Meditation consultations

 

Turning the Mind Into an Ally

Private Meditation Consultations at RASA SPA 

with Anne Marie Cummings

Shamatha literally means "tranquility" or "calm."  Both mind and body are calmed by concentrating on the breath. When the mind becomes concentrated on the breath, it becomes serene.  The meditator enters a state of bliss.

Our minds can be our own worst enemies, yet strengthening, calming, and stabilizing the mind is the essential first step in accomplishing nearly any goal.  By learning Shamatha meditation, you will address the complexities, obstacles, and joys of meditation with the simple guidance provided by yoga and meditation teacher, Anne Marie Cummings.

Making our mind an ally requires self-awareness on every level.  Sitting down to practice the technique of meditation, you will be asked to follow your breathing and acknowledge thoughts as they arise.   As new meditators, you may be surprised by how many thoughts you have.  By resting your mind on your breath, the sheer volume of thoughts can be overwhelming, like a waterfall.  However seeing the torrential rain of thoughts is how you will begin to train your mind.

Through Shamatha meditation, you will learn that you do not need to cling to thoughts as if they were a life raft.  Releasing thoughts and returning to the breath gives a sense of space and relief.  Continually placing the mind on the breath decreases the movement of thoughts, which further calms the mind.  By relaxing into your breathing, the natural stillness of your mind will develop, and the stability and joy of the mind becomes much more appealing than listening to mental chatter.   

The mind of meditation is a wonderful ally. 

Suggested Reading

Turning the Mind Into An Ally, by Sakyong Mipham

 

Private Meditation Consultations

We ask that your first session be 45 minutes in length to fully consider your personal needs and goals for your meditation practice.  After the first session they may be 30 or 45 minutes in length.

45 minutes - $50

30 minutes - $45

 

 

Relax