content to the
new site. </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So ..</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-AU;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Please come
visit our new home. Bring a cup of tea. Stay awhile. Read. Pause. Meditate.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
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the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-79428046130858842992016-06-15T15:45:00.001+10:002016-06-15T15:46:05.384+10:00Bupa Blog Awards 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgjTurI9sjQ/V2DlodW_U5I/AAAAAAAAKDo/nn2Css7UBM0OB9THg4MDGiBtLN8sHdG2gCLcB/s1600/BupaBlogAwards2016_Nominee_Digital.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgjTurI9sjQ/V2DlodW_U5I/AAAAAAAAKDo/nn2Css7UBM0OB9THg4MDGiBtLN8sHdG2gCLcB/s200/BupaBlogAwards2016_Nominee_Digital.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">S</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">uper excited yesterday to hear that this blog had been nominated for in the <b>2016 Bupa Blog Awards.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I received a message letting me know that I was nominated for the awards that "recognise the increasing influence and growing professionalism of the Australian influencer community. The awards aim to celebrate the outstanding work produced in the blogging community, and reward bloggers for their achievements in spreading positive health and wellbeing messages – a core part of Bupa’s philosophy". </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are now over 1000+ posts on the Quiet Mind blog .. and I have to say it has been a labour of love from the very first entry on <i>Saturday, 18 January 2008.</i> </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are now hundreds of posts on the practical aspects of meditation - the 'how' and the 'why' - along with personal insights on the journey, research and scientific articles, local and international programs and content, messages from friends and students. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am constantly inspired to share my passion for meditation .. and find new and unique ways to engage and support your meditation journey!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This year has been the busiest ever for Quiet Mind Meditation, and unfortunately that has taken me away from this blog space as I have been designing and content filling my totally new website and blog-home! After diving into a year of new studies, and (yeah!) becoming a </span><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">McLean Meditation Institute</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></b></span><b style="color: #666666;">Certified Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher</b><span style="color: #666666;"> in January 2016 .. I felt we really needed a bright, fresh, sparkling new home.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So along with our new look <b>Quiet Mind monthly newsletter</b> and <b>Monday Meditation Musing </b>alert (<a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=lq9b66cab&p=oi&m=1102662658571&sit=5j6w8xleb&f=e0d42226-48ed-4522-9aa9-7261b01eb225">SIGN UP HERE</a>) .. our new look home is almost ready to be revealed. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay tuned</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Eternally grateful and doing a little happy dance right now!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can find out more about the <a href="http://theblueroom.bupa.com.au/blogawards">Bupa Blog Awards HERE </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-59095649474545834802016-05-18T22:00:00.003+10:002016-05-18T22:05:22.765+10:00Website, iMac, Classes & a RETREAT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP8Wn0Uab7s/VzxQCnQw8mI/AAAAAAAAKCM/H7ibIx9043kpQIm8eKcYSpedRgRhc3stACKgB/s1600/retreat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zP8Wn0Uab7s/VzxQCnQw8mI/AAAAAAAAKCM/H7ibIx9043kpQIm8eKcYSpedRgRhc3stACKgB/s320/retreat1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have you noticed? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have (sadly) been missing from this neighbourhood recently. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not because I wanted to be away.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But life has gotten seriously busy and topsy-turvy and full .. in a good and positive way, but nonetheless.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2016 took off from the gate at a gallop. I feel like I haven't really stopped this year, and there have been so many juicy experiences, meetings, collaborations, challenges and 'moments' .. and in recent weeks I have been focused on:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Finishing my new website</b>. This project has been way bigger and more consuming than I realised. But I am getting there. I hope to tell you all the secret new destination and all the new resources and tools .. soon, very soon .. let's agree this is probably going to happen by the end of this month (May)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. I bought an iMac</b>. Just this week after pondering and contemplating this huge world-order change for about a year. I definitely had to put on my big-girl pants and take a leap of faith (albeit half pushed by my teen). So all activities are taking just a little bit longer to complete. But my brain and neural pathways are going to benefit!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Classes and online classes</b>. All my classes this year have been almost fully booked and the eCourse is currently running - with the next round starting on 1st June due to the waiting list. Yes. Happy dance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. I am running a retreat</b>. A long held dream is now live. I have wanted to host a wellness/yoga-mediation/urban holistic retreat for years. I have pictures on my vision board. I was waiting .. for the right person to share this new adventure, and when she arrived .. I JUST KNEW IT WAS TIME!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I met <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/focus-on-jennifer-ellinghaus.html"><b>Jennifer Elllinghaus</b></a> at a business workshop last year. We actually met at the coffee machine - <i>such a Melbourne story</i>. I then interviewed Jenny about her yoga, her new book '<i>Yoga for Travellers</i>' and her meditation practice <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2015/09/focus-on-jennifer-ellinghaus.html">HERE</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> So, we met up again, after I returned from my meditation intensive in January (<a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/02/meditation-mindfulness-teacher.html">about the retreat here</a>) and it just unfolded in our conversation .. we both wanted to share our passion for yoga and meditation. Jenny will be sharing her passion and extensive knowledge of yoga at the retreat .. I shall be guiding and steering the meditation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And so, the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/blissbombretreats"><span style="font-size: large;">Bliss Bomb Retreats</span></a> was born.</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/yoga-and-meditation-bliss-bomb-a-restorative-day-retreat-tickets-24915058611"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PqkiQh2rk_M/VzxSc5X0o1I/AAAAAAAAKCU/0o5xgI1PbdYoQ-uMMTZr_y1LoGUapy4wwCLcB/s400/retreat%2Bimage_Eventbrite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are located in Melbourne (the retreat is being held in the very cool and very urban, Prahran) and would like a day of self-care .. of yoga, pranayama, mindfulness practices, meditation and yoga nidra .. think .. stretching, shifting inward, engaging, nourishing, rejuvenating, unfolding, laughing and resting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This is going to be an amazing day: all about YOU!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have an <b>Early Bird Special</b> available <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/yoga-and-meditation-bliss-bomb-a-restorative-day-retreat-tickets-24915058611">RIGHT NOW</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So, please forgive my absence. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have so much content and resources to share in our new home online .. just a few more days now.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am ever grateful that I have my meditation in times like this .. to ride the storm of ups and downs, balance the emotions and transcend the challenges.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you for being part of this journey.</span></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-19720066998317273132016-04-20T09:50:00.002+10:002016-04-20T09:50:43.263+10:00#LoveYouMum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unpXo_Ot3oA/Vxa_g-JqP7I/AAAAAAAAKBE/pAnDTLxYqQwcugPQfNRB4MhTXK7a4_baACLcB/s1600/Mothers%2BDay2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unpXo_Ot3oA/Vxa_g-JqP7I/AAAAAAAAKBE/pAnDTLxYqQwcugPQfNRB4MhTXK7a4_baACLcB/s400/Mothers%2BDay2%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="281" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mum - we love you!</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 17.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We know that you are unconditional with your love, your time and your attention .. and that you are juggling to provide for everyone often at the expense of finding time for yourself. </span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quiet Mind has put together a little <a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FDVRCBJUWHZMU"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>#LoveYouMum</b></span></a> bundle for those very special people
in our lives .. and it might be your Mum, your Auntie, your Best Friend or yourself!</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 17.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A gift filled with calmness and ease starting with our beautifully wood etched 'Meditating' door sign (to let those around you know that you are taking a short 'me' break) .. a guided meditation CD (to soothe and quiet the body and mind) .. and our Meditation Intention Bracelet (to visually remind you that we love you, and that you must honour time for self-care).</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 17.25pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="line-height: 17.25pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FDVRCBJUWHZMU">#loveYouMum</a></b><span id="goog_1377784691"></span><span id="goog_1377784692"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a> </span>meditation bundle is <b>$55</b> (usually $70) and postage free (only available in Australia and until sold out) - CLICK IMAGE BELOW</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=FDVRCBJUWHZMU"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucQnHNw6OMg/VxbBFJSLgWI/AAAAAAAAKBQ/swDSdxeHjBEYMmU_1nzK0PgoisUZxbJVwCLcB/s200/thumbnail_loveyoumum.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17.25pt;">You can also purchase a <b>gift voucher</b> for anyone of our products or classes, to any value and discuss your requirements with Sarah hello@quietmind.com.au</span></div>
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the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-11796357085330568242016-04-18T19:45:00.000+10:002016-04-20T10:01:58.911+10:00Thoughts In Meditation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Are you on our FREE </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Monday Meditation Musings</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> email list? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our FREE weekly email designed to provide an inspirational and meditative kick-start to your week .. a little meditative nourishment! </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">You can sign up for </span><a href="http://lwlink3.linkwithin.com/api/click?format=go&jsonp=vglnk_14609402060759&key=503c38809682907e0e07931326b1c03d&libId=in59y57201012xfu000DA301fs5q9nld2&loc=http%3A%2F%2Fquietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au%2F2016%2F03%2Fdaydreaming.html&v=1&out=http%3A%2F%2Fvisitor.r20.constantcontact.com%2Fmanage%2Foptin%2Fea%3Fv%3D001Olbj1iTXQSW5ewcR0PkBOQ%253D%253D&title=quiet%20mind%20meditation%3A%20Daydreaming&txt=Monday%20Meditation%20Musings%20here"><span style="color: #45818e;">Monday Meditation Musings here</span></a><span style="color: #666666;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><i>This is an excerpt from this weeks Musing is a deep bow to </i></span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Sayadaw U Pandita the modern leader of Vipassana who passed away over the weekend. A teacher that inspired and challenged so many meditators and meditation teachers. The principles of Naming (or sometimes referred to as Labeling) have been a constant source of inspiration and guidance in my own practice and in the resources that I share with others.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thoughts In Meditation</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One analogy that I like to use, when talking about meditation and the way our mind continues to be entertained and distracted by thoughts .. is to picture the mind as a popcorn machine. The type you find at the cinema.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Think .. bits of air-filled corn, flying around randomly, popping in all directions, a bit of this and a bit of that. Distracting. Attractive (smelling so good). Something we know is not so good for us (or we would prefer not to engage with) but we find outselves making up all sorts of stories about why we should.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Popcorn = Thoughts in Meditation</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Apparently we have an average of 67,000 thoughts a day, and most of these thoughts we have already entertained about a thousand times before. Most of our thoughts are just constantly circulating fluff. Again and again. Nothing fresh. Nothing new. Just dried up bits of old 'popcorn' .. and we have about 1.16 thoughts per second over a 16 hr working day, or 46.5 thoughts per minute over 24 hours.