Meditation

Meditation is the practice of turning your attention to a single point of reference. It can involve focusing on the breath, on bodily sensations, or on a word known as a mantra. In other words, meditation means turning your attention away from distracting thoughts and focusing on the present moment. Meditating is deceptively simple. A cartoon from The New Yorker sums it up: Two monks are sitting side by side, meditating. The younger one is giving the older one a quizzical look, to which the older one responds, "Nothing happens next. This is it."

Meditation Tests

Attention

Can't concentrate? Learn how to focus your attention.

Attention Span Test

Do you focus on a task or zone out?

The Latest on Meditation

Dharma Journal: Practice everything. by Michael J. Formica

Daily practices shift our thinking and behavior in profound ways. by Susan Harrow

Mindfulness: a straightforward tool to help abate depression? . by Victoria Maxwell

Dharma Journal: Yoga and the process of change by Michael J. Formica

Quit thinking and just pay attention. by Joseph Cardillo

You can re-wire your relationship brain. You have the technology. by Marsha Lucas, Ph.D.

David Roche is the pastor of the Church of 80% Sincerity. by Susan Harrow

Is the parable in the Lotus Sutra all a big con? by Susan Blackmore

Trick or Eat: Mindfully Eating Chocolate During Halloween by Susan Albers, Psy.D.

"All manner of things shall be well."...so chill out! by Eliezer Sobel

Meditation Blogs

The Meditative Life
Practical instruction on how to tap into your mind and heart, plus inspiration from great meditation teachers.
By Arthur Zajonc
Ten Zen Questions
Exploring the Mind from Within
By Susan Blackmore
Urban Mindfulness
Finding peace in the middle of it all.
By Jonathan Kaplan, Ph.D.