In praise of fast cars and the need for a heart transplant

What can we learn from a very fast old car?

Plenty really. I drive a Subaru WRX. Fabulous car. I was fortunate and happened to buy the 1998 model, the best looking WRX of all time. Sleek, elegant, relatively cheap, and bloody fast!

This month, my lovely old car is celebrate its 28th birthday, having just turned over 365,00Kms. Yes 365,000Kms! And it still goes very fast!

And yes, I know that these days it is about as politically correct to admit to loving driving fast as it is to being a smoker, but it is a fact. I love speed. Always have.

So this week, let’s go “Out on a Limb” once more, revisit and update a post from 2013 and discover what we can learn from a very fast old car. But first, I love being still as well, so

   Thought for the Day

Profound and tranquil, free from complexity

Uncompounded luminous clarity

Beyond the mind of conceptual ideas

This is the depth of the mind of the victorious ones.

In this there is not a thing to be removed

Nor anything that needs to be added.

It is merely the immaculate

Looking naturally at itself

            Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche

The metaphor is simple but very strong. 

As a fast car, to get to be 28 years old and to continue to look as good as you did in the early days, to continue to go as fast as you did in the early days; it all takes some work. Good care, regular servicing, a few running repairs, and maybe a facelift!

My WRX came with all the raw ingredients. 

The car looks terrific to my eye; it has beautiful lines, is compact and elegant. 

(This one looks the same but is not my car.)

In many ways it looks like a modest hatchback.

But then there is this incredible turbo-charged Boxer motor that is hooked up to everything that matches. 

The outcome? 

A racing billycart. Sure the ride is a little rough, but it moves fast, handles extraordinarily well and has been incredibly reliable. I love driving this car.

But then, the truth is the car is serviced regularly and has never had an accident, despite being driven very hard in its early days, more sedately of late. It did blow up a transmission at 30K, but Subaru recognised an in-built fault and replaced it free of charge. Being automatic, the transmission did need replacing again about 10 years ago.

The only other difficulty was when the failure of a minor part led to a major engine problem at around 200K and the bottom half of the engine needed replacing. And I did have it resprayed a year or so ago.

So the simple metaphor. Compare the car to the body. My body is 76 years old. Still goes quite well despite being short of one leg and one lung. But this body of mine, like the WRX, gets very well looked after. 

Fuel

I am quite particular about what goes into it this body of mine. The WRX would probably run on basic unleaded; splutter along at least; but it goes best on Premium and that is also better for its engine. 

My body, like the WRX, is a combustion engine. 

You put things into it, it burns them up and it goes. 

The WRX has a simple combustion engine and I am very particular about what I put in its petrol tank. 

My body is an exquisitely complex combustion engine. 

It makes logical sense to be even more attentive to what goes into my own tank.

Why not use the best? 

Why not eat the best?

Regular servicing

For me, regular meditation is like servicing. Worth doing daily. Going on retreat is a more deliberate form of servicing, as is having a regular massage, taking time out in the garden or going for a walk. Regeneration time. When I need to, which is often, I want to know that everything has been done, everything is ready, so that I can be at my best. 

Why not be at your best?

Respraying

This seems to be unknown or overlooked by many, but in my view, good food, really good food combined with regular meditation, is way more effective then a facelift. Eat consistently well and skin tone is good, wrinkles smooth out and an inner glow emerges. 

Why not look at your best?

Actually, I treat my body better than the WRX. 

I like to think I treat it like a Formula One racing car, where everything is taken seriously, but there is a lot of fun involved. 

That attitude certainly helped me to recover from a very difficult cancer. 

And these days, while I am not fixated, I am fairly diligent, and this attitude helps me to make the most of the bits that I do have, to live and enjoy life to the full, and to make the most of what it is that I have to offer to others.

And finally, along with the WRX’s milestone 28th birthday, it is currently receiving a heart transplant. After all these years and kilometres, the engine, while still going well, is blowing smoke. For me, it makes more environmental sense to restore the old engine than buy a new car with all the resources that involves. 

So soon, I will be in an old car with a new engine – that may well be faster than ever...

Love that car!

RELATED BLOG

What food goes into your tank?

