Meditation
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Meditation
Jan 2010
As part of dealing with everyday stress and kids etc, I
would like to learn how to meditate. Are there any classes
that i can take or meditation groups? I would appreciate if
someone can recommend. Thank you.
James Baraz offers a 6 week meditation class a few times a
year in North Berkeley. It's a great introduction, and
meditation is a great way to help you be in your life. It
has changed my life.
http://www.insightberkeley.org/
You may wish to consider attending a Kaiser Health
Education class. Even if you are not a Kaiser member you
can sign up for Kaiser's Mindful Meditation Stress
Reduction classes (can't remember the exact name). It
meets one evening a week for about 8 weeks and includes a
one day retreat. I was very pleased with the experience,
and it was only $95 for members (a little more for non-
members)
more mindful
I've found meditation tremendously helpful in my parenting. My
kids remarked that I was ''nicer'' after I started ;-) The Blue
Mountain Center for Meditation runs classes nearby, and their
beginning meditation instruction book, ''Passage Meditation''
(very straightforward, not tied to any particular religion,
and easy to read), is available online for free on this site:
http://www.easwaran.org/page/219
Tako
June 2006
I'm interested in finding a guided meditation or relaxation
class in the Oakland area, or a great class that includes
guided meditation. I really have no idea where to start my
search. THANKS!
Wishlist: Peace and Quiet
Kaiser has a fantastic basic meditation series - 8 week sessions. They are available to
non-Kaiser members. It's a good program because it includes a sampler of several different
methods so that you can find out which works best for you. My back specialist recommended
it for muscles tension causing neck pain, but I'm finding many other uses. Fiona
May 2006
I'm looking for a meditation class for my 6-year old son. He's
been diagnosed with a neurological disorder similar to ADHD,
and becomes easily frustrated, angry and excited. His
therapist thinks meditation would be very beneficial for him,
but didn't have any recommendations.
I checked the website but didn't see anything. Thanks for any
suggestions.
Trying everything
I would suggest calling the meditation centers in the area and
look into someone to work one on one with your son. Maybe both
of you could receive meditation instruction and make it a part of
your daily/tri-weekly schedule. I would also suggest unplugging
him if he is plugged in to videos, tv, computers, etc. When I
consider meditation (I've been meditating daily for 10 years and
lived in a buddhist community for 8 of those), I think of
grounding oneself through one's breath, connection with one's
body and one's place. I can't help but feel that the electronic
world ''messes'' with that connection, especially with sensitive
children. Kids can only meditate for short periods of time but
there are many he could try. Touching the earth meditation is
one that comes to mind. Thich Nat Hahn has worked alot with
children and has written many books. Check out Parallax Press.
Also, in my opinion, gardening and time in nature can be very
grounding. I'd be happy to talk to you if you would like to
contact me. Nancy
There is a Buddhist Temple in Lafayette, the Buddha Gate
Monastery, where they have Saturday morning classes for
children. They're not continuous, so you may have to wait for
the next round to start, but the nuns are lovely. Our school
visited them this year, and they were so generous and warm, and
taught the kids how to meditate in a very abbreviated
instructional period. We've been thinking about visiting them
again, it was so sweet. I also think Spirit Rock in Marin has
family events.
calming the mind
It's Yoga Kids (located in the Presidio of San Francisco with plenty of free parking) offers
yoga for kids of all ages and abilities. Classes for each age group include a time for
calming down and relaxation with a guided visualization or meditation appropriate by age.
The first class for kids is free. Call 415.561.0900 or visit www.itsyogakids.com
Michelle
Feb 2004
i would like to get my 10 year old to begin meditation.he is a
pretty stressed young guy,and never really gives his brain a
rest. does anyone have experience with a class/teacher/book to
recomend for meditation for children?
annon
Just a few months ago, we were looking for a meditation/yoga
class for our 9 yr old son. We called San Leandro Parks & Rec.
One of their instructors, Stuart Moody, called us back. He
wasn't offering a kids class in the East Bay, but he does them
frequently in Marin. He let my son and I join his 8-week adult
meditation class thru Parks & Rec as a try out. My son loved
Stuart, who is by far the calmest, nicest man I've ever met.
