341: Making Progress With Meditation

Kyle Davis of Meditation & Buddhism in Providence returns to continue our discussion about meditation. I have been practicing regularly for 4-5 months now and I have a few new questions and observations. Kyle originally appeared on episode #275:A Better State of Mind: Introduction to MeditationA review of the basics and what we covered last time:-it is an active process-trying to strengthen the mind-contemplation - bringing in an idea or feeling-the placement -holding it there-It's a practice, it takes work and time, feel clumsy-posture, body as an antenna, be comfortable and alert, straight back-have the body in a way that it can stay still, legs crossed-rest eyes with a little light coming in -first thing in the morning is ideal, but other times are okay-breathing: just through the nosestart to notice the breathing in nostrils, analyze, try to find the sensation of air touching nostrilsfocus just on that sensationnotice a distraction? acknowledge and move the mind back to the sensation-length, set a realistic goal and follow throughMy Progress:-what I have practiced so far, înapanasati-some questions/concerns: Half lotus feels unnatural, what about music?-Beginning Mindfulness Meditation, Shamata -placement meditation-how does meditation change the brain?Buddhism/Philosophy:-Buddha's view of happiness-define "positive states of mind"-Are you familiar with Stoicism?-is acceptance without assertiveness dangerous?-Vipassana: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness and non-selfLook Closer:Meditation & Buddhism in Providence: Mindfulness for Busy People - http://meditationinrhodeisland.org/Your Brain on Meditation - http://www.mindful.org/the-science/neuroscience/your-brain-on-meditationSamatha and Vipassana - http://www.dhammaloka.org.au/articles/item/1203-samatha-and-vipassana-m…Please Support School SucksOur Amazon Wish ListDonate With BitcoinOr Join the A/V ClubYour continued support keeps the show going and growing, which keeps us at the top of the options for education podcasts and leads to new people discovering this message. This subscription also grants you access to the A/V Club, a bonus content section with 200+ hours of exclusive audio and video. If you are a regular consumer of our media, please consider making a monthly commitment by selecting the best option for you...Join the A/V Club! $6.00/MonthJoin the A/V Club! $9.00/MonthJoin the A/V Club! $12/Month