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As human beings we are designed to think! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even in meditation, even at our most quiet point, there will nearly always be a wafting of soft thoughts that we can observe in the background. And unfortunately, one of the common misconceptions, or hurdles, for people wanting to learn meditation is the idea that they must stop all thinking. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But, thoughts are an important part of life and meditation is not a practice or struggle against them. Far better to become a friend to your thoughts, to listen and allow them to come and go as they wish, yet know that we do not need to drop everything (or drop our meditation practice) to become involved with them when the time is not right for us.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Thoughts that have an urgent need to be 'heard' can be treated like a needy child</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We pause. We smile and take a breath. We take a moment to acknowledge the thought (as we would a child) and give them the space to be clearly heard. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">BUT we don't engage in dialogue with them during meditation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Often this allowing and hearing is all that is needed for thoughts to relax their claim on our attention. In meditation we don't suppress or repress .. as the saying goes <i>what we resist persists</i>, instead what we might do when a thought is particularly urgent or consistent, is notice that we have been caught up in a thought, and simply observe how that thought might be affecting our body, physically and energetically (such as tightness in the shoulders or tension in the head) AND try the technique known as 'naming' to return gently to your meditation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>NAMING MEDITATION</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Naming can be a wonderful addition to almost any regular meditation practice. The idea is simply to notice and then name our thought (or distraction) as it appears in the moment.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So .. we may have a Mindfulness of Breath practice, where we gently focus our attention on the inhalation and exhalation of each breath, or a Mantra practice, with a sound or word that we repeat silently in the mind .. and when a loud and insistent thought comes along .. we give it a one-word name .. silently note that name three times .. and then kindly let it go and return to our practice.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We observe the distraction. We name the distraction. We return to our practice. And in doing so, we have an opportunity to truly deepen our understanding of our own mind.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* When you become distracted by a thought, take a moment to look at what it is that's drawn you away from your practice .. if you hear a sound make a mental note 'hearing .. hearing .. hearing' and then return to the breath.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* If you remember something, note 'remembering .. remembering .. remembering' or if it is something about work .. 'work .. work.. work' or 'hungry .. hungry .. hungry'. Or it might be as simple as 'thinking .. thinking .. thinking'.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* Gently and kindly ... name the distraction three times and then redirect your attention back to the breath (or your foundation practice).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* At the end of your meditation, perhaps later in the day, you might reflect on what were the thoughts that were so urgent and so tantalising that they distracted you? What was taking up your mind-space?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Naming can also be an amazingly insightful tool outside of formal sitting practice .. something we can bring to our regular day by simply pausing in any moment (perhaps while waiting for the kettle to boil, or while travelling home on the train) and bringing awareness to where our mind is RIGHT NOW. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What you are thinking in this present moment?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It can be enlightening to notice the constant stream of thoughts that move through us each day. Mindfulness of mind (which is what Naming teaches us) allows us to truly 'hear' what we are saying to ourselves .. in that constant popcorn world of the mind.</span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-51509877593938654222016-04-17T11:44:00.001+10:002016-04-17T11:44:46.110+10:00From Elementary School to Presidential Candidate<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The week that was ...</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exciting to read about the wonderful response from students at a Belle River elementary school who started a new meditation club to help them become calmer, nicer and more focused at school. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Student Dayne Bensette says that the club helps him calm down </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sometimes I have a lot of stuff that I do and everything is in my head and I can't think so the meditation club helps me just think of breathing," .. "I have so many things to do at school, sometimes I even get into fights with my friends and it really helps."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another student said "I liked when we laid down and we thought about our body," .. "It taught me how to think about my body instead of other stuff."</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The principle of Pavillon des Jeunes started the meditation club after learning to meditate herself and feeling that it could be something students could also benefit from. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The club meets once a week during the first recess of the day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>"If this is good for me, it would probably be good for the students too," she said. "If it helps them to be happy, if it helps them to be kinder to one another, then I would be so pleased with that."</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/elementary-students-meditation-1.3526011"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Full article</i></b></span></a><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">AND .. then there was the report that Hilary Clinton recommends meditation and deep breathing to “just slow yourself down.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When asked by WABC’s Joan Hamburg if she meditates, Clinton said, </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>“I haven’t been doing it as regularly as I used to, but I can meditate. . . . [Meditation] has helped me a lot . . . Just slow yourself down, do that deep breathing that can give you a sense of relaxation and groundedness . . . You don’t have to sit with your legs crossed in some quiet room. Literally, you can do it on a plane, or in a car.”</i></span><br />
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<a href="http://pagesix.com/2016/04/13/hillary-clinton-on-the-value-of-meditation/"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Full article</b></span></a></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-72006641864988109392016-03-16T21:47:00.004+11:002016-03-16T21:47:59.512+11:00Daydreaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Are you on our FREE </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Monday Meditation Musings </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">email list? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: left;">Our FREE weekly email designed to provide an inspirational and meditative kick-start to your week .. a little meditative nourishment! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You can sign up for </span><a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001Olbj1iTXQSW5ewcR0PkBOQ%3D%3D" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday Meditation Musings here</a><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. <i>This is an excerpt from a recent Musing which I wanted to share:</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Daydreaming</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Sit in reverie and watch the changing color of the waves</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">that break upon the idle seashore of the mind" </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In our busy-doing-stressing society there is much recognition and focus given to achievement, productivity and 'getting things done'. And stillness .. the quiet, reflective, non-doing, is often overlooked or cast aside with a touch of scorn and negativity. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over time we seemingly lose the art of <i>daydreaming</i> .. the simple activity of being still and allowing the mind to journey unbridled .. to fantasize, make believe, sift through lost memories, contemplate 'what if' scenarios, and play around in make-believe . </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Daydreaming however has been found to be critical to the healthy working of the human mind, as it has the ability to bring us insight, wisdom and a wealth of creativity. In the world of science, art, film and literature, daydreaming is often found to be the magical elixir of genius.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Daydreaming allows the brain to expand across time and space .. which then allows us to make exciting new associations and connections .. a crucial tool for creativity and innovative thinking. We </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">close off the noisy and distracting outside world as the brain shifts to contemplating its internal landscape .. which is where connections are often made between seemingly unrelated concepts and pieces of information. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And when we daydream pleasant dreams, research shows that we begin to breathe with pleasure - which affects our body chemistry (within seconds) .. lowering blood pressure, stabilizing heart-rate and reducing the flood of stress hormones in the body. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Daydreaming is not meditation .. but it feels good!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The key difference between meditating and daydreaming is that when we <i>daydream</i> we allow the mind to float along on its own journey, moving and 'thinking' wherever it might like to go ~ whereas in <i>meditation</i> we focus on an 'anchor' and this allows our thoughts to soften into the background, so that we can rest in spacious stillness. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like meditation however, daydreaming does allow our mind to take a break from heavy duty process style thinking (work, finances, taxes) .. so we can have a mini-vacation and let go of some tension, find a sense of calmness and balance, and later return to our daily tasks refreshed and invigorated. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We can bring a more meditative flavor to our daydreaming by maintaining enough awareness to observe the fact that 'we are daydreaming', and to notice the journey and any creative insights made ~ instead of just drifting off (which is the easy part). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In meditation we maintain a detailed interest and awareness of what the body and mind are doing in the present moment .. being present to the immediate experience of daydreaming, and observing without judgement what happens, can bring a meditative element to our reverie.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week take the opportunity to indulge in some deep daydreaming time .. and be really interested in the journey! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allow your mind to wander and ponder magical pathways .. giving free reign to your imagination. Take yourself on an imaginary walk through nature, picture lying on an exotic beach with swaying palm trees, or resting in the arms of someone you love. Creating a meaningful connection with something imagined allows our body and mind to relax .. even if it is only for a few precious moments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">Relaxation is a gateway to meditation. Relaxation techniques, like daydreaming, may not be meditation .. but alongside a regular meditation practice both can be supportive and worthwhile tools for managing stress a</span>nd sustaining us through an overly busy and noisy life. </span></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-71811293639135012252016-03-13T18:08:00.001+11:002016-03-13T18:12:02.312+11:00New Meditation Intention Bracelet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our new Meditation Intention Bracelet</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>The Inspiration: </b>recently on holiday in Bali, I met a friendly Balinese beach trader who despite the heady heat of the day was enthusiastically plying her wares up and down the beach. While I was not keen on any more shopping .. I was drawn to one particular sample, a black mala made with a striking jet black stone that I had not seen before. I found out it was 'local volcanic rock from the Bali eruption' and from that moment I was on a mission to find out more.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Bali is home to a range of towering volcanic mountains that divides the island into northern and southern portions. To the largely Hindu-Balinese, the volcanoes are considered the homes of the gods and therefore sacred, and with numerous eruptions having happened over thousands of years the island is now left with extremely fertile and high nutrient soil .. which you can see everywhere in the rice paddy fields and lush tropical vegetation.