Introduction to the Fundamentals of Meditation

Meditation is a process that involves making time on a daily basis to cultivate inner quiet by consistently being present in our breath. When we pay attention to the breath, we feel connected. A quality of expansion occurs that is beyond the domain of the mind's fluctuation. Finding ourselves in that expanded space of the present moment is what meditation is all about. In this workshop we will explore simple techniques to develop a meditation practice. We will learn to observe our mind by consistently being present with our breath. We will learn how to focus the mind through the mechanism of breathing. As our focus elevates, we enter the stage of Dharana or concentration. According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Dharana is a series of techniques that prepares the practitioner for meditation. After a sustained period of concentration the mind enters a state of steadiness and presence that we call meditation or Dhyana. There will be a full moon that night, so we will pay special attention to lunar energy in meditation. $40