Zen Commuter

The world is experiencing peace at this moment, despite what the news would have you believe.  What's even more hopeful is the understanding that the more people who develop a meditation habit, the kinder the world will become.  It's not wishful thinking; it's science.  today i talk about how meditation increases compassion and empathy.

Many see the world as on the brink of destruction, but nothing is further from the truth. We are inching our way towards world peace, and the greatest tool for achieving that goal is meditation. All this week I will be discussing how meditation will create lasting peace. Today begins the discussion with a belief that many feel is incorrect. Come judge for yourself.

Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, and the author of several best-selling books on psychology and spirituality. I have asked him to join me on ZEN commuter to talk about his personal journey to spirituality.

Some new meditators hear of the many different styles of meditation and become overwhelmed.  Other new practitioners are nervous about strict practices such as Zazen.  However, despite the fact that there are no styles better than others, many green meditators find guided meditations to be the most beneficial.  Here's why.

Richard Miller, PhD. Richard is a world-renowned spiritual teacher, author, yogic scholar, researcher and clinical psychologist, who has combined traditional yogic practice with Western psychology and neuroscience. He is committed to bringing the healing benefits of iRest to all segments of our population. Richard also founded the iRest Institute, an educational non-profit with the mission of helping people resolve their pain and suffering, and experience deep healing and peace.

Everyone has heard about mindfulness.  Everyone knows the perks of living in this moment.  But did you know that there are aspects of society that keep you from experiencing this moment.  And you, yourself, may be contributing to your inability to find the joy in this moment. Today I talk about 8 things that are prevalent today that keep you from experiencing mindfulness.

Stephen Batchelor is a contemporary Buddhist teacher and writer, best known for his secular or agnostic approach to Buddhism. Stephen considers Buddhism to be a constantly evolving culture of awakening rather than a religious system based on immutable dogmas and beliefs. Today he shares those beliefs with us.

As a seasoned meditator, I sometimes forget about the sensations I experience in a session; sensations that may seem off-putting to a beginning meditator. One of them has to do with the perception of lights and patterns, and the other has to do with the inability to feel your hands or feet.  Neither is anything to be alarmed of, as I will discuss today.

One of the greatest misperceptions about meditation is that it is a spiritual practice with religious roots.  There is a belief that when you meditate something otherworldly happens.  As spiritual as I am, I also appreciate and understand that meditation has its roots in anatomy and physiology.  Your brain changes when you meditate.  It changes in very positive and discernible ways.  Today, with the help of mindful.org, I will discuss how your brain changes with meditation.

Meditation seems daunting to many people.  However, its cousin mindfulness has many of its benefits. Today, I discuss one simple exercise that brings you into mindfulness.