The class is over now -- but Stuart will be teaching a kid's
class on Wednesdays thru San Leandro Parks and Rec starting in
June. My husband has changed his work hours so that we'll be
able to participate when it starts. Stuart's bio says that he's
a somatic educator with Young Imaginations, a somatics-based
arts education agency at (415)472-7338. I'll be interested in
seeing the other replies.
Joyce
I highly recommend James Baraz' beginning meditation
class. He is a wonderful and patient teacher who introduced
me to Vipassana (insight) meditation about 14 years ago.
He still teaches an introductory class in Berkeley at the
Northbrae Community Church several times a year. The
schedule for his classes can be found at the web site of the
Spirit Rock meditation center, if you click on the beginning
classes link on the left hand side of the page. I think Spirit
Rock also offers meditation classes for children. The web
site is www.spiritrock.org. I highly recommend Vipassana
meditation--it has made a big difference in my life.
Jim
June 2004
I'd like to start meditating as a way to manage stress and get a
better perspective on some difficult emotions, but I'm not sure
how to get started. Since I have 2 kids and a full-time job,
pretty much the only time I'd have would be at home in the early
mornings. Can anyone recommend any CDs, books or other resources
for guided meditation? Or is a class a better way to get
started? If so, what are some good places to take one?
(Preferably with minimal driving time from Berkeley, since I'm
perpetually pressed for time.)
Jennifer
I would highly recommend the meditation method taught by the
Blue Mountain Center. It seems to show the way to a more
peaceful place, and is very accepting of our humanity. It
connects to all the major religions, but does not require
religious belief. Although the center is in Marin County, they
teach a free class in Berkeley every other Tuesday. More info
at http://www.nilgiri.org/. Best of luck to you.
anne
I have been meditating for three years now, and words can't
explain how much more positive my life has become. I am a full
time mother, wife, student, and teacher and without meditation
my days were filled with anxiety. Since I started meditating, I
am a lot more chill, so much that everyone wonders how I handle
everything. I was introduced to meditating through the know
thyself organization. They offer a class absolutely FREE, and it
only takes two hours. If you want to learn to meditate they'll
teach you, if not then you're free to leave. There are no
religous like obligations and no fees. You can call them at 1-
877-meditate or visit their website at knowthyselfassoul.org.
They have a representative in Berkeley you can get in contact
with. Good luck.
Cherie
It sounds like the meditation workshops at Creating Harmony
Institute in Albany (San Pablo Ave near Solano)is just what you
are looking for. We offer a meditation workshop that is
a ''meditation sampler''. An opportunity to learn several types
of stress reducing meditations and find out what works best for
you. Our next workshop is Saturday June 26th, 2004 9:30 am - 11
am. Fees are very reasonable. Classes are small and personal.
We also have guided visualization CDs for stress reduction
available for home use. For more information you can call
Creating Harmony Institute at (510) 526-1559.
I had a great experience taking a meditation class with Nancy
Bardacke last fall. She teaches a ''meditation for stress
release'' (my paraphrase) course following the work of John Cabot-
Zinn. The class was fabulous and very effective. Textbook,
workbook and meditation tapes are included as are several types
of practices (body scan, yoga, sitting meditation) and an all-
day session. I went on to take my childbirth prep class from
her. I had tried meditation off and on throughout the years
without sticking to it in any real way. This class taught me
mindfulness in a way that has changed my life. I continue to
practice it every day. She can be contacted at
nancybard[at]earthlink.net
Beth
James Baraz associated with Spirit Rock offers a six week class
at Northbrae church in Berkeley-it's great. look at
www.spiritrock.org
alice
Try Sogyal Rinpoche's Chapter 5 from ''The Tibetan Book of Living
& Dying.'' It's probably available in the library (or you could
buy the book), or you can get a tape of Chapter 5 -
titled ''meditation'' from Rigpa in SF (in the phone book). Rigpa
also has free meditation sessions that you could go to, and
there are other buddhist organizations that do this. Rigpa used
to have one in Berkeley (they may still), but they definitely
have one in SF. I think group meditation or meditation classes
can be helpful but not essential. It's helpful in that you can
see other folks doing the same thing, whcih can be motivating.
