Mindfulness meditation is simple. There are numerous different mindfulness meditation techniques, but they all involve focusing attention on a particular aspect of experience (for example, the body sensations associated with the breathing process) while cultivating an attitude of complete acceptance of the experience. There are no uncomfortable postures required and no chanting of "mantras" are involved.

A common misconception is that you must somehow "turn off" your internal mental "chatter" in order to meditate. In mindfulness meditation it is not necessary to try and supress your thinking process, although in time it may calm down on its own. With practice you will learn to ignore your thinking process as you focus on other aspects of experience. You may even make your thinking process the focus of your meditation. Mindfulness meditation is not a struggle to force your mind into becoming something it is not. Rather, it is simply the clear observation and gentle acceptance of what IS. This is not to say that mindfulness meditation is without challenges. Dilligent effort is required to reap the benefits of mindfulness meditation.

Mindfulness meditation has numerous benefits. It increases powers of concentration that are useful in almost any life activity. It melts away unhealthy chronic stress. It cultivates a peaceful tolerance for the irritants of life. It provides a method for coping with pain. It increases enjoyment of life's pleasures. And much more . . .

Nothing is needed to begin your practice of mindfulness meditation other than a quiet place, a comfortable seat, and some guidance on a simple technique. The Tucson Community Meditation Center provides all three.

To begin, we suggest that you attend the Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation workshop. However, you may also attend the evening class practice or borrow a suitable guided meditation tape from our library. Please let us know how we can assist.