faq
What do I need to start a meditation practice?
Interest, a beginners mind and ideally a comfortable place to sit. It helps to find a warm, quiet space, and dedicate that space just to meditation. If this isn’t feasible, anywhere you can sit comfortably is good too. A chair, a cushion on the floor, the edge of a couch or bed, and even lying down. We can work together to find the best position for your body type and physical surroundings.
Should I be seated or lying down?
It depends on your intention of the practice and type of practice. It is recommended to sit so that you can maintain an alert, awake posture to avoid falling asleep. However, lying down can be beneficial and nurturing too. basically, you can practice meditation anywhere, anytime! No excuses.
What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)? How is it different from MBSR?
Mindfulness-based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was developed by Zindel Segal, Mark Williams and John Teasdale and based on Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. It combines psychotherapy with daily mindfulness exercises to help reprogram your automatic pilot and negative thinking patterns, and recognize unhelpful limiting beliefs. The program has been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and negative feedback loops, and helps create more gratitude, joy and emotional agility.
I can’t meditate. Is there something else I can do?
There are many different types, styles and ways to approach meditation. Odds are you just haven’t found what works for you – yet. However, the answer is yes, there are other breathing techniques and daily mindfulness practices that can be extremely beneficial.
Do I keep my eyes open or closed?
This depends on the type of meditation being taught, on your teacher, and on your own personal preferences. Give both a try with the guidance of an experienced teacher and see what works best for you.
Is mindfulness just a fad or a buzzword?
Meditation and mindfulness is nothing new, although it is becoming increasingly popular and mainstream as our daily lives become more hectic and out of balance. The good news is you don’t need anything besides yourself, your body, and your breath to do it.
Why should I hire Mindful Connection, when there are so many free resources online?
While there are lots of apps, guided recordings, and free resources online, I know my personal practice deeply changed, developed and strengthened thanks to a few amazing meditation teachers in 1-1 and small group classes. Thanks to their support, accountability and ability to answer my questions, I started to see the real benefits outside of the practice and in daily life. I am happy to pay-it-forward and look forward to sharing with you.