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Pippa4Contributor
Hi Everyone,
I'm joining a meditation class next week for the first time ever in my life and I want to know what to expect?
I'm feeling really nervous about it. I know it's a great way to meet new people.
I'm a very shy person and doing something like this scares me.
What would be some strategies and helpful tips I could do to help relax me and prepare me for this meditation class I'm about to join?
In response to: Meditation Class
hanamiSenior Contributor
Hi @Pippa4
I'm so happy for you to be joining the class! I am so shy, my nickname at school was Mousy. I absolutely hated it. So I know how hard it can be to push yourself. I think reminding yourself how much you'll enjoy the class would be good. Focus on that rather than the 'meeting people' aspect. That will be there too but will come more naturally if you focus on the class's aim. Gosh, imagine how calm you'll feel afterwards.
Best wishes Hanami
In response to: Meditation Class
NheemoCasual Contributor
Well, I've been a student of meditation for 30 years, in a range of traditions from, Buddhist to Taoist and Shaivism. One of my my favourite understandings, that gets to the essence of it all is Relaxation is the foundation of all meditative excellence. Yoga Nidra is quite good for learning to relax, and even if you do fall asleep many times as your learning that's not too bad. Also the most important introduction point is mediation isn't about no thought, but about letting go of thoughts and returning to an object, so the thoughts are allowed flow out or settle. A classic 'object' is the breath, or a smile; start with a small smile on the face and then as the feeling strengthens move to the feeling of the smile. Before you know it your are cultivating metta or loving kindness.
In response to: Meditation Class
wellwellwellnezSenior Contributor
@Pippa4 @Nheemo @hanami
My favourite meditation advice is, visualize zero monkeys.
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