But it can also be distracting, and there is always somebody in
the group that's busy watching everybody else rather than
meditating. What I liked about the Sogyal Rinpoche chapter is
that it is said in a very accessible way: he tells you the
purpose, and techniques, that just make inherent sense. one
example, if I recall correctly, is something like: imagine a
glass of water (taken from a high mountain stream); when you
first get it, it is cloudy. Only after letting it settle is the
water clear. This is what you need in your thoughts. or:
imagine a lake: if it is disturbed (eg, by the wind), the
surface is disturbed and it reflects nothing. If it is peaceful,
it reflects the sky. One last example is that in learning to
let your disturbing thoughts go, he says to imagine them as very
rude houseguests. You can't control them. You just give them
lots of room. THere are some funny examples too, that really
make the point of meditation. he says that meditating is the
space between thoughts, and the goal is to expand that space.
Enjoy...
janet
October 2003
It has been suggested to me that meditation might be a good way
to address some of the issues that are keeping me from being
perfectly happy with my generally wonderful life. I have real
problems paying attention to anything, which has hindered me in
my career: even when I'm listening to something I know I need to
pay attention to, such as my project manager discussing the
future of my project, I can't seem to stay focused--my mind
wanders everywhere. I can even be *giving* a talk to a group of
people while part of my brain is busy thinking about what to cook
for dinner. I don't have ADD (apparently that involves other
issues I don't have, such as impulsiveness and explosive temper),
but even my toddler has a longer attention span than I do.
Another issue that periodically plagues me is middle-of-the-night
insomnia--generally I can get to sleep ok, but I often wake up at
3 or 5am and lie there unable to fall back asleep. And a third
issue that sometimes bothers me is a feeling that I am not
enjoying my life as much as I could be. I don't think I'm
depressed, but I feel like I could be happier.
I have thought about trying antidepressants, but I'd rather wait
until I'm done having children (we would like to have another
soon). Someone suggested that I try meditation. My first
response was, you've got to be kidding. I'm an overeducated,
impatient, multitasking atheist--no way do I have the patience
for that kind of slow-moving spiritual stuff. But then I
thought, hmm, maybe I should give it a try.
Any other Type A's out there who have found meditation helpful?
And can anyone recommend a meditation class (?) in the North
Berkeley area that is not too spiritual or squishy, but more
pragmatic?
A wandering mind
yes! you definitely should explore meditation. and you don't
need to ascribe to any particular spiritual belief to have it
work for you. (there's a decent publication titled something
like ''relaxation response'' which instructs in getting to a
meditatative state w/o the ''woo woo.'')
meditation will greatly assist you with narrowing your focus to
the task at hand (single point of focus) and side benefits
include restful sleep (though i do have friends w/ chronic
sleep issues that were not helped by meditation alone.)
i really do not think you need a class as there are many good
and instructive books on the subject--best of luck to you!
jeff
You don't say what your age is. Are you pre-menopause? Are you
having early menopause symptoms?
Spaceyness and inability to focus is definately one of the
hormonal changes.
If you're too young for that yet, you may have a mineral or
vitamin deficiency.
Do you eat a lot of sugar? Do you have food allergies? Wheat is
a very common allergy and in someone very sensitive (and you can
develop a sensitivity at any time) it can create all kinds of
wierd and not seemingly related symptoms as fogginess, mood
swings, etc.
I recommend that you talk to a nutritionist...someone that can
take a thorough life history and do some testing.
2 such people I can recommend are Nori Hudson, she is a
nutritional consultant, educator. She helped me tremendously a
year or so ago when I was turning 50 and feeling lousey. Her
number is 847-3197, and I can highly recommend Dr. Charlie
Prins. Charlie is a chiropractor who uses applied kinesiology
(ie:muscle testing) to find out what the body's needs are. He
also works with nutritional issues. I also saw him and see him
still for my continued nutritional maintenance. My life has
changed in the last year due to changing my supplements and my
diet.
