Ten Percent Happier with Dan Harris: How to Start A Meditation Practice
Jan 10, 2024
auto_awesome
Jon Kabat-Zinn, meditation expert, joins Dan Harris on the Ten Percent Happier podcast to discuss practical tips for starting a meditation practice and being more mindful in day-to-day life. They explore the benefits of meditating in bed upon waking up, the significance of posture in meditation, treating meditation as a way of being, the core practice of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, discovering deep motivation, and the power of awareness and mindfulness in breaking free from limited knowledge.
Starting a meditation practice is about dedicating time and energy to a formal practice of being present and aware, approaching it without expectations or judgments.
Motivation plays a crucial role in meditation practice, driven by a genuine understanding of the intrinsic beauty and value of being alive.
All styles of meditation provide different doorways to the same room of awareness, emphasizing the importance of deepening the experience of awareness rather than fixating on finding the perfect style or teacher.
Deep dives
Starting a Meditation Practice
Starting a meditation practice is about dedicating time and energy to a formal practice of being present and aware. The motivation behind the practice should not be self-improvement, but rather a genuine desire to live fully and not miss out on the beauty of life. There is no specific time of day or length of practice that is necessary. It is a personal exploration, and individuals should experiment to find what works best for them. The key is to approach the practice without any expectations or judgments, simply being open to the present moment and experiencing it fully.
The Importance of Motivation
Motivation plays a crucial role in meditation practice. It is essential to inquire deeply into one's motivation for wanting to cultivate mindfulness and a more mindful life. Motivation should not be driven by self-centered desires, but by a genuine understanding of the intrinsic beauty and value of being alive. Motivation is what carries practitioners through challenges and keeps them dedicated to the practice.
Choosing a Meditation Style
There are numerous styles or flavors of meditation, each offering its unique approach. However, the specific style chosen is not the most critical factor. All styles provide different doorways to the same room of awareness. It is not necessary to fixate on finding the perfect style or teacher. What truly matters is awareness itself, the knowing and not knowing that comes with the practice. Practitioners should not get caught up in the narratives of self-identity or superiority tied to a specific style, but rather focus on deepening their experience of awareness.
Transforming Oneself and the World
A meditation practice has the potential to transform not only individuals but the world as well. By living with awareness and compassion, practitioners can move beyond self-centered narratives and see beyond labels, embracing the interconnectedness of all beings. This shift towards greater authenticity and recognition of our shared humanity can contribute to positive change in the world. It is an invitation to optimize well-being, minimize harm, and govern ourselves in a way that benefits all. Though this may seem like an ambitious goal, it is crucial in a time where artificial intelligence and technology advance rapidly, calling for a deeper understanding of our own nature as compassionate and wakeful beings.
Being Open to Possibility
Meditation practice opens up a realm of possibility where individuals can explore the unknown and question what they think they know. It fosters an appreciation for the present moment and all its experiences, cultivated through being aware and awake. By dwelling in possibility and maintaining an open heart, practitioners can make significant contributions to their own lives and the world around them. It is a constant process that requires dedication, curiosity, and a willingness to continually learn and grow.
In the interest of New Year's resolutions, we're bringing you this bonus episode from our friends at the Ten Percent Happier podcast. Host Dan Harris speaks with meditation expert Jon Kabat-Zinn about starting a practice and being more mindful in our everyday lives.