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To many travellers however, especially in recent years, the volcanic eruptions represent holiday plans being cancelled or delayed. Just in the last three years alone, there have been several unexpected eruptions at Mt Raung (East Java) or Mt Rinjani (island of Lombok) causing flights to be grounded both in and out of the country. (I was secretly hoping to be unable to leave .. alas this was not to be).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The stone bead that I found on the beach, is therefore a product of many thousands of years of geological activity; exquisitely formed from the erupted magna that once cool produces a unique texture characterized by little voides left from the escaping gases. Looking around Ba</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">li and Indonesia now, I can see the stone being used in numerous architectural structures, decorative features and statues as the </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">stone is known for its natural beauty, strength, density and heat resistance. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Meditation Intention Bracelet:</b> Designed to provide a visual trigger to reminder you to stop, take a breath and turn your focus inward. As you move through your day the bracelet is a gentle whisper to return to the breath and the present moment. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In this way we keep our intention to meditate shining in our thoughts .. building mindfulness and awareness</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Our new meditation intention bracelet has been inspired by our recent journey to the Island of the Gods, and the beauty of these beads created by Mother Earth.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Black Lava Beads:</b> believed to carry a powerful energy that brings strength, determination and passion to those who wear them. The bead is also considered a protective stone that repels negativity, with a grounding quality that comes from being created within the centre of the earth.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Silver Lotus Charm</b>: the lotus flower grows in muddy water and is closed at night, sinking under the water to wait for dawn when it rises above the surface to bloom with remarkable beauty. Untouched by the impurity of the muddy water the lotus symbolizes the purity of heart and mind and represents enlightenment, renewal, transformation and new beginnings.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Meditation Intention Bracelet <br />$29.95 </span><br /><i>Turquoise or Black Tassel</i></span><br />
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the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-77556646475611257742016-03-05T15:27:00.001+11:002016-03-05T18:27:49.594+11:00Focus On: Cynthia Kane<div style="text-align: left;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: xx-small;">Dominique Fierro Photography + Design</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">The<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><b style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #0b5394;">Focus
On<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></i></b><span style="color: #0b5394;">series
is all about sharing the diversity of meditation journeys and experiences. An
opportunity to come together and share stories, practices and insights ..
to listen and learn from each other.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I
met Cynthia recently at a meditation retreat. Seated together at a group lunch .. I learnt that Cynthia had written for Huffington Post and Elephant Journal (<i>wow</i>) AND that she had recently written a book - <b><i>How To Communicate Like A Buddhist</i></b>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I immediately asked Cynthia if she might share her practice, and her book, with the Quiet Mind community. </span></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">So I am delighted to introduce you to </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Cynthia Kane</b><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">, author and book editor who coaches authors for publication and a literary agent. She is also a certified meditation and mindfulness instructor.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Name: </span><b style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Cynthia Kane</b><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Special Interest: <b>Mindful Communication</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Website: http://www.cynthiakane.com</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1.Tell us about your special Interest </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I used to be a horrible communicator. I rarely said what I meant and was very passive aggressive. Most of my interactions looked like me blaming everyone else for what wasn’t going good in my life and feeling like no matter what I said or did I wasn’t enough. My days ended with me feeling exhausted and most all of the time completely misunderstood. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While I wanted to be open with others and express myself clearly, or be able to share in others happiness I was doing the opposite. I was stuck in a way of communicating that kept me rooted in separateness, feeling isolated, fearful, and insecure. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then, unexpectedly, my first love passed away. It was at this time I realized that my life and my enjoyment were 100% my responsibility. If I wanted to come home at the end of the day and feel alive, joyful, and excited about life then I needed to find another way to communicate with it. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Communication is essential to being human, and when you become better at it, your personal truth becomes clearer, your relationships improve, and the result is that you experience more peace and harmony in your life. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My new book, <b><i>How To Communicate Like a Buddhist</i></b>, came directly out of this quest to find a new way to communicate with myself, others, and in turn the world. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’ve taken the four elements of right speech in Buddhism and developed them into a modern practice based on mindful listening, mindful speech, and mindful silence. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The book takes you through my own five-step practice that is designed to help you: </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Listen to yourself (your internal and external words)</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Listen to others </i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Speak consciously, concisely, and clearly</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Regard silence as a part of speech</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meditate to enhance your communication skills</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you have ever felt misheard, have trouble stating how you feel, or long to have more meaningful and genuine conversations, this book can help. The simple steps outlined in this book will have a huge effect on how you communicate with others and yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. How long have you been practicing, or working in this area?</b> <b>Tell us about your ‘journey’ </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’ve been practicing a mix of mindful, nonviolent, and what I call self responsible communication for over five years now. What I’ve found is that it’s a life practice. It’s constantly noticing our automatic communication habits or patterns and refocusing on the present moment to choose a more kind, honest, and helpful response. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. How did you <i>find</i> meditation, and how long have you been practicing meditation?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’ve been practicing meditation for over five years and I believe that meditation is the glue to speaking in a more honest, kind, and helpful way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After my first love passed away a friend of mine sent me an email about a meditation and writing workshop at the Shambhalah Center in New York. I had no idea what meditation was, but I knew that a weekend of writing would be good for me. I went and learned to meditate that first night. Directly afterward I wrote in my journal that this was something I wanted to incorporate into my life, make it a daily practice. Why? Because ..</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>..it let me be as I was..</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was no judgement from myself for the first time, just a gentle attention. I could feel all that I was feeling, finally allowing myself to be, no pushing to be someone better, no forcing to be more. Meditation has let me get to know who I am, helped me to respect who I am, and showed me how to live inline with who I am. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Do you have a regular practice – daily, weekly, other?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I practice everyday for 20 minutes in the morning after I wake up and then again around 5:30 p.m. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5. What inspires you to keep meditating .. returning to your practice?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I keep meditating because it takes care of me. It helps me love instead of critique, respond instead of react, express instead of hide. I come back again and again because how I am in meditation is how I want to live my life: focused, present, and accepting.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>6. Why do you meditate?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I meditate because it helps me live in a way that’s kind, honest, free of judgment, and helpful. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>7. Do you have a particular technique(s) that you have found most suitable for you?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I do a lot of breath awareness meditation; however, I will prescribe myself certain meditations if I’m feeling a certain way. If I’m feeling closed and judgmental I’ll do a loving-kindness meditation for a whole week. If I’m having a hard time letting go of a situation I’ll do a forgiveness meditation. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>8. AM or PM? .. Chair, cushion, stool? </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I meditate in the morning and the early evening. I use a cushion. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>9. Have you a dedicated space for your practice? Where do you meditate?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I put my cushion down in my bedroom and that’s it. Sometimes, on the weekends, I’ll wake up before my husband so instead of sitting in the bedroom I’ll go down to the living space. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>10. Have you attended a meditation retreat, can you share some of your experience and insights? </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I’ve been to meditation retreats, yes, and I think they are an incredible way to experience community. A lot of what I find is that sometimes meditation and meditating can feel isolating, especially if it’s not a part of a religious practice. Sometimes it feels like we’re all doing it on our own. When you go to a retreat you begin to find a community that really nurtures and understands your experiences. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Also, there’s so much clarity that comes out of these retreats that they really can change your path forward or completely open you up to yourself in a new way. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>11. Any favourite books/CDs/Resources that you might share with others?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are so many books I could list but <i>NonViolent Communication</i> by Marshall B Rosenberg changed my life and <i>The Art of Communicating</i> by Thich Nhat Hanh is also a wonderful read.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">If you’re interested in discovering your communication style and reading a free excerpt of <i><b>How To Communicate Like a Buddhist</b></i> you can <a href="http://www.hierophantpublishing.com/how-to-communicate-like-a-buddhist/"><span style="font-size: large;">CLICK HERE</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>12. Any wise words to share with those who are new to meditation?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think we get this idea that sitting and focusing on our breath or body, or a mantra should be easy, but with all that we have going on in our minds it’s actually quite difficult to do. It’s a constant noticing and letting go and coming back to our focus. A state of remembering and forgetting. But if we keep to it, sticking with a practice, even if it’s five-ten minutes a day, it gets easier. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>13. 7 Random things about you?</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1) I wrote a hiking guide book to the Community of Madrid (<i>Take a Hike: The Best 50 Routes in the Community of Madrid</i>) and started a company that guides people out into the mountains on the weekends</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2) I believe life it too short for matching socks</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3) On Saturdays I go through a kind of cleansing ritual with music. I start with sad songs that make me cry, then build up to empowering songs, and finally feel good music. I believe it opens me up for the good stuff.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4) I have quotes hanging all around my desk. The one I’m looking at right now is my personal credo: Detach. Trust. Receive.