This is the intro to our very first Meditation. A useful introduction to meditation, and to our unique approach. 

The Meditation Podcast, Episode 1 - A Basic Meditation

Find this and all other episodes at TheMeditationPodcast.com. 

[Jeane:] Welcome to The Meditation Podcast with Jeane and Jesse Stern, a new podcast that will help you benefit from meditation in your everyday life. Hello, my name is Jeane Stern. 

[Jesse:] And I'm Jesse Stern.

[Jeane:] Jesse and I decided to make this podcast to help regular people who want to learn and practice meditation. This style of meditation is non-denominational, and we believe it can be used in conjunction with — or separate from — any set of religious or spiritual beliefs. 

This audio is most effective through headphones. While the instruction works through speakers, the audio includes tones that are designed to help enter a relaxed state, using a technology that sends messages to the right and left sides of the brain. Thus, it works best through headphones. A word of caution though: for some people this can be very relaxing. While inherently safe, you might fall asleep, so please don't listen to this podcast while driving [or operating machinery. Also, binaural beats may be dangerous for people susceptible to seizures. Please consult your doctor.] 

What is Meditation?

In its simplest sense, meditation is sitting still and breathing. You might sit, stand, or lie down. Some forms of meditation even involve movement, but the idea is to break away from habitual movement, such as fidgeting and the impulse to 'do something'. By focusing on the breath, we focus on the most important aspect of Life. We wouldn't survive long without breath, so why not spend a few moments paying attention to our breathing? 

Why Meditate? 

Since you're listening to this podcast, you probably already have your own reasons why you want to begin or continue a practice of meditation. Here are a few of my reasons: I meditate because it energizes my spirit, body, and mind, and brings me closer to the Source of who I am. By focusing on my breath, I carry that breath into the core of my being. This has a healing and calming effect. Meditation also brings me clarity. By stepping back from a situation or problem, I can then approach it from a new angle. Finally, not only does it break habitual patterns of movement and 'doing', it also helps me break out of unhealthy patterns in my life. 

A Basic Meditation

Remove or loosen any uncomfortable clothing. Find a comfortable place to sit or lie down, where you're not likely to be disturbed. Turn off or silence your phone. Humankind has lived for thousands of years without cell phones. It can wait 20 minutes for you to call back. 

Now, let's begin. 

[Originally published 3 Oct 2006]

A Basic Meditation 

Patreon Table of Contents (all our TMP Archive meditations, linked from a single page)