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Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation

Series: Great Courses

4.2

(188)

Episodes

Rating

TVPG

Year

2011

Language

English

Publisher

The Great Courses

About

In recent decades, science has confirmed that meditation, when correctly practiced, offers lasting benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. Gain a clear understanding of the essence of meditation, and how best to practice it, in 24 lessons filled with guided exercises, principles and techniques, and more.

Related Subjects

Episodes

1. Mindlessness - The Default Setting

30m

Do people control their minds, or do their minds control them? Investigate how the mind operates and the condition of mindlessness: the pervasive swirl of thoughts and judgments that separate people from the world around them. Viewers can consider the possibility of cultivating the mind in ways conducive to deep well-being for themselves and others.

2. Mindfulness - The Power of Awareness

30m

Explore the notion of mindfulness: nonjudgmental attention to experience, as it occurs in everyday life and as a deliberate practice. Note the many benefits of mindfulness practice, from the freedom to choose how to respond to life, to releasing detrimental emotions and patterns of thinking, to its effects on physical health.

3. Expectations - Relinquishing Preconceptions

30m

This episode introduces the practice of meditation as a tool for developing mindfulness. Here, distinguish the true nature of mindfulness meditation from common preconceptions about it, revealing its capacity to instill a deeper connection to reality, as well as cultivating a wisdom based in empathy and compassion.

4. Preparation - Taking Moral Inventory

30m

In approaching meditation, consider the interconnections of ethical behavior with the development of mindfulness and the shaping of personal character. Drawing from the Buddha's teachings, explore five precepts of behavior that are conducive to the greatest benefits of meditation practice, based in the fundamental principle of not harming others or yourself.

5. Position - Where to Be for Meditation

30m

Now learn about the most beneficial physical conditions for personal meditation. First, consider the time of day and the physical setting that will best serve to practice. Then, study the most effective sitting postures on the floor, cushions, or chair and the optimum alignment of the body for mindfulness meditation.

6. Breathing - Finding a Focus for Attention

30m

Mindfulness meditation is based in the use of an anchor or focus of attention, allowing the mind to calm itself. Using breathing as the focus, learn in detail about the fundamental elements of sitting meditation, focusing attention on the breath and returning to it when the mind strays, without judgment.

7. Problems - Stepping-Stones to Mindfulness

30m

Here, explore difficulties often encountered in meditation and ways of working with them that are also useful in the larger context of living. Consider physical discomfort and the specific use of mindfulness itself in working through it. Look also at ways to strengthen concentration and to counter frustration and discouragement.

8. Body - Attending to Our Physical Natures

30m

Building on previous work with mindfulness practice, learn another technique that augments and supports meditation. The body scan directs focused attention to different areas of the body, promoting deeper sensory awareness, relaxation, and concentration. With Professor Muesse's guidance, experience a 20-minute body scan meditation, a fundamental practice of self-compassion.

9. Mind - Working with Thoughts

30m

The mindfulness tradition has much to say on the nature of thoughts and their power to shape personality and character. Here, learn specific ways to identify detrimental thoughts and a variety of methods to work with them, demonstrating that people can influence the conditioned mind through conscious and deliberate response to their own thoughts.

10. Walking - Mindfulness While Moving

30m

Walking meditation, another core element of the mindfulness tradition, allows practicing mindfulness in any place and at any time. Learn walking meditation in detail, including beneficial conditions for practice, the method of mindful walking, where to focus attention, and advanced variations on the practice.

Extended Details

SeriesGreat Courses

Closed CaptionsEnglish

Artists

Mark W. MuesseActor

Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation

Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation

About

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Episodes

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