What type of meditation are we talking about with the Medit’Entr’Amis project ?
There are different meditation practices according to the traditions to which they are attached (Yoga, Zen, different currents of Buddhism). The type of meditation involved here is mindfulness meditation which aims at “inner seeing” (Vipassana). It is a practice independent of any belief or religion which consists in focusing on the present moment, on our internal sensations and perceptions. The focus on the present moment can be obtained by paying attention to one’s own breath, other anchoring points are also possible. Mindfulness meditation is practiced in a sitting and silent position on a cushion or on a chair, sometimes lying down when it uses a sweep of bodily sensations as an anchor.
Learning and perfecting the practice is done through guided meditations.
Why meditate?
According to Buddhist tradition, the intensive practice of meditation leads to “awakening”. Without going so far, the concrete benefits of regular practice are numerous: being better grounded in reality, reducing stress, learning to manage your emotions and detaching from the ruminations they sometimes generate, becoming aware of your “behavioral ruts” And thus give yourself the freedom to get out of it, develop acceptance of what is and the effectiveness to act on what can be changed, live in the present moment and appreciate life as it is. Ultimately the practice of meditation allows you to live better with yourself and with others.What type of meditation are we talking about here?
Why meditate in a group?
Meditation is an eminently personal practice. If it is simple in principle (sit down and do nothing), the availability it implies often comes up against the necessities of everyday life (there is always something else to do!). The support of the group is therefore very precious.
Community practice creates a dynamic: when we meditate together, a spirit of benevolence emerges, a field of immediate application is offered to the contributions of meditation, exchanges of experience and mutual enrichment arise. It is also possible to share the advice of experienced practitioners.