Dear [First Name],
When you go out to dinner, what makes you decide to pick a certain item from the menu? What you choose is likely to depend on a number of factors, perhaps including your past experiences, how hungry you are, who you're with and the cost. Ultimately though, your decision is an instinctive one. You select what you feel like eating.

It's important to make use of this instinctive decision making ability when you meditate too. Using techniques imposed upon you by external influences (or conditioning) usually results in feelings of obligation rather than enjoyment.

This month's meditation tip explores this idea further, offering you tips on how to choose a meditation that suits your mood.

In This Issue...

• Meditation Tip - Meditating on your moods.
• Venue Search
• Course Schedule - Registrations for 2007 Courses now open.
• Teacher Training Course
• Radio Show on Mindfulness

Meditating on your moods

Here's a truth - I don't always feel like meditating. Sometimes I'll put off meditating even though I know its just what I need. Conversely, when I meditate it's often because I feel like it - I'm in the mood. Part of the reason I don't always feel like meditating is because I hold on to the idea that meditation means sitting still and that I need time to do it. What this means is that I'm not matching meditation to my mood. It's a bit like not eating because I can't find my favourite item on the menu.

Next time your recognise the need to meditate but feel reluctant to address this need consider all your options. You might find that you do actually want to meditate - you just need to find the right way. Meditation is about paying attention to your own needs and desires - so you need to find a way to meditate that fits these needs and desires. For example, try these suggestions:

Venue Search

Unfortunately our CBD venue is closing down, so we're searching for a new venue in the city for next year. The venue needs to seat 15 to 20 people comfortably. A good central location with easy access would be ideal. If anyone knows of a suitable venue please email matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au

Course Schedule

Courses for 2007 begin in February. I'll be working through December and January on updating the course material and structure so you can look forward to improved presentation, more specific weekly exercises and support and course notes summarising each weeks lesson.

Term 1 - February/March 2007

Teacher Training Course

The 2007 Teacher Training Course has been extended to a 12 week program so that participants have time develop a thorough understanding of meditation's teaching principles as well as several opportunities to script and guide their own meditation sessions. There are only 8 spaces available on the Teacher Training course so you'll need to register at your earliest convenience.

ABC Radio National

"The 'holy grail' of meditation techniques is mindfulness. But what is it, exactly? And why has the medical profession suddenly appropriated this age-old technique devised by yogis and Buddhist monks?"

Listen in to THE SPIRIT OF THINGS with Rachael Kohn on Radio National (Melbourne 621AM) on Monday 27 November, 9pm to find out more. If you can't listen on Monday most Radio National programs are available as online transcripts or podcasts.

And with over 60 distinct programs each week, the ABC's Radio National is well worth checking out. Some of my favourite RN programs include All in the Mind, Encounter, Life Matters and Background Briefing.

There's also music, comedy, book readings, radio dramas and poetry. Programs about science, health, the arts, religion, social history and current affairs are backed by first-class research and presented by some of Australia's leading broadcasters.

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.)