Meditation helps students to be balanced, to have self-confidence, a feeling of inner peace and an increased understanding of themselves and others.

The techniques we are proposing allow the students, in a simple and fun way, to activate and strengthen their fundamental listening and attention skills. These expressions of individual potential are enhanced by practicing meditation, and it also helps to improve the relationships of students with their peers as well as with their surrounding environment. Peace, balance, enthusiasm and creativity are the true dimensions of life to which the regular practice of meditation spontaneously takes us. Through this experience, the students are taken on an enjoyable journey, discovering the beauty of their “inner self”.

1st Meeting

Meditation: the subtle system and the energy within us

Inside each of us there is a subtle energy system, coded by ancient sages through centuries of meditation and discovery. This energy system is the subtle aspect of our nervous system. According to Western medicine it is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The inner knowledge of our subtle energy allows us to reach what is commonly referred to as the ‘state of meditation’, a state of complete inner peace. Our mind becomes one with the present moment, without being besieged by the usual bombardment of thoughts. However it is not: asleep, absent or unconscious. On the contrary, we are able to enjoy a special moment of perfect clarity and well-being; the mind, when it is calm and in the present, is able to reflect reality. This dimension called ‘thoughtless awareness’, even if achieved only for a few seconds, brings us great benefits on a physical, mental and emotional level.

2nd Meeting

Energy channels: how to balance themwith the elements

The ancient description of the subtle system coincides well with the anatomy of the nervous system. Schematically, we can identify the right and left channels which correspond to the right and left sympathetic nervous systems. These have dissimilar energy functions, while remaining perfectly complementary to each other. The right channel is the energy of our actions, reason and thoughts about the future. The left channel deals with our emotions, harbours our mental conditionings and is tuned towards the past. These two energies can be balanced effortlessly by the process of meditation using simple but highly effective techniques. Such techniques, as well as being easy to learn, have brought scientifically proven benefits: (www.researchingmeditation.org)

3rd Meeting

Centres of energy

There are seven energy centres placed along our spine, which coincide with the major nerve plexuses. These centres not only regulate the physical functions of the organs (such as breathing, digestion, etc.), but also embody the inner qualities that make up our personality. We find that innocence, joy, security and the ability to understand each other are not only beautiful ideals, but real living energies within each of us. Once we have taken the time to connect with these energies through gentle introspection and simple exercises, we are able to deal directly with our own well-being on a physical, mental and emotional level.

4th Meeting

How to meditate at home

As mentioned before, the use of natural elements can be considerably helpful in achieving a state of meditation. It is very effective to meditate sitting on the earth. Due also to the force of gravity, the Mother Earth is able to absorb our tensions. The benefits are easily obtained using everyday items: for example, you can meditate while soaking your feet in warm salty water (footsoak). By the time we reach the state of ‘thoughtless awareness’ not only are we aware of our own energy centres, but we can feel those of the people around us. This sensitivity also allows us to identify, with practice, the subtle energy of other people by putting our enlightened attention on them. As a result, our understanding of ourselves, of others and of our interpersonal relationships increases, improving our integration with the rest of the world. In this way, we are able to know better our ‘true’ selves.