Free meditation practice

Paullene Caraher

There are many types of meditation practices. TM, Transcendental Meditation, is probably the most popular in modern times because The Beatles and the Beach Boys studied with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the founder of TM and brought awareness of meditation to the general public. In the TM method the practitioner is given a mantra. A mantra is usually any repeated word or phrase, but it can also refer more specifically to a word repeated in meditation. If you want to learn this method you can go online and find a TM meditation center. I will not be teaching TM although I have practiced this method for many years and even studied at the Maharishi University near Fairfield Iowa.

The purpose of meditation is to quiet the mind and thereby quieting the emotions and bringing relaxation to the body. Research has shown that a daily meditation practice repairs the brain. Most diseases and brain problems are caused by stress. When one is stressed the sleep pattern is interrupted. If the body does not get adequate rest and relaxation things begin to go awry. The brain, heart, lungs and kidneys and the whole nervous system slowly become less functional.

If the body is too rattled and uneasy it is hard to settle the mind. Therefore, gentle exercises are done at the beginning to help the body get relaxed. You will feel your muscles relaxing after this movement. Then we lie on the floor with our legs on the chair for 20 minutes. This position relaxes the back and the whole body. If you cannot get on the floor you can stay in the chair. Then everyone sits in chairs and does a moving meditation like Qi Gong for five minutes.

Wear comfortable clothing and bring water.

Dates: September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Times: 9:00-10:00 a.m.

Where: Navajo room, third floor at SunBird Golf Resort

You do not have to register. Just come. I will set up chairs. There is always room. Call if you have questions. Paullene Caraher will lead the meditation. Paullene can be reached at 602-292-7858; e-mail [email protected].

The Sunbird Golf Resort is at 6250 S. SunBird. Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85249, located off Riggs Road between Cooper and McQueen; turn in on Championship Dr.