RESOURCES

BOOK:  You Can Conquer Cancer – for all the answers to your food questions, and how to be confident of, and enjoy Formula One food!

Audio Book Here   

Eating Well, Being Well – MP3 outlining the dietary recommendations found in my experience to be best suited to those interested in eating well - for themselves and the family. Downloadable here  


Eating for recovery – more specific recommendations for those affected by cancer. Builds on the first food MP3, so if you are managing cancer, the two CDs are necessary. Downloadable here   

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Eating More Meat, Dairy, and Other Unhealthful Foods Leads to Worse Aging

After an average 16-year follow-up, people who consumed a “Western-type” diet, including a high intake of red and processed meats, whole dairy products, and fried foods, were more likely to die prematurely and to suffer from various chronic diseases including heart disease, stroke, cancer, and mental health disorders, compared with people who avoided such dietary patterns. Researchers analyzed data from 5,350 participants from the WhitehalI II study in London and scored dietary patterns using the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) to assess disease risk. People with better AHEI scores had better overall health outcomes as they aged.

Akbaraly T, Sabia S, Hagger-Johnson G, et al. Does overall diet in midlife predict future aging in phenotypes? A cohort study. Am J Med. 2013; 126:411-419.

 

The Critical Brain Hypothesis – what it is and what it means for your way of thinking and meditation

Consider a stringed instrument. Tighten the strings too much – poor sound. Too loose – poor sound. There is a need to be not too tight, not too loose. Well tuned.

In meditation we often use this analogy to remind ourselves to concentrate in the same way. Not so intense we end up with a headache. Not so slack we fall asleep. Just right...

Now research in neuroscience is pointing to this same need for optimal brain function – not too much activity, not too little; and this has significance for how we think, how we contemplate and how we meditate. 

So this week we investigate the fascinating world of the critical brain hypothesis. And a gentle warning, the brain criticality hypothesis is one of the most focused and controversial topics in current neuroscience and biophysics; and also, it may be one of the more useful ones, but first

    Thought for the day

          In an age of constant movement

          Nothing is so urgent

          As sitting still

                          Pico Iyer

Notice what happens with your thoughts. 

Some seem inconsequential and come and go with no lasting memory or consequence. Effectively, we could say they just die out.

Other thoughts can be so strong they precipitate an avalanche of mental activity. When this happens we can feel overwhelmed. When this hyper-activity persists, we could easily get into over-thinking and head towards anxiety, or start to feel overloaded, burnout and drop into depression.

The critical brain hypothesis suggests the brain operates at its best in that place of balance between order and chaos, between under and over activity. In this critical state, neural networks balance on a fine line—activity does not simply fade into nothing, nor does it spiral into uncontrolled excitation. In this state of being “in tune”, our mind is in the ideal state to maximize its capacity to process, store, and transmit information. 

In this ideal state, our mind:

1. Is poised to maintain the widest range or stable states that are vital for both short-term memory and complex computation.

2. Enables different parts of the brain to communicate and synchronize.

3. Is suitably sensitive and responsive to new sensory inputs without getting bogged down by locked-in, rigid states.

Scientists suggest this critical balance is maintained by the delicate tug-of-war between excitation (neurons turning each other on) and inhibition (neurons turning each other off). Through mechanisms like synaptic plasticity and homeostasis, the brain naturally tunes its connectivity to hover right in the "sweet spot". 

Modern neuroimaging models confirm the healthy brain maintains a state of near-criticality, subtly shifting its exact tuning depending on cognitive demands like perception and rest. 

However, for full disclosure, while current evidence does support it, the critical brain hypothesis may yet prove to be wrong, or incomplete. Either way, the understanding it provides is generating an avalanche of questions and answers that tell us much more about the brain — and computing generally — than we knew before.

So what does this theory imply for our thinking, contemplation and meditation?

For optimal value, we need to think in a calm, clear manner. Obviously... Not too excited. Not too deadened. Yet amidst all the pressures of modern life, amidst all the noise and distractions, how to manage being calm and clear.

My guess is you know... Meditation of course!

And when it comes to our meditation practice, this exciting new research confirms the age old wisdom, we need to focus in a way that is not too tight, not too loose. 

