106. Meditation: The Royal Road to Self

In today’s episode we talk about meditation: why it’s helpful, the data that supports it, and why it is so darn hard to commit to it despite all the beneficial evidence for it.  We end with a guided meditation.

“Don’t find the best practice. Find one that you will actually do because they are all one.” – Neem Karoli Baba

Today we discuss:

  • The different types of meditation: prayer, guided, movement, yoga, mantra and mindfulness meditation.  The key is finding what works for you.
  • Betsy and Kate’s personal meditation experiences, including the “oh shit” meditation.
  • The myths of meditation and why it is so important to see how these might be blocking us from actually doing it.
  • Can a billion people meditate and is this a tipping point for more peace in the world?
  • The power of space in yourself, and how meditation helps us respond vs react to life.
  • Why it is impossible to get meditation wrong, and how every meditation you do is perfect.
  • Betsy gives a guided meditation to settle us into the present moment.

We’d love to hear from you:

In season two we’d love to hear from you, our community.  What are your thoughts on re-wilding and living your authentic life?  Please call or e-mail us with your story, questions, topics you’d like to explore, guests you’d like us to reach out to….

We’ll even play or read your question live on our show.E-mail: tendherwild@gmail.com

Or call: 319-354-4062

Meditation Resources

Meditation Apps:

Head Space: Bite size, guided meditations for busy lives

Insight Timer:  Starts your mediation with a bell and keeps stats on how often you meditate.  Also has free guided meditations.

Websites with Free Meditations:

Deepak Chopra Center has multiple 21 day meditation experiences.  Some can be purchased on his website and some can be found free on Spotify if you have an account.

Books:

Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program by Sharon Salzberg.  Long time meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg distills 30 years of teaching meditation into a 28-day program.  This book includes a CD with guided meditations.

How God Changes Your Brain: Breakthrough Findings from a Leading Neuroscientist by Andrew Newberg.  Based on new evidence culled from brain-scan studies, this book covers how and why meditation permanently change numerous structures and functions in the brain, altering your values and the way you perceive reality.

How To Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind by Pema Chodron. She covers the basics of meditation, from getting settled and the six points of posture to working with your breath and cultivating an attitude of unconditional friendliness.  She also talks of thoughts and emotions as “sheer delight”-instead of obstacles-in meditation

If you like this episode, check out previous similar episodes:

Self Compassion: The Secret Sauce of Life

Gratitude: Getting Real About How You Feel

Shake It Off: Facing the Criticism and Embracing Your Light

The Upper Limit: Living in Your Full Potential

The Current Extremes of Light and Dark: Finding Our Way Back to Balance

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Today’s episode supported by:

Kate Moreland Transformational Coaching:

http://www.katemorelandcoaching.com

Heartland Yoga:

http://www.heartlandyoga.com

Dr Yoga Momma:

www.dryogamomma.com

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__________________
Betsy Rippentrop, PhD
Licensed Psychologist
Owner, Heartland Yoga