Wisdom and Compassion

This simple meditation can help you calm and stay present in experience. No bells, no liturgy, just simple bare-bones mind on the breath meditation.

In this classic Buddhist meditation, we use the experiential metaphor of sitting like a mountain to help accomplish stability, stillness, and groundedness in the midst of change, busyness, and all the 'weather' of life.

A meditation in the Five Elements. Jogen Sensei is a Zen Priest, as well as a facilitator. You can further explore his facilitation and teachings at solisluna.org

The music for this episode is “Starlight” - by Podington Bear of Portland, Oregon - Thanks to composer Chad Crouch. Support Chad here.

The body scan is an effective way to begin or nurture a meditation practice. It helps establish mindfulness. The purpose is to tune in to your body—to connect to the direct experience of the physical body—and to notice all sensations without judgement or commentary. Many people find the body scan relaxing. This makes it pleasant to do, so it's one of the ways beginners can be motivated to increase time spent in formal mediation. It can easily be done lying down, which means it's a good choice for any time you are sick or in pain. Learning to practice in such situations provides a foundation for continuous practice—something we emphasize at Dekeling. This practice is useful to train the mind to be aware of sensory experiences—and ultimately, more accepting. With time and practice, the body scan will be a meditation that will cultivate your ability to be more fully present in your life in general—especially when added to mindfulness of activity or speech and so on.

The music for this episode is “Starlight” - by Podington Bear of Portland, Oregon - Thanks to composer Chad Crouch. Support Chad here.

Counting the breath meditation involves a deliberate and focused observation of the breath. The practitioner assumes a comfortable posture conducive to alertness and relaxation. With eyes either gently closed or slightly open, attention is drawn inward to the sensation of breathing.

As the breath flows naturally, the practitioner directs their awareness to the rhythm of exhalation. With each outbreath, there is a mental noting or counting of the breath. This counting occurs silently within the mind. The practitioner may choose to count from one to a predetermined number, often up to ten or twenty.

The focus is solely on the sensation of the breath leaving the body. The practitioner observes the entire duration of the outbreath, from the initial release of air to the moment it ceases. Each exhalation is acknowledged with a mental count.

Throughout this practice, the practitioner maintains a gentle yet unwavering attention on the breath. The counting serves as an anchor, grounding the mind in the present moment and providing a focal point for concentration. It serves to minimize distractions and wandering thoughts.

The music for this episode is “Starlight” - by Podington Bear of Portland, Oregon - Thanks to composer Chad Crouch. Support Chad here.