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5) I collect salt & pepper shakers </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6) Whenever I see a yellow car I remind myself that I’m alive right now and to be grateful for the moment I’m in</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7) I used to eat so much yogurt that I gave myself an allergy to cows milk</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thank you Cynthia.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">We will have a copy of Cynthia's book <b><i>How To </i></b><i><b>Communicate Like a Buddhist</b></i> to </span><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>GIVEAWAY</b></span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> next month (the book is being launched April 2016) - <b><a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001Olbj1iTXQSW5ewcR0PkBOQ%3D%3D">SIGN UP</a> </b>for our Quiet Mind monthly newsletter to join in.</span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-48285201710072603252016-02-25T12:04:00.001+11:002016-02-25T12:04:10.372+11:00The Meditation Reading Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rppjYF6QGF0/Vs5RKHcwY8I/AAAAAAAAJ8M/PQZchCQnu20/s1600/LXCMDRFA51_Unsplash_ReadingRoom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rppjYF6QGF0/Vs5RKHcwY8I/AAAAAAAAJ8M/PQZchCQnu20/s400/LXCMDRFA51_Unsplash_ReadingRoom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was cleaning my meditation space yesterday .. and realised there was a growing pile of wisdom (ie books) staring at me! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">'No time like the present' I thought .. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">and knowing that I will need some accountability to read and share these wonderful books .. today I have launched the </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading Room</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am going to start with <b><i>one book per month</i></b>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And post four (one a week) updates here on the blog to share the learnings.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am now excited to get this started .. and thanks to<b> @write.away.with.me</b> the first book suggestion is .. <i>drum roll ..</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>"Ten Mindful Minutes"</i></b> by Goldie Hawn which I picked up at the recent Meditation Teachers Symposium in Sedona. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Watch this space .. </span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-20204544275583352222016-02-14T22:57:00.005+11:002016-02-14T23:00:03.101+11:00Exploring Meditation Together <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year I sent out a survey to find out what held people back from meditation?</span><br />
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I don't know where to start</i></b></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I think too much and I am always exhausted</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I don't want to do it alone</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I don't know what would help me</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I feel like I need someone to sit with me to work through it all</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I need a spelled out plan to follow to get started</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>It seems to woo woo for me</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>I don't know if I am doing it right</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I hear you</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;">When I learnt to meditate (some 20+ years ago) I devoured as many books as I could, and was lucky enough to regularly attend a local Buddhist centre. Over the years I have continued to attend classes, retreats and sit with different meditation teachers in different settings .. giving me a solid foundation of understanding, community and support, to continue my passion for sharing meditation. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">I believe that meditation is a life skill that everyone can learn.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exploring Meditation</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> course is designed to share the many insights, wisdom and knowledge I have gained from my journey .. in a straightforward, secular and practical program!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Easy bite-size steps </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I focus on providing a solid foundation of knowledge around the <i><b>how</b></i> and the <b><i>why </i></b>of meditation, with an appreciation of the <b><i>art and the science</i></b>. My aim is to share sound and practical advice on some of the challenges in starting and maintaining a regular meditation practice, and I provide weekly notes and resources to take home .. along with a dedicated weekly time and space for group meditation practice. All the support, encouragement and motivation you need to get started.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So .. is it time you learnt to meditate?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are feeling a little </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">overwhelmed</span></i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> at the moment, finding </span><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">stress </span></i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to be a growing concern for you, wishing you had a little </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>more time, clarity</i></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> and </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>spaciousness</i></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> to enjoy life, or just interested in </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>finding out more</i></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> about this thing called '<i>meditation</i>' then <b>JOIN US.</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Exploring Meditation - February</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;">(6 weeks)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Time:</b> Tuesday evenings 7-8.30pm</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Venue:</b> Brighton VIC</span><br />
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<b style="color: #741b47; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">SUMMER</b></div>
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<span style="color: #741b47; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">16 Feb - 22 Mar</span><br />
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the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-17886294496580558422016-02-14T18:33:00.001+11:002016-02-14T18:33:05.901+11:00Re-Entry to 'Normal' Life <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most spiritual and wisdom traditions speak of the power of retreating .. an opportunity to step away from the complexity of daily life and shift awareness inward. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">For 2,500 years, meditation retreats have been a central part of the Buddhist path of awakening. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Retreat: A period of withdrawal from the world</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have just returned from an eight-day retreat that incorporated periods of silence and community experience, group and self learning, meditation and yoga. When I signed up for the retreat (about a year ago) I would ponder its arrival with excitement .. imagining my escape from household chores (and daily life), the bills, the constantly getting up to take people somewhere or pick them up, the washing and the cooking. I would imagine great big gulps of silence, of walking in nature alone, deep peaceful uninterrupted sleep, of finding and hanging out with 'me'. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As the retreat date got closer .. I found myself focusing on the practical as a way of making it come to fruition quicker. Writing checklists of what to take and how to best prepare. The details filled my days and the days raced past. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I started writing about this preparation time because it had become a focal point for my excitement .. and then about two days before I left I realised that it was real. There was nothing really to do but dive in, let go of expectations and remain open to the mystery.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Whatever your thoughts are about going on retreat .. the experience is going to be unlike anything you can imagine</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And now that I am back, I felt it wise to write a few thoughts on <b><i>coming home</i></b> because re-entry after a retreat can be challenging.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">TIPS FOR RE-ENTRY AFTER RETREAT</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Hold A Gentle Intention</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the plane trip home I was excited and energised and full of grand ideas and eagerness to share. I felt ready to take on the world with my enthusiasm. Yet within a few hours of coming home .. I felt mentally and physically exhausted. Partly due to jet-lag and partly due to being stretched so quickly. People I loved dearly wanted my time and my stories (succinct and profound), household tasks needed to be addressed, phone calls returned.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was acutely reminded of how fast life now moves, and the level of noise and distraction. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Transitioning back into 'normal' life, requires care. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">P</span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">rotect what you nurtured, manage expectations and take small baby steps, one change at a time</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*I purposefully resisted the urge to jump onto my emails or book in new classes</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*I blocked out two days for just my immediate family so that I could be present to their news and catch up on their world</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*I held back on discussing any specifics of the retreat, keeping details to a minimum. Consider how you might respond to 'How did it go?' or 'Are you enlightened yet?' .. they will come .. and my typical response was along the lines of <i>'I am still processing the whole adventure, stay tuned'.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Try to maintain a gentle flow of energy in the first few days home. I used jet lag as a reason to continue to retire early at night, and again for taking an afternoon nap (when I may nap or meditate or read quietly).</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Step away and breathe. I took my dog for a number of short walks just to get out of the house and feel the wind on my face.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Avoid noise. My mind reacted with shock to the noise of life 'outside'. I chose not to turn on the TV, the laptop or even the radio. I recognised quickly that I craved silence - so I made sure I had some.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Choice. We have such a choice of food and drink and entertainment available to us. I chose to eat well but sparingly as I had done on retreat. I also continued to drink a large volume of water, which was a requirement in Sedona due to the climate and height, but is also a good healthy practice, Flying and just general travel can dehydrate.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Recognise those 'grand' ideas which are exciting at first but can become overwhelming. Take a breath and start with cultivating one new habit or practice at a time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My intention for the retreat was to embrace SPACIOUS AWARENESS .. this is now my intention moving forward </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sustain Your Practice</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The rhythm and the practices that were followed on retreat supported a greater sense of ease and flow, and I know that I want to integrate these into my daily life. But. I recognise that this will take time. My family life just does not function around my meditation practice and need for quiet reflection. I may not be able to match the retreat schedule that I loved so much, but I can commit to rising early for my morning practice, and take advantage of the family being busy watching TV before dinner to sit for my afternoon practice. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And if something interrupts this rhythm .. then I take that as an opportunity to continue practising kindness and compassion (for self and others) and I start again the next day.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">You just have to start.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Find Your Sangha</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The wonderful group of people that I connected with while on retreat, are known at our Center as '<i>Sangha 12</i>'. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Sangha</i></b> is a Pali word meaning "association", "assembly," "company" or "community" and most commonly refers in Buddhism to the monastic community of ordained Buddhist monks or nuns. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My Retreat Sangha is made up of eighteen individuals who live across the world. The modern tools for maintaining our Sangha is going to be a Facebook Group .. and already we have been sharing our stories of returning home, our challenges and our new adventures. This new forum of communication will allow us to keep in touch and support each other. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It can be hard to leave that supportive and attentive environment of your retreat and community when you return home. For some it can be lonely returning to an empty house, or a noisy and demanding household. By r</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">ecogniseing that nearly everyone returning from retreat will go through a period of 'loss' can be helpful, as can finding your local </span>sangha<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> by joining a yoga/meditation </span>center<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"> or finding other groups that hold similar interests </span>ie<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">. hiking, healthy eating or reading.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Reignite Your Passion</b><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I find that the retreat process continues long after you have returned home. It is like you are <i>marinating</i> in your experience, and marinating takes time and patience. I have a journal of notes, insights and ponderings .. that over time I will dip into and reflect on. I have a list of things to research and learn more about, and a bag of books that I couldn't resist when I attended the three day Meditation Teacher Symposium after the retreat. There will be moments when I will be drawn to revisit these memories and times when they will be great for reigniting my passion.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*Keep a journal on your reflections after retreat to tap into in the future.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*Write a letter to yourself about the retreat experience and how you would like to integrate new learning's or awareness's.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*Book another day or longer retreat or just take some time regularly to be away with yourself.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">*Find tools that you can turn to in order to engage with the retreat experience.</span><br />