Another thing I wonder about is....do you do anything in your
life that is fun, just for you? How busy are you? Do you get
enough sleep? Sleep is SOOOOO important and most of us don't get
nearly enough.
If you are stressed...constantly on the go (I know a few type
A's, so I know that you may not allow much down time), and
always have to be doing something you may be overstressing your
brain/body.
If you're not already doing these things, I'd suggest some
regular time for yourself....an evening a week, a few hours on
Saturday or Sunday...whatever, to do something that is strictly
for you. Do you ever get massages? That's a great way to relax
and wind down.
All these things, stress, too busy, hormones, nutritional
deficiency could all play a part in your inability to focus.
I'm not saying meditation won't help you, it very well might but
if it were my problem I would look at the physical possibilities
first.
Also, have you seen your Dr. lately? Maybe it's time for a check
up and complete blood test, just to see what's going on inside.
I'm a massage therapist...if you'd like to talk to me further
about massage, please e-mail me.
Good luck, I hope you can find something that will help you
easily make a change and feel better.
June
There are many reasons why people have difficulty staying in
a ''meditative'' state and many ''solutions.'' Physical
solutions might involve martial arts, Tai Chi, massage,
walking, strength training, hatha yoga, sports, etc. Emotional
approaches might include counselling, compassionate care giving
for ''those less fortunate'', choral singing, etc. Mental might
involve Zen practice of ''vacant mind'' by staring at a rock or
candle to still the thoughts. Alternately, some people have
spent a lot of money to acquire a ''mantra'' or phrase that
they reapeat over and over during the day in an attempt
to ''force out'' unwanted thoughts with a mind numbing
repetition of a meaningless phrase. I have found a spiritual
practice, www.Sahajayoga.org, to be very helpful (after decades
of searching on many paths.) If you are interested in a
spiritual practice, a sure sign of a ''false'' one is whether
the practitioners charge money to share it. Also, does the
practice make you ''Your own Guru or Master?'' Do you acquire
the powere to pass it on to others? Good Luck on your search!
Signed:
anonymous
It's worth a try. You might consider a moving mediation
practice, like yoga, T'ai Chi, or Chi Gung, if a sitting
mediation seems too dull or confining.
Carolyn
Should you try meditation? Yes! But I have to say, it's not
really something that you can ''try'' and expect to get certain
results from, although it will change you profoundly if you
stick with it. First of all, it takes a commitment to practice
(almost) every day. Second, it is difficult and frustrating for
many people for quite awhile. Your mind will not change, you'll
just develop a new relationship with it, and over the course of
time you'll notice that things are clearer, easier, more
settled. I've been practicing meditation for over 10 years and I
can honestly say it has saved my sanity.
You might also consider some other options, which could be
better suited to you, depending on your temperament. Things like
yoga and tai chi are moving meditation, and work for people who
have a hard time with the sitting still part. I also really
think that psychotherapy at its best is a kind of relationship
meditation that can help you understand yourself and your mind,
and old habits can loosen up.
As for meditation in the East Bay, there are lots of groups. I'd
recommend a regular group as opposed to a class, as you can have
a place to sit over time if you find it works for you. Many have
some degree of Buddhist or other Eastern trappings, but some
less so than others. You might try the Bay Zen Center in
Montclair, the sitting group affiliated with Spirit Rock (meets
in South Berkeley I think) or Pacific Zen Center in Oakland.
Berkeley Zen Center is pretty ''Buddhist'' but you might try it
too. Most places are happy to give instruction to newcomers. And
most offer sittings weekly or several times a week.
Good luck, and don't give up. There are many meditative
practices, and with some patience you'll find the right one(s)
for you.
A happy meditator
Yes, I think you should try meditation. Some of the ''benefits''
can include improved ability to pay attention and be in the
moment. I say ''benefits'' in quotes because it's usually best to
approach meditation without expectations as to
particular ''results''.
