ENROL NOW

The next Meditation Practice Online Course commences May 19th, 2009

It is well known that the practice of meditation brings deeper states of emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. This is achieved by helping the practitioner to develop the capacity for dealing with the complexities and stresses of daily life. Through meditation your mind becomes less clouded by emotional and mental clutter. Scientific studies into the benefits of meditation show that it can assist in alleviating depression, promote a greater quality of sleep, reduce the effect of stress-related conditions like hypertension and anxiety disorders. Like any acquired new skill, the benefits of meditation are increased when the practitioner is consistent. Learn how to establish a regular meditation practice and access your inner realm of personal quiet through the Meditation Practice Online Course - seven minutes a day is all that's required. That's only seven out of the 1440 minutes in your day!

Course facilitator Michele Sierra has more than 20 years' experience teaching and practising meditation, yoga and Eastern philosophy. She is yoga and meditation teacher, co-founder of the Baulkham Hills Yoga Studio and practising Psychotherapist who commenced her yoga and meditation studies at the Sri Muktananda Ashram in India and New York. Michele continues to deepen her meditation study and practice in the Buddhist tradition. She applies current scientific research into mindfulness-based meditation to her life and work. Michele has facilitated many meditation courses in Australia and internationally with a teaching style that is practical, empowering and light-hearted.

'Meditation Practice' is an online course specifically created to suit the everyday demands of modern life. Participants receive weekly lessons (via email) containing meditation techniques and themes that draw from current scientific research, Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, philosophies and psychology, with each week's topic building on the last. The techniques offered in the course are practical and accessible. Lessons and topics are non-sectarian. An online forum and optional short retreats (held within Australia) throughout the course help build a reflective atmosphere in a supportive community.

The format is specifically designed for those of us who may find it difficult to:

allocate time to practice meditation
maintain the inspiration and motivation to meditate, even if you have the time
attend a regular meditation group at a convenient time or location

"This course evolved from my students, many of whom told how they had trouble maintaining a regular meditation practice," Michele says. "The lessons fit around busy lifestyles, with an easy-to-follow format of concise and regular instructions via email correspondence. The contemplations help us examine the broader questions that tug at us while the format encourages consistency and regularity until meditating daily becomes as natural as brushing your teeth."

Course Structure

Weekly email Lessons: Weekly email communications over a six-month period which outline meditation and contemplation instructions. You commit just seven minutes per day to practising each week's lesson. You may also apply the insights gained during formal meditation and reflection into everyday activities such as travelling to work on the bus, playing with your kids, jogging around your suburb, sitting in a meeting or shopping at the supermarket. Many participants find that they are inspired, willing and able to sit for longer than seven minutes. Lessons can also be mailed to you should you prefer.
Internet discussion group: An online forum helps those who wish to discuss their experiences with the course facilitator or fellow participants, sharing ideas, questions and resources that support meditation. Participation is optional.
Meditation Retreats: Course facilitator Michele offers optional one-day or weekend meditation retreats in conjunction with the course. Meditating in a group is highly effective at rejuvenating, inspiring and deepening your personal practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is contained in the weekly lesson?

Each lesson gives guidance on a specific meditation method or focus, supported by contemplations, inspirational quotes and references for further research. A small example of the topics to be covered
is:

Investigating the nature of emotions and how to settle a busy mind
Techniques to better deal with grief and fear
The science of breath and its relationship to managing stress
How formal meditation differs from the practice of contemplation
Current research into the relevance of mindfulness meditation on human emotions
Accessing stillness and silence in the midst of activity

What happens if I can't keep up with the weekly lessons?

You do not need to complete the course within the six month period or keep up with other participants - participants can take as long as desired to practise each lesson. You may wish to stay with one meditation for a month, skip a particular lesson that doesn't resonate with you or return to favoured meditations. Previous participants say that at the end of the course they have returned once again to the beginning and are repeating the exercises with renewed enthusiasm and insight. Many students prefer to print a hardcopy of each lesson for easy reference rather than remaining at the computer - it is a matter of personal preference.

How is this course different to buying a book on Meditation?

There are a myriad of books that offer great insights into meditation and related practice techniques. Yet the amount and variety of information can be so overwhelming that we rarely find time to apply what we read. Meditation Practice Online Course is evenly paced, allowing time to integrate the learning, apply the meditation techniques and develop continuity within the process. The emphasis is on practise rather than just intellectual understanding. Experiential understanding leads to more thorough and longer-term insight.

Fee: Six Month Email Course - $250 (24 lessons).
Payment can be made by electronic funds transfer, cheque or credit card
(cards incur a two per cent bank surcharge).

Course commences May 19th, 2009

Give this course as a gift: Give someone you love the gift of meditation - extending beyond the 6-month course duration to a lifetime. Gift vouchers are available upon request.

Click Here To Enrol

Or contact Michele if you wish to discuss the course in more detail with her.