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<b style="color: #666666; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Self Love</b><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of all be kind to yourself. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Use the tools you have (ie. meditation) to help and support your transition back into daily life </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Consider what you might be able to do to maintain the spirit of your retreat such as a hike on the weekend, a new early to bed-early to rise habit, or a day off technology each week</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Continue to find new ways to embrace the aspects of your retreat that mean so much to you. I really enjoyed retiring early at night and spending some time reading, so this is something I have shared with my family and suggested that we all embrace</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*I have also posted a series of retreat pictures on my office pin board, so I can connect with the magical energy cultivated on retreat, and be reminded of how I wish to bring that to my daily life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"To be guided by your inner wisdom, </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">you have to stop moving, stop doing, </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">and listen to yourself.” </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: verdana, sans-serif;">Maya Angelou</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>NOTE: There have now been five posts about going on retreat .. and I thought it might be useful to share these in a lovingly prepared and FREE eBook which I shall have ready for you in the next week or two. </i></b></span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-80219420527928730412016-02-09T19:00:00.000+11:002016-02-09T19:00:10.197+11:00Meditation Research Update<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.news-medical.net/news/20160205/Study-provides-window-into-the-brain-changes-that-link-mindfulness-meditation-with-health-related-benefits.aspx">Brain changes that link mindfulness meditation withhealth-related benefits</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">New research from Carnegie Mellon University provides a
window into the brain changes that link mindfulness meditation training with
health in stressed adults. Published in Biological Psychiatry, the study shows
that mindfulness meditation training, compared to relaxation training, reduces
Interleukin-6, an inflammatory health biomarker, in high-stress, unemployed
community adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The randomized controlled trial involved 35
stressed-adult-job-seekers; one group were exposed to an intensive three-day
mindfulness meditation retreat program, the second group to a well-matched relaxation
retreat program which did not have a mindfulness component. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Participants completed a five-minute resting state brain
scan before and after the three-day program; and provided blood samples before
the program and at a follow up four-months later.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The brain scans showed:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* mindfulness
meditation training increased the functional connectivity of the participants'
resting default mode network in areas important to attention and executive
control (namely the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and had reduced IL-6 levels
(inflammation levels)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">* Participants
who attended the relaxation training did not show these brain changes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>"We think that these brain changes provide a
neurobiological marker for improved executive control and stress resilience,
such that mindfulness meditation training improves your brain's ability to help
you manage stress, and these changes improve a broad range of stress-related
health outcomes, such as your inflammatory health," </b></i>David Creswell, lead
author and associate professor of psychology in the Dietrich College of
Humanities and Social Sciences.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306105.php">Meditation shown to reduce pain during breast cancer biopsy</a></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Researchers, from the Duke Cancer Institute in Durham, NC,
publish their findings in the Journal of the American College of Radiology.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A study of 121 women who needed breast biopsies where
placed into three groups: guided meditation, music and a standard-care control
group.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">During the biopsy, the women in the meditation group
listened to an "audio-recorded, guided, loving-kindness meditation,"
which focused on acquiring positive emotions and releasing negative ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306105.php">You can view a video demonstration of the guided meditationused in the study here.</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The women in the music group listened to relaxing music (a
choice of instrumental jazz, classical piano, harp and flute, nature sounds or
world music) and the control group received supportive words from the biopsy
team.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Patients filled out questionnaires that measured nervousness
and anxiety, and ranked their biopsy pain from 0-10.</span></div>
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<i style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>'Results showed that the women in the meditation and music
groups reported much greater post-biopsy reductions in anxiety and fatigue,
compared with the control group, which reported increased fatigue. Furthermore, the women in the meditation
group experienced significantly lower pain during the biopsy, compared with the
women in the music group'.</b></i></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-17463785015505562062016-02-09T14:24:00.001+11:002016-02-09T14:29:34.154+11:00Peeling Back The Layers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWhX-oo9OPs/VrkqJSIzvII/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/J7d8IXpFBwM/s1600/12698737_10205954818014983_949378312_onion3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TWhX-oo9OPs/VrkqJSIzvII/AAAAAAAAJ6Y/J7d8IXpFBwM/s400/12698737_10205954818014983_949378312_onion3.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was only seventeen when I first learnt to meditate and I had my first <i>ah-ha </i>moment. Time and space stood still that very first time I closed my eyes and found my breath. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I peeled back the first layer of the onion</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That first meditation experience opened up a whole new inner world and awareness for me. I recognised in that briefest of moments, the potential for a deeper connection with myself and the world around me. I recognised a spaciousness within that was my true <i>home</i> and l started this meditation journey that has seen me sit and peel-away at the layers of ego, labels, habits and ‘self’ for 25+ years. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Meditation was almost unheard of in my world back then. The modern world had not reached that mysterious tipping point where something ancient and timeless becomes mainstream and <i>suddenly new again</i> ..</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>“that magic moment when an idea, trend, or social behavior crosses a threshold, tips, and spreads like wildfire” </b>Malcolm Gladwell</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My journey back then required me to constantly self motivate .. to find, observe, ask questions and search for teachers, books and opportunities to learn .. and of course, to continued to just sit. Meditation is after all, an experiential practice.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">'When the student is ready the teacher will appear'</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I first found Sarah McLean online (<a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2008/10/meditate-for-peace.html">you can read how here</a>) and then the Universe provided us with an opportunity to meet in Melbourne (<a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2011/03/everyday-meditation-with-sarah-mclean.html">read more here</a>) and over the years I have watching her growing sangha (community) at the <a href="http://www.mcleanmeditation.com/">McLean Meditation Institute</a> and online. And again and again I would feel this calling to learn more float into my awareness. I waited for a ‘sign’.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And then in 2015 I was ready. I signed up. I started.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I was so excited to receive my course material .. to start, a big heavy box was delivered. Inside were nine books to read, a selection that included insights from brain science, spiritual traditions, ancient lineages and modern musings. There was also a heavy study binder full of articles, links to online talks, journal requirements and reflection projects. And an online sangha for questions and sharing. A magic box of untold new learning’s and wisdom.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And over the course of 2015, in among life and family and work .. I read, digested, contemplated, assessed, researched, discussed, shared and integrated.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It was challenging, heart-warming, intense, emotional, confusing, insightful and exciting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had committed to embark on this journey with <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/cultivating-beginners-mind.html">Beginners Mind</a> and I had to remind myself of this commitment again and again, to put aside <i>knowing</i> and open to <i>unknowing</i> again and again. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The course culminates in an eight day Meditation Intensive Retreat in Sedona; the home of<a href="http://mcleanmeditation.com/07.html"> Sarah McLean</a> and the <a href="http://mcleanmeditation.com/smt.html">McLean Meditation Institute</a>. I have just returned from the retreat and was lucky to be able to continue my journey with the following three-day Inaugural Meditation Teacher Symposium. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had the opportunity to retreat, and then reintegrated, within the most breathtaking red rock and cactus landscapes (the Grand Canyon is only hours away), where energy vortex’s surround and move through you, and at night you can hear the coyotes call. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Many people have asked me about the course and why it has been so transformative. I shall share more in coming posts .. but having a personal meditation practice of more than 25+ years and a meditation teacher for the past five years = I learnt and expanded beyond and beyond again.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It takes kindness and courage to step onto the meditation cushion each day - and open yourself. To let go of all the stories and ‘stuff’ that have accumulated over a lifetime (or many lifetimes). To continue to show up when there is chaos and noise and uncertainty within, and learn how to embrace and allow with kindness and acceptance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">to sit and open and breathe</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And so I have been continuing the peeling-away process.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Aware yet again, that each time we meditate we have an opportunity to observe our true selves at our very core .. and so continue to gently and kindly yield to the layers being stripped away.</span></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-3868109793027350972016-02-08T13:39:00.003+11:002016-02-08T13:41:38.503+11:00I am home ..A little slideshow of images from my recent trip to Sedona (Arizona) for the McLean Meditation Institute 8-day Meditation Intensive Retreat and then the 3-day Meditation Teacher Symposium. A beautiful part of the world and a wonderful experience. Feeling blessed.
