Krista's Book of the Month:

“Faith” by Sharon Salzberg

I first found this book when I was feeling down and couldn't seem to move from under my cloudy outlook. I walked into Barnes and Nobel and asked my Angels to guide me to a book that would serve my highest good. I immediately felt drawn to the Eastern religion section, specifically Buddhism. There misplaced on the shelf was a slender orange book. I picked it up and knew that it was meant for me. This book is a treat, and I love to flip through it when I am having feelings of being disconnected. It's an easy read and will definitely lift your spirits.

Krista's Meditation Lesson:

Meditation is for everyone and anyone can do it.

(September 2005 :: Part 2)

Last month we spent our time working on preparing our hearts and minds for a sitting meditation practice. There are a few rules to follow when starting your practice.

1. Create a space that is sacred for you. Find a special chair or cushion, one that is pleasing and comfortable. Lighting candles or incense not only sets the mood, it sends signals to the brain that it is time for meditation. Over time you will find that you begin to relax as soon as the first candle is lit.

 2. Always sit in a comfortable up-right position either in a chair or on the floor, (if you're sitting on the floor make sure that your hips are higher than your knees. This is accomplished by sitting on the edge of a cushion. This allows the spine to elongate).

3. Make sure that your palms are up and your chin is tilted slightly down so that your neck is nice and long.

4. Always inhale and exhale through your nose unless you are doing a special technique.

This month create a space for your mediation practice and start by simply taking deep breaths. The proper way to breathe is like an infant or a child, when she is asleep lying on her back her tummy rises on the inhale and falls on the exhale. This is how you should try and breathe, all the way down to your tummy without force. Most of us are shallow breathers so it may take some practice before you are able to take a really deep breath. Be kind with yourself. This is you, this is your practice. For the next 4 weeks do a sitting meditation for 5 minuets the first week and then add 2 more minutes per week. Remember our goal is not to suppress our thoughts. Allow your thoughts to arise, but always bring your focus back to the breath, back to the present moment. Do this practice and notice how you feel during your practice, (remember to write in your journal). Notice at the end of the 4 weeks if there has been a change in your outlook or demeanor. Has anyone close to you remarked on your mood since you've began your practice? Remember to pay attention.