Episode 17: Meditation Series #1 - Developing a Daily Meditation Practice
Are you ready to establish a consistent meditation practice and unlock the mental health benefits that come with it? Join Eric as he embarks on a journey to find inner peace and clarity, but be prepared for unexpected challenges that threaten to derail his progress. Will he overcome the distractions and stay committed, or will he succumb to the chaos of his mind? Find out in this gripping tale of self-discovery and meditation.
This series guest, Dave DuBois, is not your typical meditation teacher. With a background in psychedelic guiding and integration coaching, he brings a unique perspective to the practice of mindfulness. Dave understands the challenges that many individuals face when trying to establish a regular meditation routine. That's why he focuses not only on research-backed techniques but also on the real-life experiences that shape our mental health. With Dave's guidance, you can overcome the small things that often stop us from meditating and experience the transformative power of a consistent practice. His friendly and relatable approach will help you navigate self-judgment, find the right time and space for meditation, and build a habit that feels doable and sustainable. Get ready to dive into the world of mindfulness with Dave DuBois and discover the benefits it can bring to your mental well-being.
The best practice is the one that you're going to do...if there's just some big obstacle in your morning routine, it's really okay to practice whenever you'd like to practice...Just find a good quiet space where you are less likely to be interrupted, and make that your meditation spot. - Dave DuBois
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
Visit Dave DuBois' website, radicalbalance.net, to learn more about him and his work as a meditation teacher, psychedelic guide, and integration coach.
Guided Meditations
Recommended Books on Meditation
The Relaxed Mind: A Seven-Step Method for Deepening Meditation Practice by Dza Kilung Rinpoche
I love how detailed, hands-on, and clear this book is. This is my favorite “manual” for beginning meditation practice. It’s accessible for beginners and practical.
https://www.abebooks.com/9781611802825/Relaxed-Mind-Seven-Step-Method-Deepening-1611802822/plp
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh
In this beautiful and lucid guide, Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh offers gentle anecdotes and practical exercises as a means of learning the skills of mindfulness--being awake and fully aware. From washing the dishes to answering the phone to peeling an orange, he reminds that each moment holds within it an opportunity to work toward greater self-understanding and peace.
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/the-miracle-of-mindfulness/book/
Zen Mind, Beginners Mind by Shunryu Suzuki
This book is an inspiring introduction to Zen and meditation practice and has been beloved by meditators, new and old, for decades. It doesn’t have comprehensive, step-by-step meditation instructions but is more anecdotal and continually reframes and adjusts the beginner's subtle misconceptions about the path of meditation.
https://www.abebooks.com/9780834800793/Zen-Mind-Beginners-Informal-Talks-0834800799/plp
Clarifying the Natural State by Dakpo Tashi Namgyal
This is such an excellent book, but not a “self-starter.” You will need a meditation guide or teacher to get the most out of this 400-year-old text. That said, it is a powerful and straightforward guide for teachers and students exploring the path of meditation.
https://www.abebooks.com/9789627341451/Clarifying-Natural-State-Principal-Guidance-9627341452/plp
Altered Traits: Science Reveals How Meditation Changes Your Mind, Brain, and Body by Daniel Goleman and Richard J Davidson
If you benefit from knowing the science behind meditation, this is the book for you. It’s not going to give you meditation instruction, but it gives an amazing and thoroughly researched presentation of how meditation works and changes the brain. It is very clear in establishing that not all meditation practices have the same outcomes.
https://www.abebooks.com/9780399184383/Altered-Traits-Science-Reveals-Meditation-0399184384/plp
Episode Credits: Music by Magiksolo and Lesfm from Pixabay