That said, a wonderful place to start would be James Baraz's 6-
week introduction to meditation class that takes place twice a
year at the Northbrae Community Church on The Alameda in North
Berkeley. He teaches in the Vipassana tradition, a branch of
Buddhism that flourished in Southeast Asia. Its translation in
the West has taken a rather secular form and is probably one of
the more secular approaches to meditation. You can find out
when the next series is on the Spirit Rock website
(www.spiritrock.org). Look for the link to classes or beginning
meditation classes or something like that.
Anon
You seem to be describing what I refer to as ''monkey brain''! I
too have a mind that is constantly jumping around, swinging from
high branches or counting fleas instead of just Being There. I'm
certainly not ADD, just Type A multi-tasker, as you've called it.
And no way can I calm down the monkey brain in order to do most
forms of meditation. While it is tempting to find a chemical
solution such as anti-depressants or alcohol (briefly, my monkey
brain took me on the search for the perfect bourbon), I think
there are good possibilities for people like us that may also be
good for the body, mind and spirit as well. Here's what's worked
for me:
Exercise - my mother calls it ''moving meditation''. Burn off some
of this restless energy by walking.
Qi Gong / Chi Kung or Tai Chi. Also a kind of ''moving
meditation''. I've found my Chi Kung classes (with Ellen Raskin)
to be tremendously helpful in giving me a way to quiet the mind
by engaging in some very calming, centering, simple, natural
movements. Of great help when I can't sleep or the kids are
making me crazy.
Mindfulness Meditation. I took this class at Kaiser a few years
ago after a close friend died and the combination of her death
and other life stresses were becoming hard to deal with on my
own. Two simple techniques I learned in that class have stayed
with me. One is the ''body scan'', which is a simple relaxation
technique, again good for those 3 am wakeups or for the brain
that won't shut down at night. The other was ''mindful eating''
based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn (who wrote ''Full Catastrophe
Living'' among other good books). That one exercise taught me
what I think you already know - that life is what happens when
you're busy doing something else, that in choking down our food
standing over the sink, rushing out the door, driving while
talking on cell phone, playing with our kids while thinking about
by engaging in some very calming, centering, simple, natural
movements. Of great help when I can't sleep or the kids are
making me crazy.
Mindfulness Meditation. I took this class at Kaiser a few years
ago after a close friend died and the combination of her death
and other life stresses were becoming hard to deal with on my
own. Two simple techniques I learned in that class have stayed
with me. One is the ''body scan'', which is a simple relaxation
technique, again good for those 3 am wakeups or for the brain
that won't shut down at night. The other was ''mindful eating''
based on the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn (who wrote ''Full Catastrophe
Living'' among other good books). That one exercise taught me
what I think you already know - that life is what happens when
you're busy doing something else, that in choking down our food
standing over the sink, rushing out the door, driving while
talking on cell phone, playing with our kids while thinking about
something else, making love while thinking about our to-do list,
going to a symphony but thinking about our taxes...we are missing
out on our own lives.
Eat that peach. Taste it. Don't talk. Make it last. Live your
life!
Best Wishes,
Natasha B.
Dear Wandering Mind,
I am currently taking a class at Alta Bates Herrick Campus
called StressCare which teaches you all about reducing
stress and symptoms associated with stress through
meditation. It is an eight week course based on the
methods of Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn and the University of
Massachussetts Stress Reduction Program. It is not a
squishy, spiritual class. It is a very serious class that helps
all kinds of people with all kinds of stress: job stress, family
stress, finacial stress, illness, injury, And helps reduce or
manage the symptoms of stress: anxiety, insomnia,
nervous disorders, pain, migrains, digestive problems,
cardiovascular problems, depression.
