Meditation

There are a myriad of meditation techniques out there geared toward various ends. SMC employs the two most basic. The first is Sitting Meditation or "just sitting". It can be described as a disciplined examination of being. This simple yet profound practice is free of heavy ritual and fanfare, and is complimentary to any religious or non-religious practice. While sitting we are exploring humanity and all creation in the form of ourselves. This practice of sitting meditation is not necessarily for the purpose of trying to improve. Rather it is to try to befriend who we are already, to embrace all that is, moment to moment. This practice of being present, of learning not to escape, allows us to develop an acceptance of reality. Compassion arises as we come to learn that we are not separate from others, in the deepest sense.

The second form of meditation practiced at SMC is Meditative Awareness. This form of meditation is something that is done all the time: in the shower, driving, playing with the kids, shopping, and so on. It involves simply being aware of one's thoughts, feeling, and emotions. The awareness, however, is non-judgmental. We observe ourselves as if listening to another's conversation or watching somebody else live their life. In this way, meditative awareness reveals the conditioned patterns which contribute to inner conflict, fear, and suffering. The activities of daily living are all we need to be fully awake, fully alive humans. Hence, the ordinary activities of daily life are used to stimulate spiritual growth and a sincere concern for others. The freedom of meditative awareness coupled with the discipline of sitting meditation provides the foundation by which balance and equilibrium are discovered.

Inner Growth  |  Meditation |  Hatha Yoga