Heartland Yoga Festival 2019

Awareness of posture, awareness of breath, awareness of Mind; Zen meditation is simple to practice anytime, anywhere. In this class we will explore meditation posture options from the formal cross-legged Lotus pose, comfortably sitting in a chair, to standing tall anywhere; learn how to reign in our monkey minds and return to an awareness of breath; and ponder Koans, paradoxical conundrums that defy rational answers.
After posture, breath, and Koan discussion we will “sit” in meditation for a few minutes. A Koan will then be introduced to the stillness, followed by 30 minutes of meditation with a midway posture change. Afterwards, students can discuss their experience. Or not. A very brief commentary of the Koan concludes the class.

We will dive deeply into how to establish/re-establish /strengthen your daily meditation practice as a Yogi, exploring  the big picture of A. why meditate? B. why use a mantra? C. what and why tantra? We will practice mantra meditation, have discussion of your successes and obstacles, and examine  practical methods to achieve depth and peace: diet, breath, bathing, posture, time, Japa, place, chakras, chanting, ethics, sentient household etc. We are fortunate to have the blissful experience of musicians Sammi Mallett and Amory Bottorff to lead us in Kirtan  before our meditations. Come and reinvigorate your meditation practice and experience inner revolution.