GUIDED
MEDITATION
The practice
If the idea of learning how to meditate puts you off from the practice, guided meditation may be just the thing. But don’t be fooled into thinking this technique is only for the novice. One of the goals of meditation is to develop “beginner’s mind”—to see the world as it is rather than as one predicts.
In guided meditation, the practice is led by someone else. Thus, this “form” might encompass moving, chanting, visualization, or even silent practices. Sessions may be goal-oriented, aimed at relaxation, sharpening the mind, or even inducing sleep (yoga nidra, mmmm!).
The Tradition
As ancient as any. The good news is, with today’s technology it’s possible to avail yourself of teachers and teachings around the globe and across traditions.
Tara Brach’s podcast offers dharma talks and guided meditation. The InsightTimer app allows you to pick by practice topic and timing. (Looking for a 20 minute full moon ritual anyone?) And the Calm app is another option. (None of these are affiliate links; these are simply resources I’ve used.)
MY STORY
I have relied on teachers and guides throughout my life. My forthcoming memoir, Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Surviving the Wellness Revolution, is all about my experiences with different teachers and traditions, and what I finally allowed myself to take from each rather than attempt to find a single source for all my needs. If you’d like to join the Advance Reader Team below!
MORE TO EXPLORE:
I encourage you to explore other techniques, too. Click the symbols below for more.
OTHER STYLES TO EXPLORE
Silent Meditation
Guided Meditation
Moving Meditation
Chanting Meditation
Short Moments
read the BOOK THAT INSPIRED THIS SEARCH
Blissful Thinking: A Memoir of Overcoming the Wellness Revolution
Never give up, especially on yourself.
What would you do if your partner ended your marriage, over the phone? From another country?
Blissful Thinking is the raw and honest account of L.L. Kirchner's recovery, a quest that took her from university halls in the Persian Gulf to the streets of Manhattan to a sex cult in India.
The author was living in Qatar, separated from friends, family, and life as she’d known it when her marriage imploded. Feeling unable to move forward, she decided to take a time out in India. That time out turned into an odyssey that spanned years and crossed continents, zigzagging between silent meditation retreats, gurus, and finally a psychic in Florida.
If she applied herself, Kirchner was sure she could be rid of the flaws that had caused her ex-husband to leave in secret. But once she started looking, the list of her failings was a never-ending well.
Read along as Kirchner bravely searches for radical honesty. And a second date.
Not sure? Get the intro here
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