WHAT WE DO

"Samsara is not a place. It is the way we experience this world when our perception is distorted by ignorance."  —KEN MCLEOD, Buddhist Teacher

While the techniques of meditation practice are not particularly difficult to learn conceptually, the actual practice has many subtleties and potential pitfalls.  Also, as one works directly with the mind a lot can happen – the emergence of buried emotional material, different states of mind, sleep and dream states are often effected, to name just a few.  For these reasons, meditation practice generally goes better with the help of a teacher.  The teacher serves to provide instruction and support for proper practice as well as helping the student to progress through the various stages of practice.

We provide a number of different ways to work with a teacher, including regularly scheduled individual meetings, classes, one-day retreats and three-day retreats.  In addition, though meditation is essentially an individual practice and can be done entirely on ones own, most people benefit from the association and support of a group.  Classes and retreats are partly designed to provide group support for practice.

Individual Meetings

Individual meetings provide an opportunity to discuss your practice in detail with a teacher. The teacher will work directly to assist you with any practice issues or concerns that have arisen and provide direction for future practice. Questions can be addressed in detail and specific readings may be recommended. The teacher has an opportunity to provide instruction to supplement sitting practice with movement and/or energy work. These additional practices provide a way of working with the energy in the body to increase the effectiveness of meditation.

The intent of individual meetings is to allow for the growth of a supportive relationship with a teacher that can assist in dismantling reactive patterns that prevent the student from waking up. Most students find that individual meetings reduce the time spent in frustrating and non-productive states. Working directly with a teacher also tends to keep students on track with their practice since they know they will be “checking-in” on a regular basis. The exchange between a teacher and student is a sacred part of practice in all lineages and generally provides an infusion of energy that assists students in deepening their commitment. We recommend that you call and come in for an informal visit before deciding to work with one of us.

Biofeedback-Assisted Meditation

Before starting biofeedback training for meditation, we have a meeting to discuss this approach and determine if this would be an effect direction.  If it is, we do a comprehensive evaluation which includes measuring the EEG (brain waves) at various locations on the head and a computerized test of the ability to pay attention, a critical skill in meditation.

Based on the results of our evaluation, we design a specific biofeedback program that is likely to aid in developing skills that are important in meditation practice.  We generally start with heart rate variability training which is very helpful for overall calming and teaching correct breathing, also an important skill in meditation.

Meditation research has identified that there are various brain-wave states that are particularly important in meditation.  Two of these are increasing alpha frequencies (8 – 12 Hz) and if there is excess fast wave (high beta, 20 – 30 Hz), reducing these excess fast frequencies.  This is done through sophisticated EEG biofeedback (also known as neurofeedback) training.

We have extensive professional experience in using this technology to treat problems with attention and focus, anxiety, depression and brain injuries (see www.sierramentalfitness.com).  It is also potentially useful for training the type of attention required in meditation practice.

Practice Discussion Groups

The intent of these groups is to provide a forum for discussion and training on practical points for living our practice. The format is a 20-30 minute meditation session, a brief teaching on the topic followed by a group discussion. The groups are under the direction of Dan Jorgensen and Claudia Hansson. Please contact us for further information.

Retreats

Retreats, which are basically a period of extended practice are an important part of all contemplative traditions, including Buddhism.  Retreat is an opportunity to go deeper and extend one’s meditation practice beyond what is possible in a daily sitting practice.  The group support and energy during retreat is also an important part of the retreat experience.

Retreats are held several times a year at Mercy Retreat Center in Auburn, which provides a warm and supportive environment. Retreats include teachings, movement work, outside practices (weather permitting), individual interviews with a teacher, and extended meditation sessions. The topics and practices for these retreats will vary but may include compassion, insight, mind training, and Mahamudra.