<embed flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.com&captions=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=https%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.com%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2F103759930501864641514%2Falbumid%2F6248708117640663041%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26authkey%3DGv1sRgCI-zgIifiZ6_1gE%26hl%3Den_US" height="267" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" src="https://photos.gstatic.com/media/slideshow.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="400"></embed>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-61086246374106258842016-02-05T15:23:00.000+11:002016-02-05T15:23:44.832+11:00Meditation & Mindfulness Teacher<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K6qyvAkk-c/VrQX0zGfdyI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/7M6cbSe9dcI/s1600/MMI%2BCertificate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="316" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_K6qyvAkk-c/VrQX0zGfdyI/AAAAAAAAJ0s/7M6cbSe9dcI/s400/MMI%2BCertificate.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Excited to share that I am now an officially <a href="http://mcleanmeditation.com/teachercertification.html">Certified Meditation Teacher </a>with the <a href="http://www.mcleanmeditation.com/">McLean Meditation Institute</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have been following my journey here at Quiet Mind Meditation .. you will know that over the past year I have been completing an amazingly professional and broad learning program which has just culminated in an eight-day meditation intensive retreat in Sedona (Arizona).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I got home to Australia last night, feeling full of gratitude for a year of profound learning, deep friendships and personal breakthroughs - all the while being gently guided by my teacher <b><a href="http://mcleanmeditation.com/">Sarah McLean</a> </b>and course advisor <b><a href="http://www.omyogaevents.net/">Suzi von Mensenkampff</a>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the retreat, I was lucky enough to be 'in town' to attended the <b>Meditation Teacher Symposium</b> that brought together teachers and specialists to share further learning .. attending workshops on <i><b>Children's Meditation, Being a Meditation Coach and Trauma Sensitive Meditation.</b></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I process and gather my thoughts, I shall share further details shortly on both the McLean Meditation Institute program, and the workshops that I attended at the Symposium.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeling blessed.</span><br />
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<br />the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-26085798920759929682016-01-20T17:51:00.001+11:002016-01-20T17:51:14.786+11:00Away On Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXENEsvT9wY/Vp8tejZnfeI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/zFnEgufVXbs/s1600/doorsign_outside.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MXENEsvT9wY/Vp8tejZnfeI/AAAAAAAAJ0c/zFnEgufVXbs/s400/doorsign_outside.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Away on retreat till 5 Feb 2016</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Take this as a sign .. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><i>now might be a good time to meditate</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><i>*If time permits .. I hope to share a few pictures along the way and you can see these <a href="http://www.instagram.com/quietmindmeditation">Instagram here</a></i></span></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-90106305650589964122016-01-19T22:12:00.000+11:002016-01-19T22:34:25.444+11:00Mentally Preparing for Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tOapYws270/Vp3kf29RiOI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/FDByWrIpIzQ/s1600/photo-1421999430108-bcb78bd726ce_setting%2Boff.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tOapYws270/Vp3kf29RiOI/AAAAAAAAJ0M/FDByWrIpIzQ/s400/photo-1421999430108-bcb78bd726ce_setting%2Boff.jpe" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On a meditation retreat we are usually committing ourselves to letting go. To letting go of our routine life. To commit to doing nothing (<i>although there is certainly a lot of internal 'doing')</i>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If your life is exceptionally busy and you are madly dashing around in the weeks and days before you depart for your retreat ... then imagine what happens when a car screaming down the highway at 100mph suddenly stops.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Chaos</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">All the junk in the car (ie. in our minds and body) suddenly fly's forward, unearthing all sorts of long ignored and smelly stuff from under the seats.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rather than stomping on the breaks .. isn't it better all round if you slow down gradually, gear by gear, until you are at a comfortable speed and ready to slide into a stop. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Much better.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So consider what you need to do (and do it) so that you can s*l*o*w down before attending the retreat. Some further tips:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Continue Your Practice</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In all the busyness of getting ready for retreat, don’t forget to keep up your practice. Also don't over compensate or try to pre-prepare by expanding your personal practice ‘in readiness’ .. rather allow sufficient time in your day to continue to check in and pause. It is also really beneficial to remind yourself why you are attending the retreat - your intention - and keeping up your steady rhythm of practice. Be consistent. Be gentle. Be kind.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>A Little Self Love</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Step up your self love before retreat. Take care of your body with plenty of regular and efficient sleep, keep moving and engaging in regular exercise. If you don’t have a regular morning stretching practice then consider starting a gentle one, as this will be invaluable when you are sitting a lot. Incorporating a stretching practice into your daily morning routing – keeping your body loose and comfortable will be invaluable when away from home on retreat. Incorporating some basic exercise, yoga or stretching time into your day- will help with repeated sittings.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Attend to health matters – find what you need and be prepared.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Eat Mindfully</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At most of the retreats I have attended, everything that you do from sunrise to sunset, is considered part of your practice. Everyday daily activities, such as eating, cleaning and walking are all mindfulness practices. You can certainly start including some of these rituals into your daily life .. being more aware and present to washing the dishes, brushing your hair, collecting the mail.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The meals prepared on retreat are usually healthy and simple .. consider how your diet (and preferences and judgements) might impact on your experience. Some retreats have dietary rules .. no eating after noon, for example. Now, I am a morning coffee girl so I am preparing for the possibility that I may not have my favourite brew each morning. I have also been paying more attention to the food that I have each day aiming for greater wholesomeness and healthy simple options – with a focus on getting energy from my meals without being weighted down or taking too long to digest. Most retreats are vegetarian and may encourage you to abstain from things like caffeine or alcohol – so if you drink eight cups of coffee a day, a wine with dinner, and meat is the staple of your diet – this could be a shock! Again, know what to expect and p</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">repare early.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Write Down Your Intentions</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It can be beneficial to write down what motivated you to attend the retreat, what you would like to expand or explore, and how you would like to look back on this journey in the future. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Retreats are a great time for clarity – for insight into the bigger issues in life. If you plan on keeping a meditation journal you could note down your intentions as a starting point.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>Don't Research</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don't compare. Don't spend hours reading on line about other peoples experiences on another retreat. This is your experience, unique to you. The organisers of your retreat should provide you with all the information you need prior to attending and this is all that you need.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Prepare Your Mind</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A retreat requires discipline and dedication. You will not be sitting by the pool with hours to read and get a massage. Before attending consider what your motivation and intention is, and recognise with all your heart and mind that this is the best choice of your time right now. You will have plenty of opportunities to renew and strengthen your commitment while on retreat, but you can sustain your focus by reading inspiring stores from great teachers or reconnecting with your own practice and knowledge. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>“Meditation isn’t a sedative. It’s a laxative” </i></b>said Trungpa Rinpoche .. in the vacuum of stillness and silence, the mind brings up all kinds of ‘stuff’ that has to be burnt off through our awareness.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Cultivate Compassion</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When attending a retreat (silent or not-silent) with a group of strangers .. you have an opportunity to live the lessons of compassion and empathy and kindness. If you are not already, you will no doubt quickly become much more aware of your judgements and perceptions and habitual reactions – YES your ego. I have included these words in my journal (as a reminder):</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Be Kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a battle of their own.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Beginners Mind </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Retreats are the perfect opportunity to practice Beginners Mind .. a mind that is open to whatever occurs. If I was to arrive without my baggage, but with a Beginners Mind, then I will receive all (and more) benefits that such a journey can offer. Focus on the basics again and again so they become ingrained in you.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Don’t expect anything</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Expectation is premeditated disappointment</span> </i><span style="color: #666666;">someone wise once said. You cannot know what will happen in meditation or on retreat and so we keep turning up and learn to embrace our true experience whatever that is. If nothing happens, that’s fine .. if you explode with ah-ha moments that is fine too. Another lovely saying:</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>You may not get what you want from retreat, but you tend to get what you need.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hope this has been useful and interesting. I have shared three earlier articles as I started my own retreat journey:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-size: small;"><a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/embarking-on-meditation-retreat.html">Embarking on a Meditation Retreat</a></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/planning-for-retreat.html">Planning for Retreat</a></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/packing-suitcase-for-retreat.html">Packing the Suitcase for Retreat</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><b>If you would like to follow some of my retreat journey .. if the opportunity presents itself, I will be posting on my Facebook and Instagram pages (not on this site). Once I return there will no doubt be a wealth of juicy learnings to share.</b></i></span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-29711175283522003112016-01-18T10:59:00.001+11:002016-01-18T10:59:23.208+11:00Packing the Suitcase for Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPsvRT4FXI/Vpweo8wtnxI/AAAAAAAAJz8/wxVHXPUg4Os/s1600/photo-1448582649076-3981753123b5_bag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPsvRT4FXI/Vpweo8wtnxI/AAAAAAAAJz8/wxVHXPUg4Os/s400/photo-1448582649076-3981753123b5_bag.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am heading off to an eight day meditation intensive shortly. You can read a little about my journey of preparation <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/embarking-on-meditation-retreat.html">here</a> and <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/planning-for-retreat.html">here</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am now at the point where I need to pack something. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me say up front .. I am a chronic over-packer. I dream of being that person who trusts that a sarong, thongs and sunglasses (and credit card) will do the trick, but I suspect I shall never be the traveller with carry-on luggage only.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have found that I need to pack and re-pack and edit and re-pack a few times. Having a list and visually laying everything out helps. I have also watched a few online video's on the most effective way to pack .. roll, roll, roll your items!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suitcase Packing Checklist</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Comfort</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>'</b><i>Comfort over form</i>’ is a phrase that I often use when guiding students to find a solid meditation posture. When the body is uncomfortable and fidgety .. the mind reflects those same traits. I know that our retreat meditation centre has an excellent understanding of how to regulate the temperature for long indoor sitting sessions. But getting to the centre I am going to need a good coat (waterproof), loads of warm socks for inside activities, yoga gear for movement classes and flexible, soft and breathable layers for meditation. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Packing layers will ensure you have the ability to warm up or cool down when required regardless of the weather.