In This Issue...

• Mindfulness Tips
• How to breathe
• Upcoming Courses
• Website of the Month
• Guided Meditation CD
• In the next issue

Mindfulness Tips

Those who have done recent courses will be familiar with the Purple Round M&M! Those who haven't might like to get familiar with some fantastic new ideas. Even shorter than spot meditations, these mindfulness techniques are an uplifting, entertaining and illuminating way to put a smile on your face.

This month I've written a short article on how you can experiment and adapt a range of techniques to suit the unique way in which you perceive the world.  Try them out and see how your awareness grows. I'll be surprised if you aren't surprised!

Let me know how you go. Send comments to: matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au

How to breathe

Rough day at work? Someone pushing your buttons? I know it sounds ridiculously simple, even trite - but at such times the best thing you can do is remember to breathe. For best results, breathe out first. It's the exhalation, a long slow sigh, which relaxes you quickest. If, after one breath, the thought that's stirring you up is still careering around your head, take another breath. Repeat until you can let the thought flow away, or until you can see clearly that the only thing it's good for is stirring you up!

Final Courses for 2005

The last term for 2005 begins in November. Courses in Clifton Hill, Elwood and Port Melbourne will be of 4 weeks duration and will cost just $100. Grab a quick pre-christmas refresher.

Term 5 - 2005

October 27: 4 Week Course at Melbourne CBD (Thursdays 5:45 - 7:00pm)
November 6: 4 Week Course at Glen Waverley (Sundays 7:00 - 8:30pm)
November 7: 4 Week Course at Clifton Hill (Mondays 7:00 - 8:30pm)
November 9: 4 Week Course at Elwood (Wednesdays 8:15 - 9:45pm)
November 10: 4 Week Course at Port Melbourne (Thursdays 8:00 - 9:30pm)

Website of the Month

Real-World Mindfulness Training

This months tips were inspired by the work of Maya Talisman Frost, the Mind Masseuse! Her light-hearted and original approach to meditation and mindfulness are ideal for those who want to get calm, clear and creative with a minimum of effort. Her techniques don't require that you do anything other than pay attention to certain triggers during the day. Do yourself a favour and sign up to her weekly e-zine, The Friday Mind Massage or, better still, grab one of her e-books or do one of her email courses in mindfulness. Visit her website for full details.

That's all for this issue - thanks for reading! I'll see you next time.

Guided Meditation CD

I'm currently working on my first guided meditation CD. I'll be looking for some feedback on the demo version before final production so will be making available home recorded copies for $10. If you'd like to be part of this process, please email matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au expressing your interest.

In the next issue

Meditation, like life, can sometimes an emotional roller coaster. Feelings can rise up from the depths when you're least expecting them. One of the great benefits of meditation is learning to feel and experience these emotions without resistance - however, this is not always easy. It takes practice. Next months issue will explore this fascinating topic.

Know someone who could chill out?

Do you have friends who are perpetually stressed or anxious, have trouble sleeping or could just do with learning how to relax? Do them a favour and forward this email to them. (Or if this is you, subscribe here!)