Preparation as a meditation benchmark?
Yes! Poor preparation and we are always trying to catch up. However, if we prepare well, everything else becomes possible. Furthermore, traditionally it is said that when the conditions are conducive, meditation occurs spontaneously. If we prepare for our meditation well and let go thoroughly, we can simply and directly enter the stillness.
So this week, in a continuation of this series, how to prepare well using the Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation technique – and how to know you have prepared well. Plus a reminder of the Meditation Teacher Training rapidly approaching in May, and our next meditation retreat in June, but first
When we sit, we do not do anything.
We just sit.
There is no activity of our mind.
We just sit,
And all we do is inhale and exhale.
This kind of practice is called
“Wisdom seeks for wisdom.”
Suzuki Roshi, Zen master
There is a natural logic to all of this.
Remember, the meditation we speak of is characterised by an inner stillness. It is a state beyond doing. If we were doing something, we would not be still. So when we create an environment into which we are comfortable to relax profoundly, then we can do just that. We simply let go of all the things we do. We retain our awareness, and let all else go. Simple. Direct. Effortless.
But how then might we create these ideal conditions in which we will feel enough at ease to simply let go. Well, we plan, we set up our meditation space, decide upon our posture; we give ourselves time. At first it may seem all a little contrived, just like when we start any new project that takes some organising. But increasingly we become familiar with it all. Increasingly there comes a flow, a natural ease. With time and practice, it may well be we can simply go to our meditation space, take up our meditation posture, let go and enter the stillness.
The key to all this is to begin by doing all that we can to create ideal circumstances. Then at the start of the practice, we take a little time to make any necessary adjustments. Fairly soon, we then aim to accept that for this session, this is as good as it gets, relax into the present moment experience, let go of any effort to change or improve things, and enter into the practice proper.
So here is a check list:
i) Am I in a supportive environment?
The place?
Good guidance? An App? A download?
The features? Shrine, a bell, inspiring photos, objects, incense or not, a shawl, a good cushion or chair to sit on?
Nice temperature?
Mobile on silent? People around us informed so we can remain peacefully?
Where is the cat?
ii) Posture. Is my posture supporting the practice? Does it feel comfortable? Stable? Inspiring?
iii) Timing. Are we meditating early and setting ourselves up for a day of peace and clarity? And/or do we practice at the end of the day; let go of the busyness and re-establish the peace, calm and clarity?
2. The Internals
i) Check your motivation. Have I re-affirmed my motivation at the start of each session? Is my motivation strong and clear? For me, and for others?
ii) How is my intention? Motivation is an aspiration – something we would like to happen. Intention – or volition – is all about the determination actually to do it. How strong and clear is my intention?
iii) Being joyful.
How much do I look forward to my practice.
How much joy is there in the practice?
What might enhance all this???
iv) Be positive.
Do I remind myself regularly of the benefits of meditation?
Reward myself for regular practice, or particular break throughs?
v) The mindset.
During the actual practice, how easy is it for me to let go of trying to make it happen, to trust in the process/technique, and just to do it?
vi) Reviews. After each session, do I make time to review how it went? This is the time for reflecting, analysing, learning, adjusting, setting new intentions.
So to restate it, when we can prepare well, we can simply relax into those preparations, let go, and be still. Fairly direct. But in the interim, we plan, we practice, we steadily improve and work towards the simplicity of it all. Good Preparation is vital. Well worth checking...
So now, having made good preparations and sorted out our place, time and posture for meditation, and reinforced all that with a supportive attitude, next post we will move on to Step 2 of our Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation technique — relaxation.
NOTE For more detail on Preparation, refer to Chapter 5 in Blue Sky Mind.
RELATED POSTS
1. How do I know of I am meditating correctly?
2. How do I know if I am meditating correctly? Should we even ask this question? And if so, when?
Meditation Teacher Training only weeks away
- time for you late registering types to book!
The June Meditation Retreat is nearly fully booked
- still a couple of places available...
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 1: Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation
11am Monday 12th to 3.30pm Friday 16th May, 2025
The Mindfulness-based Stillness Meditation module will cover all the essentials of how to present a meditation course in-person or online. (Yes we do help you with how to present online as we recognise so many people are requesting this for actual meditation programs). This module details a comprehensive approach to meditation that covers preparation, relaxation, concentration, mindfulness, awareness and stillness. An approach to meditation that goes to the very essence… Theory, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges and needs of online courses, and more…
Developed for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further.
Both trainings provide wonderful peer support and networking...
Meditation Teacher Training – Module 2: Imagery
11am Saturday 1st to 3.30pm Wednesday 5th November, 2025 (inc Melbourne Cup holiday on the 4th for Victorians)
So many people in so many domains recommend the benefits of guided imagery. This training will position you to be able to offer your community something of great value – a reliable way to help your participants to better understand how their thinking minds and emotions work, and how they can mange them so much better – for their own good and the good of others. This training is also manual based and will enable you to deliver a much-needed program.
Of great personal value, this training is suitable for those new to teaching meditation, and for those wanting to go further. Highly experiential, it will provide a review of the first module that will have given more attention to the basics of how to develop, manage and deliver a meditation program or course. Here we will give some attention to theory, research, delivery, session structures, promotion, finances, the special challenges of online courses, but the emphasis will be on experiencing the key practices of imagery, and working on how to best present a course focusing upon guided imagery.
As a feature, ongoing mentorship and peer support is available through a specific group led by Ian, Ruth and Melissa for people who have completed one or more of our trainings.
Additional information is available via this link
How to apply for either or both Meditation Teacher Trainings:
1. The first step is to visit our website, download the Meditation Teacher Training application form and return it to our Retreat Manager, Mel Crow.
2. Mel will then arrange a short phone conversation to clarify what the trainings offer, discuss your needs, answer any questions and ensure the program is suitable for you.
3. Once accepted for the training(s), you pay a deposit or full fee to reserve your place.
4. Full payment is due 3 weeks prior to the commencement of your training.
Also, our Two Meditation Retreats in 2025:
MEDITATION in the FOREST June 2025
Join us for the very popular Meditation in the Forest 7 day meditation retreat.
Open to and suitable for both those newer to meditation, and those more experienced.
Relaxation, mindfulness, stillness and awareness.
Ruth and I will be joined by the wonderful Melissa Borich…
For your part? Simply make the time and come along…Relax. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Yarra Valley with its big trees, fresh air, beautiful grounds, the Little Yarra River, and sublime meditation sanctuary.
You can simply let go, and let be…
TIMES: Monday 2nd June starting at 11am to 2pm Friday 8th June (after lunch) 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
DEEP NATURAL PEACE Long weekend mini retreat November 2025
Towards the end of the year, an ideal opportunity for some time out, some gentle introspection and reflection, letting go of the busyness and finishing the year on a meditative high.
TIMES: Friday 14th November starting at 11am to 3.30pm Sunday 16th November 2025
VENUE: The Yarra Valley Living Centre, 55 Rayner Crt, Yarra Junction, Victoria, Australia
DETAILS and BOOKINGS: Visit our website: Click Here
You can register for any of the residential programs through our website
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