Remember the injunction: 25% mindfulness, 25% awareness, 50% spaciousness. It makes good sense!

And for our contemplation, this hypothesis adds more credence to the basic principle: think actively for a while on the question you are contemplating. 

Investigate the question actively with your thinking mind. 

Then let go of all effort and allow the space for insight to dawn. Then repeat. Focus. And let go. Focus. And let go. And repeat. The balance between effort and effortlessness.

My guess is we will be hearing more and more about this Critical Brain Hypothesis. It is wonderful (at least for those with a fixation on the need for “evidence”) when modern scientific research and theory aligns with age old wisdom. And hopefully interesting for all of us... Enjoy your practice. May it ever deepen...

NEXT MEDITATION RETREAT

DEEP NATURAL PEACE

A unique opportunity to explore the implications and practical application of the Critical Brain Hypothesis, while experiencing being guided into the deep natural peace and clarity of profound meditation.

3 Day Meditation Immersion with Ian and Ruth Gawler
NOVEMBER 2026 – Friday 6th to Saturday the 8th - Yarra Junction

These days, many people have had some introduction to meditation and the power of the mind. Soon comes the realisation of the extraordinary depth and breadth of it all. And often we get a sense there is more to it …..   More to experience ..…

So while this retreat will include ample instruction, the focus will be upon direct experience; finding and immersing ourselves in the deep inner peace, the regenerative power and the clarity of our own stillness. And the balance between doing and being...

This process will be enhanced by being in the wonderful, peaceful and majestic forests of the Upper Yarra Valley, by being supported by the staff and amenities of the Gawler Foundation’s Living Centre, and guided by Ian and Ruth Gawler.

For details CLICK HERE

Deep Natural Peace – a visual essay of a meditation retreat

Rest, relaxation, regeneration. The deep, natural peace that comes with retreating from our daily life, joining with like-minded people and journeying inwards. And yes, this visual essay harks back to 2016, and I did stumble upon it while searching something else. However, it is so evocative and such a good descriptor for the coming long weekend meditation retreat November 6 - 8; here it is

Deep Natural Peace





                 This is the meditation












Then there is the Yarra Valley.

Remarkable natural beauty complemented by years of being tended by loving gardeners.

Then there is the Yarra Valley.
Remarkable natural beauty complemented by years of being tended by loving gardeners.





                   This is the forest











So this week, a celebration in photographs and a few words of this annual highlight of our calendar, Meditation in the Forest, but first

Thought for the day

   We are what we think.
   All that we are arises with our thoughts.
   With our thoughts we make the world.


   Speak or act with an impure mind
   And sorrow will follow you 
   As the wheel follows the ox that draws the cart.


   Speak or act with a pure mind
   And happiness will follow you 
   As your shadow, unshakeable.

                 The Buddha

So enough words...

      We gather at the 
      Yarra Valley Living Centre…

 Some of the locals remained nonplussed…














      Others somewhat indifferent…










But we gathered and discussed the mind and its workings… and meditation of course...

       Entered into the purpose built
        meditation sanctuary

         To meditate together regularly
        throughout the day…











   Extended the sitting into walking…

         Some also walk the labyrinth
          with its curious way
          of aiding contemplation…

Some just pause a while, and watched the river flow; the Little Yarra River that is…














  

      While all experienced the delight
      of sharing with like minds…













Very comfortable accommodation, either doubles with ensuites or more economical shared spaces…











   

              And the food!


                    Just what people expected!

                                                 :)








     But of course,
    fresh herbs from the magical herb garden...












Then more free time to reflect,
to regenerate,
to experience the peace...

and watch the river flow by some more...











       Rounded off by the wisdom of a tree

                  












         With a great group of people!!!














                       Deep, natural peace

NEXT MEDITATION RETREAT

DEEP NATURAL PEACE
A unique opportunity to experience the deep natural peace and clarity of profound meditation

3 Day Meditation Immersion with Ian Gawler
NOVEMBER 2026 – Friday 6th to Saturday the 8th - Yarra Junction

These days, many people have had some introduction to meditation and the power of the mind. Soon comes the realisation of the extraordinary depth and breadth of it all. And often we get a sense there is more to it …..   More to experience ..…

So while this retreat will include ample instruction, the focus will be upon direct experience; finding and immersing ourselves in the deep inner peace, the regenerative power and the clarity of our own stillness.

