Dear Meditator,

The Christmas goodies appearing in the supermarket inform me that the end of the year is approaching — bur for many, these decorations seem to be the harbinger of increased stress rather than good cheer and jolly spirits. Here then, is your opportunity to resurrect some attitudes you may have lost since childhood.

As anyone who has completed a course with me will know, I often stress the importance of finding and using 'triggers' — things that remind you to meditate, or simply to notice what you are thinking about (which is often a habitual negative reaction rather than a true reflection of reality). As Christmas looms, then, make use of these handy Christmas triggers. Every time you spot a jolly santa or a sprig of holly check to see how you're feeling (and what you're thinking) — and endeavour to use these Christmas decorations as reminders to re-experience the anticipation and joy you held for such things as a child.

P.S. You're all invited to the annual "Meditator's Dinner". See details below.

I hope you enjoy the newsletter. Feel free to email comments, questions or suggestions to: matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au

In This Issue...

• Spot Meditation
• Final 2007 courses commence mid November
• Events - Meditator's Dinner, Simply Silence, balance, etc
• Meditation Tip - How to relax when you don't have time to meditate
• Free 35 Minute Meditation Podcast

Spot Meditation

Take a minute right now to identify the four most obvious tensions in your body. Spend 15 seconds exploring each tension and notice any thoughts that arise as you do so.

How and where do you meditate when you've only got a minute? Send your own spot meditations to matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au

The best suggestion each month will be published here.

Course Schedule

Learn to destress before the silly season commences. Our final courses for 2007 will run for four weeks and begin mid November.

You can register online for any of the following classes.

For information on courses for 2008 see the course schedule.

Term 6 November/December

Meditation Events

Meditator's Dinner

Our annual 'Meditator's Dinner' will be held at Albert Park's delicious Kamel restaurant. Come along and meet some new friends (or catch up with old ones) for an evening of fine food and conversation. If you've received this email you're invited (along with friends should you wish to bring them).

RSVP to matt@melbournemeditationcentre.com.au by Friday November 23.

When: Friday, December 7 - 7.30pm
Where: Kamel, 19 Victoria Av, Albert Park

Simply Silence

Simply Silence sessions in November will be led by Matt Young (Monday 12th), Stephen Penman (Thursday 15th) and Natasha Pellicano (Monday 26th). Our last two sessions for the year will be run by Garth Stone (Thursday 6th, December) and Sarah Fletcher (Monday 10, December).

If you'd like to get a sense of what to expect from the various Simply Silence teachers you can now browse the teacher profiles on the Simply Silence website, and if you'd like to receive an email a few days before each scheduled session subscribe to the free reminder service.

Simply Silence provides you with the opportunity to practice your meditation in a group setting on a casual basis; entry is by donation and you're invited to join us for tea and biscuits (or, in North Melbourne, even dinner) afterwards.

balance

balance is a monthly meditation group which aims to relax and inspire by exploring meditations that open the senses, soften the pace of life and appeal to all — from beginner to advanced; exploring methods such as movement, sense, sound and guided sessions by guest meditators and artists.

At this month's balance Garth Stone will be joined by Michael Johnson, (Professional Harpist) Andy McDougall (Native American Flute) and Elise McColl (Crystal Singing Bowls).

When: Thursday 15th November
Where: Augustine Centre, 2 Minona Street, Hawthorn

Full details.

Spirit of Harmony

a tapestry of ancient and modern sacred sound, chanting,
inspired music, open community and contemporary spirituality

• Jarek Czechowicz
• Swami Samnyasanand
• Carmen Warrington
• Peace Music Ensemble
• RupertG [violin], Mary Knights-Rutten [cello], Will Fraser [bass], Paul Watt [tabla], Stephen McCulloch [didgeridoo], Kimberley Roberts & Tantra Chakra [ambient chanting]

When: Sat 10 November 2007, 7:30pm-9:45pm
Where: Kingston Theatre Arts Centre, 979 Nepean Highway, Moorabin

Full details.

Meditation Tip - How to relax when you don't have time to meditate

Ways To Relieve Stress: Do Something You Enjoy

When I play squash on Saturday afternoons, I hardly think about anything else for four hours. Being totally engaged in an activity doesn't leave room for stressful thoughts. To be fully engaged, though, usually requires that we're really enjoying what we're doing.

Physical activity may be best, but try doing anything that you can put your whole mind into. For some, that could be reading a good book, and for others it might be cooking. Make a note of which activities really engage you and let you drop your worries, and keep that mental list handy for whenever you are stressed. If your passionate activity is also your job or business, this can be one of the best ways to relieve stress.

Free meditation podcast

This months guided meditation comes from Hillary Rubin, a Yoga Teacher from New York.

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.)