Meditation Class and Retreat – Benefits and How to Choose

 

Meditation Class and Retreat – Benefits and How to Choose

Wikipedia defines meditation as-

“Meditation is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself to increase awareness of the present moment, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and enhance personal and spiritual growth. “

In meditation, a person learns to focus attention

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. Some meditation teaches a person to become mindful of thoughts, feelings, and sensations and feel them nonjudgmental. This practice results a calmness of mind and physical relaxation, and psychological balance. These are very heavy wards. Let’s tell meditation a mind exercise that helps us get rid of stress and causes different mental and physical benefits.

Meditation started by philosophers hundreds of years ago. It is practised by many people of different communities and different religious groups in other names. Today, many people practise meditation outside of its traditional religious or cultural settings for health and well-being.

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Modern meditation has a new conception. But the aim is the same. Practising meditation can teach how a person can relate to the flow of his emotions and thoughts.

But how should we learn meditations?

What are the techniques and requirements of meditation?

These are not very hard to solve. Open a browser and search “meditation”.

You can see thousands of websites teaching meditation. They provide articles, images even videos regarding meditation and its techniques. Anyone can learn from there.

But if you have some questions or misconceptions or seem very difficult to you, you can join a meditation learning course.

Even If you can learn meditation by using your internet, you should try a meditation course. Because there you will find a new community, and you will be more inspired about meditation.

What is a meditation class?

Some organizations or an individual expert arranges meditation classes. It is usually a training course, 1-6 months in duration, depends upon clients and service providers. In course duration, there are several classes taken. Instructors and experts take classes and train techniques to a trainee. A person meets with different people of his or her community in a meditation class. It is inspiring and helpful for learning. The number of the trainee can be variable, but usually, a class should not be too crowded. You have to pay fees for a course. Some organizations arrange free demonstration classes. You can give a try. Maybe it will be helpful for you.

Benefits of meditation classes:

In a training program, you will learn everything about meditation, such as-

a.What is meditation?

The definition, actual meaning, purpose, everything will be obvious to you.

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b. It’s history and modern concepts:

You can learn its history, Its background how it is related to all ancient communities and religious groups. Such as It is practised in Hinduism and Buddhism as ‘dhyana’ for hundreds of years. Jewish also practices it as ‘kabbalah’ and Christian as ‘hesychasm’. Among Muslims, it is practised as ‘sufism’. It’s progression and modern concept will be cleared to you. To gain the actual benefit of meditation, you should have minimum knowledge about its history. It will help you to absorb the aim and goal of meditation.

 

c. It’s aims and objectives:

What is the primary purpose, and what are the additional targets you should keep in mind?

What is the theme of this practice?

Why should you practice meditation?

A meditation class can answer your questions. Meditation is not a ‘just do’ practice. It has its spiritual view. So, without a target or aim, you cannot achieve actual success in meditation.

 

d. It’s typing and which type is suitable for you:

There are many types of meditation with verities of techniques. Such as-

1. Mindfulness Meditation
2. Concentration Meditation
3. Reflective Meditation
4. Heart-Centred Meditation
5. Creative Meditation

Every type has different techniques and subtypes to practice.

A meditation class will tell about the types. Finding the right one or trainer will help you find which techniques are proper for you because every method of meditation may not be suitable for you. Every person is not suffering from the same types of problems too. So choosing the right meditation technique is very important. One of the most important jobs of a trainer is to help their trainee to select appropriate techniques in a meditation class.

 

 e.It’s requirement and preparations:

Meditation practice needs some preparation. Light adjustment, a touch of environment, calm and quiet place, mat, candle, many other things are required to create a proper meditation room or space. You also have to prepare yourself for meditation. A meditation class guides you through creating a suitable environment and how to prepare yourself for good meditation practice.

 

f. Where you will find the requirements or tools:

Meditation needs some requirements and tools such as candle, mat, screen, artificial natural sounds such as small artificial fountain etc. A meditation course organizer institution can guide you, how you can find these items. Sometimes they sell these instruments by themselves.

 

Misconceptions about it:

Some people have misconceptions. You may also have some misconceptions and confusions about meditation. Many course organizers provide free introductory classes about meditation. Just have a look, attend a class. Maybe your conception will be cleared, and you will feel more interested in meditation.

 

Problems and their solves:

During meditation practice, you can face some problems. It may be related to your technique or maybe raised from your surrounding persons. A meditation class can help you by giving tips and sharing other trainee’s problems and how they overcame them.

 

Hindrances of meditations and how to recover:

Five hindrances (Sanskrit: pañca nivāraṇa) are identified as mental factors that hinder progress in meditation and in our daily lives.  These are the major forces in the mind that hinder our ability to see clearly or become concentrated. They are universal; we all experience them. A meditation class will teach you how to recover from them.

 

Some extra health tips are also given sometimes:

A meditation class creates a community. Sometimes it is used to get some extra health tips. Usually, tips are given by health experts or collected from their writings. These are very helpful to lead a healthy life. Without health and nutrition tips, you can discuss and gain knowledge about other topics regarding our daily life.

 

A new community:

Most of all, you will find some friends and a community sharing the same types of thoughts. A meditation class can be a mediator for social harmony.

 

There is much usefulness to a meditation class. The organizers sometimes arrange a meditation retreat. So, self-learning and practise of meditation is good but attending a meditation class is much better.

How to choose a meditation class?

There are many programs and courses are arranged in different cities and towns around the world. You can find a few in your locality. Choosing a mediation course or class is very important for every interested person. You can take a free class at your nearest meditation centre. It would help if you tried few other centres too to compare their courses and structures and services.

For choosing a meditation centre, you should keep in mind-

1. Location- Distance of the centre may affect your regularity.
2. Structure- Comfortable and well-equipped structure is needed for a proper class.
3. Facility-Such as a training room, classroom, washroom and proper decoration is important, and you should have a look.
4. Trainer- It is the most important key. A good trainer or meditation expert is essential for any meditation centre.
5. Other members- Other administrative and officials should be cooperative.

There are more few things you can observe, such as their teaching methods and fees. But, most important is where you will find a good trainer and where you will feel comfortable.

Meditation retreat and its importance:

A meditation retreat means a campaign for one or a few days. Meditation retreats usually take place in natural places worldwide, which are near mountains, rivers, seas, or forests. Usually, large areas of plain fields are found in retreats because people like to have space to reflect on the issues they currently face. Different meditation centres or course organizers usually arrange these. But you can set it by yourself.

Most people attend retreats for the sole purpose of meditation. They either meditate in a group or alone. Apart from meditation, you can do other activities too, some less active and some quite demanding. However, most centres or organizers arrange verities of activities. So it’s very likely that you will find something you will enjoy.

Besides meditation, you can do yoga, if possible, hiking during a retreat. You can attend many activities on your retreat that involve a group of people, such as dancing, team games, and discussion of some topics. A retreat is like a tour. A tour for spiritual purposes. Everyone enjoys it very much.

How to choose a retreat:

You should spend a week on a meditation retreat. It is better to take part in meditation retreat programs arranged by different meditation centres. These are more exciting and enjoyable. Self-arranged retreat programs are also good. But it is safe to travel around the world in a known community group, which is less costly.

Meditation, a way to lead a stress free healthy life with an opportunity to maintain harmony in your community.

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Dr. Hasan Ebna Amin