JUNE 2013
town in Scotland and meditation has given me serenity and peace.
The Great Escape
This idea of refuge is pretty universal. You can use meditation to seek a refuge of peace and tranquility by practicing mindfulness. Others chase a false refuge from life’s discomforts in the form of addiction to food, sex, substances, or the para-social connections provided by the Internet. It’s quite natural to desire a mental vacation once in a while.
Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart, uses the prayer “May I find
peace...May I love this life no matter what” as her personal mantra when coping with her own experience of pain and recovery. Within the pages of this compelling and inspirational book, I have learned some key differences between places of refuge, be they false or true.
A Comparison of Coping Methods: Meditation Vs. Addiction
Addiction is a short- term, or false, refuge because it distracts from your true nature
77
renowned therapist and author of True Refuge: Finding
Peace and Dr. Tara Brach,
and desires. Meditation, on the other hand, brings you closer to the self, and therefore more in tune with your true, compassionate and loving nature. Many turn to addiction to keep from facing the internal lessons which may be revealed when looking into the shadows of the mind, but the help of a skilled coach during meditation sessions can make the process fun and relaxing. There is no need for candles, special mats, quiet rooms or ritual. Of course these things are lovely but it`s essential to me that I teach my clients to meditate anywhere and anytime.
Meditation Made Easy The Ideal Refuge
Be Still: Meditation leads to a significant reduction in the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in a more positive state of mind, better sleep and increased creativity.
Practicing
of meditation per week can even change the physical composition of the brain, developing the neural pathways within the section of the brain responsible for as
awareness, and compassion. Even if you have a hard time meditating, try devoting ten minutes a day to sitting still and quietly focusing on your rhythmic breathing. Guided meditations are also available to help develop the practice of enjoying the silence of your inner mind.
Be Present: Universally, the path to a True Refuge involves retraining the negative habits of the mind and heart. Meditation leads to a state
which pairs well with learning how to train our attention and focus. Keep yourself focused on your present
of mindfulness
emotions such optimism,
self- four hours
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85