Copy of Thursday 4/8 – Live meditation

Carrying through online Meditation
Make sure to put away and turn off anything that may disturb you before connecting and take a
comfortable position of your choice, preferably sitting upright with a straight back.
Starting together with easy calming breath control, Prāṇāyāma under guidance and count. (The
kind of Prāṇāyāma may vary from occasion to occasion.) The meditation begins with collective
Mettā – loving kindness, followed by guidance in to mindfulness with breathing, Ānāpānasati
where we sit in silent meditaion for about 30 minutes. Finishing together with chanting OM
SHANTI OM.

Benefits of Meditation
Practicing meditation is based on trust that the truth is in each of us. The truth about right and
wrong, the truth about good and bad, the truth about hatred and love, the truth about cold and
heat, sound, silence, light and darkness, movement, stillness, life and death, everything in
between – the truth about existence. By meditating, we can calm ourselves in the restless mind
and give ourselves the opportunity to listen. Listen inwardly to the inner wisdom. No one needs
to tell us how things are, or how we should relate or act, for within ourselves; we already know.
The truth is there if we only listen.

”The quieter you become the more you can hear.”

Meditation is a natural method, side effects free, both a skill, and a practice, and a deep
relaxation. A practice in mindfulness and presence in the present moment that has a stress
reducing effect and can prevent and cure many common problems and ailments. Meditation
calms and cleanses the mind from disturbing emotional memories, provides peace and
contributes to mental health, sharpens memory, strengthens the immune system, lowers blood
pressure by making the body less responsive to stress hormones, which contributes to
inflammation inhibition. Meditation strengthens concentration and focus. Awareness is

sharpened and increased. Meditation leads to clarity. More and more people are seeking peace of
mind through meditation. Because the more you can stay in the present instead of being weighed
down by habitual thoughts and reflexive reactions, the easier it is to deal with life’s challenges.
Increased awareness and care leads to healthier relationships with family members, relatives,
friends and partners. A healthier life. Meditation is not tied to any religion or philosophy of life.
Everyone, regardless of nationality, age, gender, background, descent or affiliation, can benefit
from meditation.

“Peace comes from within. Do not seek it without.” /Buddha