When I first began meditating, I had a lot of ideas about what meditation “should” be.
Over time, I’ve come to realize that meditation can take so many different forms and might look different from day to day, or even week to week. It’s about finding a rhythm that feels good and works for me, one that feeds me and gives me life.
As I take some time off from leading guided meditations this month, I wanted to share with you a few meditations I have found particularly nourishing over these past few months. Below you’ll find two meditations from Thich Nhat Hanh and an article about different kinds of meditation. I’ve also included two videos from our guided meditations last year, in case you’d like to revisit those.
Wishing you all that you need to nourish and nurture your spirit, mind, and body in this new year. I look forward to gathering for our guided group meditations again in February.
XOXO
Audrey
Flower - Fresh 10 Minute Guided Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh
“One of the few "visualisations" in the Plum Village tradition, the "pebble meditation" is supporting us to water the seeds of freshness, solidity, calm, and freedom, qualities that are in each one of us, but can be more or less dormant if we don't bath them in mindfulness on a regular basis.” (from the YouTube video description)
Loving Kindness Meditation - adapted from Thich Nhat Hanh
One of the first meditation practices I stumbled upon was a loving kindness meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh from the book Making Space: Creating a Home Meditation Practice. Over time, the meditation evolved into the following statements, which you may repeat as desired:
To myself: May I be peaceful, happy, and light in mind, body and spirit.
To one I love: May they be peaceful, happy, and light in mind, body and spirit.
To an acquaintance: May they be peaceful, happy, and light in mind, body and spirit.
To one who has caused me pain or suffering: May they be peaceful, happy, and light in mind, body and spirit.
To my local community: May we be peaceful, happy, and light in mind, body and spirit.
To my global community: May we be peaceful, happy, and light in mind, body and spirit.
Mindfulness to Mantra: Different Kinds of Meditation
Since pregnancy, I’ve subscribed to a couple apps that come with suggested articles to read about how to care for my mind and body during pregnancy. This article on different styles of meditation popped up and caught my attention. I found their descriptions and guidance were actually quite helpful and thought you might also enjoy reading their take on mindfulness, breath, mantra, loving kindness, body scan, and movement meditation. While the article was posted by a pregnancy app, the content is very much relevant to all.
Deep Relaxation and the Smile - 25 minute Guided Meditation with Audrey
Reunite with the smile within. Grab a pillow, a blanket, and a cup of your favorite tea and get cozy for this deeply relaxing meditation.
Living in Practice - 45 minute Guided Meditation with Audrey
If we look at our lives, not as a journey toward a final destination, but as a practice through which we grow and evolve, can we do so with compassion and curiosity?
What practices feed and nourish you?
I love learning from your exploration and wisdom. If there are any meditations or readings that resonate with you, send them along! You can find me on Facebook and Instagram @audreyvoonmusic or via email: audrey@audreyvoonmusic.com.