7 NOV 2017 · I'm so glad you're here! I once heard a speaker at a retreat say that spiritual practices are invitations from God to us. That idea is changing the way I view things like prayer and meditation - it reminds me that what God really desires is to be with us. So I want you to know that this meditation journey is an invitation. An opportunity for you to hear the quiet whispers of God reminding you that you are loved. Know that you are welcome here and that there's no pressure, no obligation, just an invitation. So, make a little space in your schedule (just about two minutes), find a quiet spot, and let's get started.

8 NOV 2017 · Welcome to Day 2 of our meditation journey! Have you wondered how to prepare for meditation? Today I wanted to share a few tips to get ready for a few moments of quiet. #1: Quiet: The main thing is to find someplace and some time where you won't be too distracted. Whether that's in your closet, in your favorite chair, or on the bus with your headphones in, look for a spot where you can be focused on your meditation. #2: Comfort: Get comfortable. It's no fun to get into the middle of a meditation and realize your foot's asleep, or your back is killing you. So even if you have to lock yourself in the bathroom to get a moment of quiet, be sure to bring a pillow or some blankets, or something that will help you settle in. #3: Rest: Are you worried you'll forget your to-do list, or that important thought you had? No problem - grab some paper and a pen and jot down any thoughts you think might distract you during your meditation, and give yourself the gift of a few moments without anything to do. I'm so excited you're here!

8 NOV 2017 · Meditation is not a way of making your mind quiet. It’s a way of entering into the quiet that’s already there – buried under the 50,000 thoughts the average person thinks every day. – Deepak Chopra I don't know how I came to this conclusion, but I've discovered that meditation is more about focus than about clearing your mind - that when you can learn to pay attention to just one thing, like your breath or your heartbeat, or some meaningful word, then your mind clears itself. So, if you're still not quite sure about all this and two minutes feels like forever, don't worry. Just keep focusing on one thing, and the rest will come with practice.

8 NOV 2017 · Today's the day! We're going to take a couple extra minutes of stillness to meditate. If that seems like too much for today, no worries - just head over to the podcast page and pick one of the 2 minute meditations that were meaningful to you. This is a chance to practice, which means sometimes it won't feel like it's working out - that's totally normal. But don't panic! Try it, you might be surprised how easily it comes to you. Remember that you are welcome here and there's no pressure, no obligation, just an invitation.

8 NOV 2017 · So today, I thought we'd try something a little different. My hope is that I can share some different forms of meditation over the next few weeks and that maybe you'll find one or more that you connect with. If this isn't your thing, no problem - you can always choose another meditation from the podcast. But today, if you're up for it, let's try a music meditation. It probably works best to choose a song that's instumental, without words, and has a slow beat or pace, and it's easier if the song is close to 5 minutes long, or if you can repeat it. If you'd like a suggestion - you might try one from David Nevue at davidnevue.com (I used Winding Down =). Since it's about 4 1/2 minutes, I started the music after the chime in the meditation).

8 NOV 2017 · The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this lifetime. – Sogyal Rinpoche Today, we'll focus again on foundation in this 5 minute meditation. This is a practice you can carry into your day - noticing your posture, the way your feet connect with the floor when you stand in line or walk through a store.

8 NOV 2017 · You've made it to the end of Week One! Congratulations!! Today our meditation focuses on our thoughts. In yoga, we often call the ways our thoughts are jumbled and chaotic the "monkey mind". My prayer is that this meditation would help you to calm your "monkey mind."

15 NOV 2017 · So, today's a new day! We're going to take a couple extra minutes of stillness to meditate. But if that seems like too much for today, no worries - just head over to the podcast page and pick one of the other meditations that were meaningful to you. One of the beautiful things about a meditation practice is that it's practice, that one of the reasons we do it is to train our mind to settle down and focus, so if you feel unsettled or scattered, that's part of the practice - it's a chance for you to step in and draw your mind back to the one thing, and to let your thoughts drift out just like they drifted in. Remember that you are welcome here and there's no pressure, no obligation, just an invitation. So make a little space in your schedule (just about seven minutes this time), find a quiet spot, and let's get started.

15 NOV 2017 · Are you ready to try a new thing? Today, I thought we'd try a different form of meditation, hoping that maybe you'll find one that you connect with. If this isn't your thing, no problem - you can always choose another meditation from the podcast. But today, if you're up for it, let's try an object meditation. See if you can find an object that is meaningful to you, that you can comfortably hold in your hand or your lap. Choose something that brings you joy or peace or happiness. One of the objects I like to use was a gift - it's a cross made out of a bullet, and was given to me by one of my yoga students who was a missionary's kid in Africa. I don't remember the specific country, but after their civil war, they made these crosses as a reminder that Christ brings ultimate peace. One of my desires is to be a peacemaker, and so this object reminds me of that calling and of Christ's great gift of peace to us. After your meditation, I'd love to hear about the object you chose. Just respond in the comments and tell me your story. But for now, make a little space in your schedule (just about seven minutes), find a quiet spot, and let's get started.

15 NOV 2017 · If you want to find God, hang out in the space between your thoughts. – Alan Cohen This quote reminds me of the story with Elijah in the wilderness in 1 Kings 19. God tells Elijah to stand on the mountain for God to pass by, but God isn't in the wind or the fire or the earthquake but in a still, small voice. How much of my life am I standing in the wind or the fire straining to find God, when what I really need is to hear God's still, small voice? My prayer for you is that these next few moments would be an opportunity for you to hear God's quiet voice, speaking love and grace to you. So, let's meditate together again - make a little space in your schedule (just about seven minutes), find a quiet spot, and let's get started.