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been told there will be one dinner to celebrate the end of the retreat, at a restaurant, so I have one outfit that is a little more appropriate.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will definitely take my meditation shawl because I use it for EVERY morning meditation, so it holds the calming energy of years of practice, it can also be useful during the day if I get cold, while on the plane and at night.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don't wear anything that makes your fiddle and adjust – equally consider those around you and avoid distracting colours, logo’s – same for perfume and sprays - don’t use them. I personally experience a heightened sense of smell and sensitivity when on retreat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Suitable Shoes </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our location is central to some of Earths most natural and breathtaking landscapes - people flock here for the natural beauty and the hiking - so I would be mad not to take some comfortable walking shoes for any moments that I can get outside and be adventurous. I do not need high heels.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Bathers/Sarong/Hat/Sunscreen/Sunglasses </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After the retreat I am attending a Meditation Conference. I will be moving to a hotel with spa facilities. After sitting for many days, I know that the chance for a swim and massage will be enticing. Also, while it is Winter where I am going, the sun is also out most of the day and so it is still important to have some protection. I always gravitate towards sunshine so I have a small tube of sunscreen and sunglasses.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Water Bottle </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I really dislike the over-use of plastic water bottles. I am sure there will be some water provided on site, but I would prefer to use my own bottle so that I can have it at hand when needed, but also for my flight, hiking, and to give me a sense of connection with home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Journal </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love to write about my experiences when away, and to reflect on my thoughts while immersed in such a special journey. On many retreats you may not be allowed to write (this is not unusual as we seek to let go of all ‘distractions’) but on this occasion I will have my evenings to journal. I wrote about the meditative qualities of writing a journal <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2015/05/my-meditation-journal.html">here</a>, and as an activity for relaxation while on retreat you might even consider <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2015/10/coloring-as-meditation.html">Colouring-In</a>. Also pack some pen's .. these always go missing on retreat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>A Book </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Again, depending on the type of meditation retreat you are attending, an inspirational book can be great tool and support. One book. Not ten books. Sometimes a special text will form part of your retreat, otherwise something that is positive and uplifting is best. Put your name on your book. <a href="http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/">This is what I will be reading on the plane.</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Healthy Travel Snacks </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am flying across the globe for this retreat and I am Gluten Intolerant .. I have advised the airline of my food requirements (<i>sometimes this works, often it doesn't</i>) so I will make sure that I have some healthy snacks with me for part of the journey. Airports are also getting better at providing healthy options, so I will be looking closely for items when I land. Also remember that most countries do not allow food to be brought in/out.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Medication/Vitamins/Personal Hygiene </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have had a situation where I needed to arrange for urgent medical supplies to be sent internationally after a family member forgot vital medication. It was complex and required a Doctors report and international couriers; all very stressful when required urgently. Make sure you have enough of what you need, with a little extra for unusual circumstances such as a delay in your trip (had this happen also). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make sure you have your prescription or a note from your Doctor if this is required, and that you have emergency supplies in your hand luggage (because suitcases do go missing). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Personal hygiene is also important - avoid smelly stuff in consideration for others - and understand what is available 'on the ground' ie. is there safe running water? Should you take a small tube of washing solution for clothing? Also only pack the volume that you are going to need and consider the waste facilities.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Will the retreat provide sheeting, pillow, towels? not always .. so check first.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Technology </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consider what you might need before/after your retreat. Your telephone may need international roaming or a local supplier arrangement, a charger, an appropriate power adaptor. Your laptop and camera also need to recharge. Do you need wi-fi? Is there a land line option at the retreat for emergencies?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Passwords - the mind empties on retreat, so if you have important passwords for your devices or to access your banking records, find a way to store and access them when needed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Traditional retreats will have a bell that wakes you for morning practice and to remind you of various retreat activities; otherwise you may need your own travel clock (or phone alarm). I have not worn a watch for ten plus years .. maybe I need to get it out again? Also keep in mind that you are just one participant in the retreat, so do not expect people to chase after you. A torch can also be useful.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Gifts </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are many people that I want to thank for this opportunity, so I have wrapped a few small gift and will pack some thank you cards. I also have some business cards with all my contact details/website etc that I can share with those I meet along the way.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Now, I am off to start packing and I may remember more items for this checklist. Next post will be about how to mentally plan for your retreat.</i></span><br />
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the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-53195987336798357212016-01-15T11:02:00.001+11:002016-01-15T11:08:34.561+11:00Planning for Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwD2Mw8heWQ/VpcAyuK_qLI/AAAAAAAAJzs/WGglCuzSZmA/s1600/1b0cc699.jpe" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dwD2Mw8heWQ/VpcAyuK_qLI/AAAAAAAAJzs/WGglCuzSZmA/s400/1b0cc699.jpe" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am off to a meditation retreat shortly ... and inner and outer adventure!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I posted earlier <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2016/01/embarking-on-meditation-retreat.html">Embarking on a Meditation Retreat</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On a meditation retreat we commit to letting go and doing nothing (well, nothing as we normally would) .. and this is a fantastic way to release our routine responsibilities, labels and activities. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To facilitate this transition to a new way of being .. it is really important to handle what needs to be handled in your 'real life' before you depart. A retreat can be challenging on so many levels .. just sitting for long periods is challenging enough .. but in that vacuum of silence that you find yourself immersed in, stressful thoughts seem to bubble up and explode as if from nowhere, and many worries are going to be around unfinished household projects or unpaid bills. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Distractions are standard when on retreat .. but we can reduce some anxiety by having a checklist of - What To Do Before Leaving on Retreat.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the last few days I have been assessing what needs to be done on a practical level and have made a little checklist below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Understand The Environment</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I Googled (as you do) the expected weather at the retreat center. I looked at the long range forecast and the ‘expected’ average temperature, I also asked my online tribe by posting some questions on social media - and received some great advice from those living close by. I am finding it a challenge to get my head around leaving the height of Australian Summer (ie. 105 degrees) to a location that will be at the height of Winter (with a high chance of snow on the ground). It means that I have to source some more appropriate footwear and find my stored winter jackets .. and I really should invest in some new meditation pants (my current ones might fall apart they are so worn).</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Understand the weather</b>. Print a picture of the location to remind you (if you are currently somewhere completely different)</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Shop for essentials</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">Travel Documents</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Make sure you are fully aware of all travel requirements. I am heading overseas, so I need to ensure that my Passport meets requirements as some foreign governments require visitors to carry passports with at least six months validity beyond their planned stay, and you may be refused entry if you do not comply. Same with a valid Visa. Take a copy of all your documents and have a spare set left at home or with someone you can contact if need be.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Do you need foreign currency? How about a Credit Card? there are various options available and you need to do some research to find what suits you best. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Travel insurance .. having had friends recently stranded on an Island due to volcanic activity, I will never again ponder the value of travel insurance. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have also gotten a travel wallet where I am filing everything needed as it comes to hand; and a checklist to tick off before I head to the airport:</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Tickets</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Passport</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Visa</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Travel Insurance details</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Credit Cards</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Contact details </b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Cash for short term needs</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Itinerary in a travel wallet</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Copy of all documents to be held at home/with family</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Checklist to mark off before leaving to airport</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Equipment</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have checked with the retreat center and been advised that various meditation cushions/seats and stools (and yoga mats) will be provided. I would love to take my own meditation cushion, but the weight of those things makes it difficult. If these items were not available at the retreat center, then I consider finding a local school or centre that I might hire or purchase. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, if your retreat prefers for you to be seated on the floor with a cushion, and this is not something you currently do - NOW is the time to start preparing your body (and mind) for that posture. Familiarise yourself with how to sit in the way that is being taught/expected – and generally it is all about keeping your spine straight (notes <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/lets-sit.html">here</a> and <a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2014/12/lets-sit-2.html">here</a>). No doubt long periods of sitting are going to be challenging for anyone, even long time practitioners, but you can ease the transition by starting now and readying the body to relax and soften while at home.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Equipment Check</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I shall have someone in my home while I am away .. and I want to make their time as comfortable and relaxing as possible, so I am preparing a checklist of 'lists' : </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Contact Numbers</b> - write out a list of important contact numbers (people close by, family members, emergency utilities, vet, neighbours, police, hospital etc) and my own travel details</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Keys</b> - where are the spares? who needs them? do you need to have more cut?</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Household routines</b>: for my gorgeous dog; when to feed, exercise requirements, food supplies, cuddles, favourite toys and a warning that he likes to sleep on my feet (on my bed). Also the council bin collection times and any appointments for tradesmen etc already set.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Food/Supplies</b>: where to find supplies in the overstuffed and disorganised cupboards (which I may or may not have time to resolve before leaving), how the microwave and various machines work (ie. the juicer).</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Wish List:</b> a short list of what I hope will be the case on my return .. floors cleaned, bins emptied, mail collected and ready for review, fresh milk and bread in the fridge, garden watered, washing off the line.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Start c</b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>omparing flights </b>and any other travel requirements. Check discount flight offers, specials, tours you might want to take, time zone changes - lock it in!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Check your calendar,</b> your partner/children/schools/best girlfriends calendar to make sure you are aware of anything that you need to do, or address, before heading off on retreat.