What is meditation really? What happens when we turn within, and focus on the very processes of life? In this training, we’ll delve into the many practices and theories of this very old contemplative art. We’ll look at it from both ancient and modern perspectives, incorporating instructions from Indian wisdom traditions and insights from contemporary neuroscience. How might meditation alter our reactivity? How might it rewire neural connections? How can such an internal and private experience re-pattern our social lives? We’ll also look at why meditation can be intimidating for some, difficult for many, and perhaps completely inappropriate for others. Throughout our time together, we’ll intersperse dialogue and sharing stories and experiences with practice
This interdisciplinary, non-denominational weekend will introduce the basic playing field and experience of meditation: what it has been in various times and places, and what it can be for different people today. We’ll use practical resources from vipassana, Tibetan, and Vedic/Vedantic orientations, comparing their methods and objectives. We’ll use theoretical resources from cognitive science and neuroscience, as well as clinical psychology and psychoanalysis.
Learning Outcomes
• Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the three basic models of mediation: open awareness, focused attention, analytical progression. Applications and contraindications for each.
• Studnets will gain an in-depth knowledge of yoga psychology and how it applies to meditation. • Students will understand “Conversational Method” in meditation: how external communication strategies apply to the internal dialogues of meditation.
• Students will understand and demonstrate the ability to direct “organization of posture” and the contraindications for crossed legs.
• Students will gain knowledge of considerations of timing and dosage and demonstrate the ability to apply timing and dosage based on individual client needs.
• Students will gain familiarity with signs of progress or psychological bypassing and understand when they need to refer a student/client for professional help.
• Students will gain familiarity with constitutional assessment and meditation application.
This weekend will begin with a review of students’ experiences of practice from the weeks prior. Students will be required to read the texts listed below and also come prepared to discuss the views presented. This will facilitate greater depth in our discussion of the theories and methods involved. The practice sessions will be slightly longer, according to group capacity. We’ll spend the last portion of Sunday discussing how to bring simple, safe, and effective meditative techniques into class situations for the general public.
Schedule
Friday 5:30pm-9:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 8:00am-6:00pm
Required Readings
Blackmore, Susan J. Zen and the Art of Consciousness. Oxford, England: Oneworld, 2011.
Chodron, Pema. How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind. Boulder: Sounds True, 2013.
Gunaratana, Henepola. Mindfulness in Plain English. Boston: Wisdom Publications, 2002.
Hanson, Rick. Hardwiring Happiness: The Practical Science of Reshaping Your Brain. London: Rider, 2013.
Trungpa, Chogyam. Meditation in Action. Berkeley: Shambala, 1970.
A deposit is required to hold your spot. Deposits are not refundable. Cancelations up to 30 days prior to the event may be issued a credit with Empowered Yoga to be used towards a different program. Unfortunately we are unable to issue a credit or refund the deposit within 30 days of the event. Certificates of completion may be issued upon the successful completion of the requirements above. Once a certificate is issued students may be eligible to register with the Yoga Alliance as an RYT. For more info, contact us at info@empoweredyoga.ca
- Meditation Training
June 19, 2015
5:30 pm - 9:30 pm - June 20, 2015
8:00 am - 6:00 pm - June 21, 2015
8:00 am - 6:00 pm