I've been taking the class now for several weeks and found
it quite helpful in terms of learning how to really pay
attention to myself , my body and just how I respond to
everything around me. Meditation is a challenging practice,
but is highly regarded as an effective tool to aid healing and
general overall health of the body and mind. The class has
you do weekly homework with daily meditaion excersises
including note taking (journal) and yoga. The biggest
challenge is doing the homework. Your own success in the
class depends on it. It involves commitment and a change
in life style. Check out the website at : http://
www.stresscaretraining.org/index.htm
Goodluck
Laurey
Dear Wandering Mind,
I feel for you! I find meditation very helpful with focus, with
self-acceptance and with general well-being. It will be
challenging, because you really watch your mind spinning
around. But I think it is the best thing. I would also
challenge your thought that you don't have ADD! There are many
variants, including inattentive type(without explosions and
impulsivity). My child, my husband and I all have this. We can
be distractable, we lose things, we have trouble staying on
task, but not all the time! It is more about inconsistent
attention than a constant ''deficit'' of attention. People with
ADD can sometimes hyper-focus and tune other things out. Check
out the book Driven To Distraction by Hallowell or Ratey (or if
it is too hard to focus on a whole book try their other one:
Answers to Distraction, which is in Q and A format). I think
insomnia is pretty frequent with ADD, as are feelings of
depression. You're not alone! There is advice out there for
how to cope better and create a lot of external support for
yourself (look in the books I mentioned or look up CHADD on-
line). In terms of where to go to learn meditation, I don't
have any East Bay suggestions (hopefully others will), but I
certainly recommend Spirit Rock in Marin. See
www.spiritrock.org Good LUck!
Another Wanderer
I practice Transcendental Meditation (TM) and can say it
has saved my life. And I am serious when I say that. (You
may call me and we can discuss it on a more private level
734-4122) Here is what I know: it is not a religious-based
practice, it is done twice daily for 20 minutes, I feel more
balanced and happy when I consistantly do it, I am more
focused, less agitated and able to be a more present since I
have been practing this type of meditation. My teacher is
Paul Brown, he is in SF and teaches this lineage of
meditation at his home for a 4 or 3 class meetings for $400.
(It is worth every penny, you will have it the rest of your life)
Call him for more info 415-586-1905. Also, Nancy Bardacke
teaches mindful awareness medtation, again, no religious
influence and it is very powerful as well. You may reach her
at nancybard@earthlink.net. I am a yoga instructor and can
only sing the praises of a steady yoga practice, the bay area
is a mecca for classes and senior instructors...try a few out
and see how you feel. Lastly, meditation and yoga are
practices. The mind /ego is a very fascinating
thing...meditation can feel tedious and sometimes quite
boring/uncomfortable...it simply shows us hoiw busy our
mind actually is. I encourage you to be open to seeing what
changes may come by doing the practice.
Jnana
The symptoms you are describing could be ascribed to many
things/events/conditions. Certainly meditation might help, but as
well, I would definitely consult with professional(s) such as a
doctor, naturopath, nutritionist, therapist. I had some of these
symtoms plus many others for a few years before I found out I had
very thyroid when I visited an astute naturopath. There are quite
reasons why you might be experiencing these things and if you
haven't already, it would be good to learn whether there is some
organic (or other) cause. All the best to you.
Anonymous
Absolutely! I wish I had the time to tell you all that
meditation has done to this type A single mother. Not just my
general well-being but also my physical health and my
parenting. James Baraz is a great teacher who has the best
introductory class. It's in Berkeley 2-3 times a year at the
Northbrae Community Church. You can contact him through Spirit
Rock at 415-488-0164. Leave them a message and they'll call you
back with the info. By the way, as an outgrowth of my meditation
practice a group of us parents started a meditation group for
parents in Berkeley and we even teach the kids some mindfulness.
So yes,I highly recommend meditation.
Martina
Your symptoms sound familiar to me. I have a depression
called ''dysthymia'' -- not the can't-get-out-of-bed depression,
just the lack-of-pleasure-for-no-reason. An antidepressant has
helped.
I also practice yoga -- find a teacher who encourages the whole
class to be a meditation. It's easier to keep your mind focused
when you can at least focus on a position.
I hope you feel better soon. These years are too good to
just ''get through'' rather than living them.
Happier
May 2003
Does anyone have any recommendations for a meditation retreat
within say 1 - 1.5 hour's drive. I had heard there may be one in
Marin but I really have no idea where to look.
If anyone has any recommendations, I would love to hear them
Thanks in advance
inez
<>
Recommended:
San Francisco Zen Center Green Gulch Farm
Spirit Rock Mediation Center (4)
Vajrapani Institute in Santa Cruz
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