Meditation Resources: How and Why?

Meditation can be dull, dry, boring and frustrating. It can be unpleasant and uncomfortable to sit with our emotions and thoughts. So why would anyone even want to try?

Many people meditate because they want to be happy, to have less suffering, to weather the ups and downs of life, and to feel more connected to themselves and others.

Meditation isn't a magic pill.

It won't make you blissed out or stress-free, although sometimes you will feel this way. Other times you might feel annoyed or irritated, frustrated or bored.

Whatever you’re feeling is just fine.

Meditation helps us tune into whatever is happening in our minds and bodies at the present moment. Meditation helps us get to know ourselves, our minds, and all our glorious, messy patterns. We start to see how we react when we're stressed or angry or upset or happy or annoyed. We start to notice our habitual patterns.

When we get to know our minds well, we can create some space and begin to experiment with different responses, ones that might better support and nurture us.  

Ultimately this is a question to explore through your own practice. Try it and see how it goes for you. You don’t need to go it alone, either. Reach out to meditation teachers with any questions - you can use this form to reach out to a teacher on campus.

If you're looking to start or expand a home practice, here are some tips. You're also welcome to consult with an on-campus meditation teacher (Julie Gilbert) about your practice - this invitation is open to all practitioners, whether you're just getting started, returning from a break, or have been meditating for years.

• Start small and aim for consistency - Practicing a few minutes a day every day will have greater benefits than meditating once in a while. Start with 2 minutes a day (or 3 or 5). Once you've established the habit, you can gradually extend the length of your sessions. But it's also fine if you sit for 2 minutes a day forever! You're still practicing.
• Sit for less time than you think you can - If you can sit for 10 minutes, set the timer for 8. If 5 minutes feels attainable, sit for 3. Sitting for less than our limit will inspire us to return to the practice again and again.
• Experiment with different meditation postures - There are four traditional meditation postures: sitting, standing, walking, and lying down. See what works best for you. You can also vary your posture on a daily basis.
• Use cushions, pillows, and chairs - Meditating while sitting on a cushion on the floor isn't available to every body. Sitting in a chair is just as valid as sitting on a cushion. You can also using blankets, pillows and small cushions to support your body. Be sure your hips are higher than your knees (if you're sitting on a cushion) and keep your back upright but not too tense.
• Explore different meditation techniques - While we often think about meditation as observing the breath, there are many, many different meditation techniques and styles. Explore guided meditations to get a sense of what's available and see what resonates with you.
• Use guided meditations, especially to start - You don't have to go it alone! There are countless guided meditations available on meditation apps, YouTube, etc. (The Apps & Podcasts section of this guide has some recommendations.) This also helps you explore different techniques and teachers.