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Collate all bills </b>and make sure nothing is going to be cancelled in your absence</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Inoculations</b> - some countries will suggest you become a pin cushion before travelling .. Hepatitis, Rabies, Malaria .. these can often have time frames of effectiveness so check with your doctor early.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Medical/personal hygiene</b></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> requirements. Travelling with prescription medication often means also taking a doctors letter or copy of the prescription. Recently we were pulled over by customs when one of our party had a large-ish quantity of vitamin supplements. There is nothing more unsettling than being tucked away at a retreat and finding that you forgot toothpaste, and the closest shop is an hour away. Also check airport security requirements for aerosols and liquids etc.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Power supply</b> requirements - and chargers for any phone/laptop/camera needs</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Assess any urgent maintenance</b> that needs to be addressed</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Sitters</b> - Identify if you need a </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">House or Pet Sitter</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Security </b>- review </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">of house, personal items put away for safety, office files secured</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Garden maintenance</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Clean up</b> - I want to empty and clean the refrigerator, mop the floors, clean the bathrooms etc</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*<b>Gifts</b> - I am going to be taking some small gifts with me for my hosts, and what I have in mind will need some time to prepare - schedule sufficient time for this!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>*I always change the bed sheets before I leave .. because there is nothing more welcoming and homely than coming home (tired from long travel) and knowing that your personal space is clean and ready for you.</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up .. </span><b style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Preparing Yourself for a Retreat</b>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-11850770517487343822016-01-12T19:47:00.000+11:002016-01-13T11:07:14.699+11:00Embarking on a Meditation Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Big collective sigh! Finally the hustle and bustle of Christmas have passed and there is some spaciousness to reflect and embrace a whole brand new year.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I shall be leaping into the deep end of new beginnings by leaving my ‘normal’ life behind to attend an eight day Meditation Intensive Retreat in another country.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the final and beautiful completion of a year of study with the <a href="http://www.mcleanmeditation.com/">McLean Meditation Institute Teacher Training Program</a> and I am super excited.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the years I have attended a number of retreats .. from simple one/two day periods within the bounds of Noble Silence, to weekends spent living mindfulness and meditation in all its many flavours, to longer meditation, and sometimes yoga, retreats .. hours filled with silence, sitting, yoga, sitting, writing, walking and sitting.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am even eager to start the 22+ hour flight and bus adventure, as it will lead me to a new land filled with red sandstone formations, Native American history and energy vortexes that the area is well known for. I can't wait to meet the other retreat participants, some of whom I have had Skype chats with this year, continuing to learn and share meditation, and diving into some <i>internal</i> <i>shaking-up</i> that happens when we dive deeply into a transformational experience.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am also very aware of the responsibilities, routine, schedules and commitments that I shall be leaving behind .. so I am truly in the midst of <i>planning</i> to make sure family, dog, house, bills etc are sorted so I can truly detach myself for a few weeks!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">What is a Retreat</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The dictionary definition of the word ‘<b><i>retreat</i></b>’ is:</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>the act of withdrawing, as into safety or privacy; retirement; seclusion; a place of refuge, seclusion, or privacy</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When we engage in a meditation retreat we are withdrawing from our ordinary life, our responsibilities, our labels and our day to day activities – <i>physically</i> by leaving our environment, home and work, our comfort zone, our entertainment toys and our 'things'; and <i>mentally by</i> letting go of anything unrelated to our meditation practice, giving ourselves permission to drop the ‘to-do-lists’, stop the mental chatter and ruminations, so that we can retreat inward.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A retreat is a rare and magical opportunity to pause and be still, to rest and heal, to reflect and ignite our spirit</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s a little like a <i>cocoon</i>; we have this heavenly place of peacefulness to withdraw too, often in locations chosen for their inspiring natural beauty, close connection with nature and wildlife, offering expansive terrains with spaciousness and time for reflection .. removed from most of our habitual distractions and excuses. We are tended to physically with our meals lovingly prepared and our immediate 'survival' needs accommodated .. and tended to mentally with committed teachers and the support of other retreat-ants.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mostly however it is the silence that we soak ourselves in that changes us when on retreat. We have an opportunity to marinate in the infinite silence, so that our sense of time and self melt away and we settle into a much simpler pattern that supports and nourishes our meditation. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In that stillness we begin to hear our heart and soul whisper to us .. and suddenly someone seems to have flicked a switch, as life amplifies around us .. it is brighter, the wind in the trees becomes music, the birds sing sweet messages to us, the aroma of earth and food lovingly being prepared calls us, walking along the bush track brings us to tears in its magnificence, and our day is often peppered with ah-ha moments as mindfulness becomes part of each breath in each moment.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Retreats are also challenging</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the retreat <i>cocoon</i> .. we eventually whittle away the 'fluff and the bubble' of our distractions and are faced with the bare bones of what is left. There can be periods of intense emotional upheaval, unresolved feelings that bubble to the surface and demand that we paid attention. Old hurts, fears and sadness can arrive with a big bang and stay with us uninvited. Boredom seems to consume us and personal stories take on epic proportions .. there is a heightened sensitivity to everything around and within us.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is the transformational quality of being on retreat .. a purification occurs and as we 'bear witness' to what unfolds and integrate our experiences we begin to emerge from the cocoon with a new appreciation and awareness of life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up I will share some <b>Tips on Preparing for a Retreat</b>.</span></div>
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the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-16155107951995791972016-01-12T10:26:00.000+11:002016-01-12T10:36:21.881+11:00Meditation to Ease Stress<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An excellent TEDEd video crossed my path this morning .. with a very clear and insightful understanding of Stress and showing how chronic stress can affect brain size, its structure, and how it functions, right down to the level of your genes.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Just before Christmas, an article in The Financial Review espoused the benefits of meditation '<a href="http://www.afr.com/leadership/five-ways-meditation-gives-leaders-an-edge-20151221-glsdzb"><b>Five Ways Meditation Gives Leaders an Edge</b></a>' highlighting recent research that supports how meditation can be a super effective tool for CEO's and their team: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">#1 Meditation builds resilience </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">#2 Meditation builds emotional intelligence </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">#3 Meditation enhances creativity </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">#4 Meditation improves relationships </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">#5 Meditation helps with focus </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">This time last year (early in 2015) I was priviledged to attend the <a href="https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjW_9f976LKAhVIlZQKHVjuD2QQFggcMAA&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsiyli.org%2F&usg=AFQjCNHqeF7Gzph86IRsLRJVY68YvzKGdw&sig2=BIQGwplWnjSJaKmgj6Rk9Q">Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute</a> program in Sydney along with 500+ corporates .. SIYLI is a program "<b><i>born at Google and based on brain science</i></b>" and over two days we worked through the mindfulness program developed by Chade-Meng Tan at Google which was used to train Emotional Intelligence skills .. leading to resilience, positive mindset, and centered leadership. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Added to the research and the trending media attention - sits my own 20+ year meditation practice and a challenging and exciting corporate career that left me a little burnt-out and disengaged. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">In 2009 (after the global financial crises bumped me out of my role) I started Quiet Mind Meditation. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">In recent years I have returned to the boardrooms of Australia with a passion to share what I have known for most of my life: the power of meditation for our own mental and physical wellbeing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">I share an integrated approach to meditation; rooted in the knowledge gained from time tested ancient practices + with a focus on current mindfulness research; offering a range of </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Workshops, Lunchtime Learning programs, Ongoing onsite sessions and conference break-outs. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">Find out more:<a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/p/corporate.html"> Corporate Onsite Meditation</a></span></div>
the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8263745691995627146.post-77385730432223472232016-01-10T11:49:00.000+11:002016-01-10T11:49:22.859+11:00Quiet Mind Meditation 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Welcome 2016!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A New Year. A new start. A fresh page.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have loved hearing the phrase 'Sweet 16' for this year .. and it does feel sweet and fresh with potential.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been quiet here over the past month, not just because of family visiting and seasonal festivities and super hot days here in Melbourne, but also because I have been cocooned in my studies as I polished off the final stages of the McLean Meditation Teacher Certification.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I started this training early 2015 .. and it has been transformational on so many levels</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been meditating for more than 20+ years .. since I was a teenager .. but the opportunity to embrace <i><a href="http://quietmindmeditation.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/the-power-of-beginners-mind.html">Beginners Mind</a></i> and dive into a world of new books (<i>ten books on the curriculum plus additional reading, audio and video requirements</i>), current research (<i>tons and tons of it - learning from original scientific research papers to published articles in journals</i>), regular hook-ups with others on the path across the globe (<i>from Vancouver to Ireland</i>), committing to new meditation techniques each month (<i>from mantra to self-inquiry to mindfulness</i>), reflecting and writing in my Meditation Journal (<i>finally submitting a book size journal on the 31 Dec</i>) and maintaining this path of Sādhanā with gentleness and kindness, and a </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">twice daily meditation practice.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am now about to travel to the US to attend the final stage, an 8-day intensive retreat .. followed by a 3-day Meditation Symposium.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Over the next few days I am going to share some thoughts on <b><i>Preparing and Attending a Retreat </i></b>~ as I get ready myself to leave my cosy, Australian Summer routine for the snow covered retreat venue in Arizona. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you attended a retreat? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is always a life changing experience to step away from our regular life and commit to a period of intense study and reflection. And while I shall be mostly silent from here during the retreat itself (retreating from technology is just one part of the adventure) .. I will have a bounty of insights and things to share on my return.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our monthly <b><i>Quiet Mind e-newsletter</i></b> will be going out in a few days - you can <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/manage/optin/ea?v=001Olbj1iTXQSW5ewcR0PkBOQ%3D%3D"><b>sign up here</b></a> - and I believe there will be some rare moments that I can capture some images of my journey, which I will share on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/quietmindmeditation">Instagram</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/quietmindmeditation">Facebook</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I leave you with this quote from Deepak Chopra, which I love:</span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 24pt;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“My body travels. I never leave home.”</span></span>the meditatorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16830515762507572686noreply@blogger.com0