Steps to achieving health through thought
Meditation can be the easiest part of your day, but getting started might be a bit tough. The idea is to basically be silent and still, right? Well, yes… but there is a little more to it than that.
By definition, meditation is a practice that works to find mental clarity and quiet or calm place. It’s also the trendy thing right now in wellness. But with a number of different meditations, starting can be a bit overwhelming.
So don’t let it. Here are some resources that can help kick off your silent time with a bang.
BOOKS
Just Sit: A Meditation Guidebook for People Who Know They Should But Don’t by Sukey Novogratz. This book may be the best place to begin outside of any Dummies or KISS keeps it simple with fun illustrations and easy-to-follow steps that can cater to skeptics and novices. You’ll likely read it in a day or two but should you feel inspired, the book includes an eight-week plan.
10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works — A True Storyby Dan Harris. ABC anchor and reporter Dan Harris contributed strongly to the trend with this thoughtful book on his discovery of meditation. This isn’t a how-to but his story from an on-air panic attack to drug usage that led to his decision to meditate. He also wades through some of the popular stuff (Eckhart Tolle, Deepak Chopra) to find what makes sense to him. He’s an admitted cynic which makes his story all the more genuine.
How to Break Up with Your Phone: The 30-Day Plan to Take Back Your Life by Catherine Price. Don’t worry — nobody’s telling you to get rid of Scruff or Grindr …yet. This isn’t a meditation book per se, but a lot of it has the same foundation. The quick read gives emphasis to learning how to be still and mindful without always reaching for the phone.
PODCASTS
10% Happier Podcast withDan Harris. A companion to the book. At times, Harris can get a bit esoteric, but often, he mixes some cool nerdy humor with ultra-clever conversations with guests ranging from musicians to mental health experts and meditation gurus.
The OneMind Meditation Podcast with Morgan Dix. From 13 minutes to well over an hour, Dix’s Podcasts run the gamut, but the show’s curation of guests and topics keep the subject interesting. Plus, the “Guided Meditation for Deep Sleep” episode is a must.
PLACES
Cosmic Cafe, 2912 Oak Lawn Ave. CosmicCafeDallas.com. The vegetarian spot hosts many yoga and meditation sessions like its Dynamic Medication and Chakra Sound Meditation. Classes are technically free but a $5 suggested donation is a bargain.
Dallas Yoga Center, dallasyogacenter.com. The DYC has been an Oak Lawn stalwart longer than many bars and restaurants. The center offers a selection of series based in self-compassion or mindfulness immersion. But participants and non-members can also try on a drop-in class for size throughout the week. Visit the website for schedule.
Kadampa Meditation Center Texas, 1875 Laws Street. meditationintexas.org. All are welcome to this spiritual community that draws inspiration from Buddha’s teachings. Try a lunchtime guided meditation for a mere 20 minutes of your time and a donation. The center also offers bilingual meditation sessions and an abundance of classes on various types of wellness.
— Rich Lopez
