Meditation
From the deer park website: Sitting meditation is returning home to give full attention to and care for ourself. Like the peaceful image of the Buddha on the altar, we too can radiate peace and stability. We sit upright with dignity and return to our breathing. We bring our full attention to what is within and around us. We let our mind become spacious and our heart soft and kind.Sitting meditation is very healing. We realize we can just be with whatever is within us–our pain, anger, and irritation, or our joy, love, and peace. We are with whatever is there without being carried away by it. Let it come, let it stay, then let it go. No need to push, to oppress, or to pretend our thoughts are not there. Observe the thoughts and images of our mind with an accepting and loving eye. We are free to be still and calm despite the storms that might arise in us.If our legs or feet fall asleep or begin to hurt during the sitting, we are free to adjust our position quietly. We can maintain our concentration by following our breathing, then slowly and attentively change our posture.After practicing sitting meditation, we often practice indoor walking meditation (sometimes called Kinh Hanh). We take one step with each in-breath and one step with each out-breath. Aware of the sangha around us, we feel in harmony with the larger body. Everybody is moving together slowly and mindfully.
Q: What if I don't know how?
A: There will always be someone in the group who can assist you. The practice is focusing on the breath, it's so easy anyone can do it! However there are always things each of us learn to make the "simple" practice more beneficial. Sit either cross legged or straddling a cushion, hands on knees, back straight. Eyes can either be closed or open, if open in a slight down gaze. Jaw, shoulders and all muscles should be relaxed. Focus on the breath. As thoughts arise bring your mind back to the breath. Movements should be minimal, although some readjusting may be necessary at times. The room is to be quiet.
Q: Why keep coming back to the breath?
A: The breath is happening in the present moment. Focusing on the breath brings us back to the here and the now.
Q: But I've never done it before!
A: Welcome! We all started with the first day and in some ways we are all still practicing the first day. Meditation is about each moment being present, not about how long you have done it.
Q: What if I keep thinking about other things?
A: Yep! We all do. The practice is continuing to come back to the breath and the present moment. If you can do that while meditating you will be more successful "off the cushion" in your day to day life. This allows you to see what is really in front of you without following the stories your mind is creating. It's truly a practice.
Q: What should I bring?
A: Your body and your mind and hopefully they will be as one! Cushions, benches and chairs will be provided. Some people get chilled when they sit so if you prefer you may want a lite blanket or shawl.
Q: What if I get there late? What if I have to leave early? What if I have to get up?
A: We obviously want as little disruption as possible but things happen, we are all human. We ask that you move quietly as not to disrupt the other's stillness. If you will be very late or need to leave soon after the beginning it may be better to just sit at home that day and happily join us the next time.