Dear Meditator,

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2010. Our first courses for the year, including Teacher Training, start the week beginning February 21.

In this issue we've got two interesting articles — one a podcast featuring Jon Kabat-Zinn and the other an exploration of the uses of mindfulness in relationships from Psychology Today.

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

In This Issue...

• Spot Meditation
• Meditation Podcast - Falling Awake
• Course Schedule
• Events - Australian Meditation Conference, Simply Silence
• Meditation and the False Lure of Zoning Out

Spot Meditation — One Song

Meditation: One Song
Duration: 3 - 4 minutes
Equipment Required: mp3 Player or alternative.

Next time you're playing music, make a point of listening, really listening. How do you listen? To one particluar instrument? To the music as a whole? To the rhythm, the melody, the vocals? Notice what the experience of listening is like when you give the music your undivided attention.

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.

Meditation Podcast: Falling Awake

Meditation is a paradox. It seems simple but isn't always easy. And some of the conventional assumptions about it aren't very helpful. So what's the use of meditation in a busy world?

Rachael Kohn, presenter of The Spirit of Things on Radio National discusses such issues with two meditation practitioners; one a doctor who specialises in the medical use of meditation and mindfulness; the other a monk who lectures world-wide on yoga and meditation.

To download the audio or read a transcript of her conversation visit The Spirit of Things.

Course Schedule

Our first term of meditation courses for 2010 commences towards the end of February. You can register online for any of the following.

Term 1, February/March 2009

Meditation Events

Australian Meditation Conference

The Australian Meditation Conference this year will be held at RMIT Story Hall on Saturday July 30th, with Meditation Master Classes to follow on the Sunday. Presenters will include David Michie, author of Hurry up and Meditate, as well as Pauline McKinnon, Marc Cohen and Arian Young, with more to be announced soon. More information...

Zen & Yoga Master Denis Kelly Australian Tour

Pete Roberts, who ran one of our Simply Silence sessions in Elwood late last year, has invited one of his teachers to Australia. Pete is organising the tour Zen & Yoga Master Denis Kelly during February and March.

Interested in bringing his Zen lineage into western culture without the Japanese cultural bindings, Denis Kelly founded a centre for non-monks and teaches Zen meditation in combination with the physical practices of yoga. More Infomation.

Simply Silence

Get your regular dose of relaxation and calm at one of our Simply Silence sessions in Northcote or Elwood. It's a great way to discover and explore meditation in a friendly group environment.

Elwood Schedule

• February 8 - David Hall
• February 22 - Sarah Fletcher
• March 14 - TBC
• March 28 - Jarek Czechowicz

Northcote Schedule

• February 4 - Paul Majewski with Garth Stone
• February 18 - Adam Nicoll

Meditation and the False Lure of Zoning Out

In this article from Psychology Today, neuropsychologist Marsha Lucas takes a critical look at what meditation can and can't do, discussing the changes possible, the way meditation rewires the brain and how mindfulness can be used to support healthier and more satisfying relationships. Read more...

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.)