Meditation can be described as calm, compassionate attention.
Straightforward and simple, meditation is essentially training our attention so that we can be more aware – not only of our own inner workings but also of what’s happening around us in the here and now. Once we see clearly what’s going on in the moment, we can then choose whether and how to act on what we’re seeing.
Insight meditation is the simple and direct practice of moment-to-moment awareness. By focusing our attention a single chosen object like the breath, and repeatedly letting go of distractions in order to return our attention to that object. Over time, you can move your attention to whatever thoughts, feelings, or sensations arise in the moment.
People have been transforming their minds through meditation for thousands of years. Every major world religion includes some form of contemplative exercise, though today meditation is often practiced apart from any belief system. Depending on the type, meditation can be done in silence and stillness, by using voice and sound, or by engaging the body in movement. All forms emphasize the training of attention.
How Meditation trains attention:
The three Key skills
All forms of meditation strengthen and direct our attention through the cultivation of three key skills: concentration, mindfulness and compassion or loving kindness.
Straightforward and simple, meditation is essentially training our attention so that we can be more aware – not only of our own inner workings but also of what’s happening around us in the here and now. Once we see clearly what’s going on in the moment, we can then choose whether and how to act on what we’re seeing.
Insight meditation is the simple and direct practice of moment-to-moment awareness. By focusing our attention a single chosen object like the breath, and repeatedly letting go of distractions in order to return our attention to that object. Over time, you can move your attention to whatever thoughts, feelings, or sensations arise in the moment.
People have been transforming their minds through meditation for thousands of years. Every major world religion includes some form of contemplative exercise, though today meditation is often practiced apart from any belief system. Depending on the type, meditation can be done in silence and stillness, by using voice and sound, or by engaging the body in movement. All forms emphasize the training of attention.
How Meditation trains attention:
The three Key skills
All forms of meditation strengthen and direct our attention through the cultivation of three key skills: concentration, mindfulness and compassion or loving kindness.
- Concentration: steadies and focuses our attention so that we can let go of distractions.
- Mindfulness: refines our attention so that we can connect fully and directly with whatever life brings.
- Compassion or loving kindness: is compassionate awareness that opens our attention and makes it more inclusive.
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