This process will be enhanced by being in the wonderful, peaceful and majestic forests of the Upper Yarra Valley, by being supported by the staff and amenities of the Gawler Foundation’s Living Centre, and guided by Ian and Ruth Gawler.

For details CLICK HERE

 

Positive thinking – one prerequisite and two key techniques that get things done

How nice it would be if I could meditate more often. How nice it would be if I could eat better. Exercise more. Drink less. Be kinder...

I am definitely going to meditate more often. I am definitely going to eat better. Exercise more. Drink less. Be kinder...

Two paragraphs. Two simple demonstrations of the differences between aspiration and intention. 

Aspiration is the wish to do something. “Wouldn’t it be nice if I could...”

Intention is all about how much energy you are prepared to put into doing whatever you set your mind on. “I am definitely going to do all I can to accomplish... “

Positive thinking. We all value it and know its importance in every aspect of our lives. And for it to work for us, there is an essential pre-requisite, and then two powerful ways I know that explain how to “do it”, but first

Thought for the day

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, 

The chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. 

Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, 

There is one elementary truth 

The ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: 

That the moment one definitely commits oneself, 

Then providence moves too.


All sorts of things occur to help one 

That would never otherwise have occurred. 

A whole stream of events issues from the decision, 

Raising in one's favour all manner 


Of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance 

Which no man could have dreamed would have come his way.

William Murray


NOTE This whole quote is often attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, however, it was actually written by Murray at the start of the 1961 Scottish Himalayan Expedition.

I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets:


“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. 

Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.”

The crucial starting point – advancing from aspiration to intention

Aspiration. 

We say: “I hope it will happen.” “It would be nice it will happen.” “With a bit of luck it might happen...” Aspiration is an important starting point – it is where a good idea begins to formulate. However, if it remains at that level, whether it happens or not is probably more to do with chance than Positive Thinking. 
To get things done we need a strong intention.

My take on positive thinking is that it is all to do with understanding how our thinking mind works, and using it intelligently. 

The Oxford dictionary defines mind as being “the seat of perception, thinking, volition and feeling”. 

A very instructive definition. 

Now, we hear a good deal about perception, thinking and feeling. 

But then there is volition. 

Do not hear much about that! 

Volition is our will, our determination, our resolve – our intention. Without it nothing gets done. Without it we are left vulnerable to all sorts of outer and inner conflicts.

With our volition active, with our resolve in hand, there is clarity, there is commitment and confidence. With resolve there is the energy to follow through amidst all manner of challenges, obstacles, successes and failures; there is the energy to accomplish just about anything. Resolve. Volition. Intention.

Now the Positive Thinking techniques 

There are two useful ways of explaining how to put positive thinking into action. 

My own preference 

Three Principles of Positive Thinking:

1. Have a clear goal

2. Do whatever it takes (to accomplish that goal)

3. Choose to enjoy doing it.

The other that is often used in sporting and business circles is more instructive when it comes to resolve. 

This approach is based upon clarifying 4 steps:

The Four Steps of Positive Thinking: 

What, Why, How and How much? 

What do you intend to do? 

Why do you intend to do it? 

How do you intend to do it? 

How much do you want to do it?

This last point is the key to resolve. How much do you want to do something? Is this a casual business? If it happens it would be nice, or if not, no big deal? 

Or is this endeavour a matter of life and death? 

I must say over the years it has amazed me to observe the number of people who when faced with a life threatening condition like cancer remain casual. Others are more like how I was when acutely ill 50 years ago; my recovery was based on a life or death commitment. 

My resolve, my strong intention, was that during my recovery nothing was more important than getting well. Everything I did for several years had to satisfy the basic question - is this good for my health? My recovery? Of course that included having fun, but it also made it easy to fore-go many things, and to do stuff that was not always as “easy” as it may have seemed on the surface.

I have seen this same level of intention in business, in study, in sport, in music and in the intention to become a better person. A strong intention is the secret to positive thinking, to bringing into reality our good aspirations.

So how important are the things you aspire to? 

How strong is your resolve, your intention???

Finally, the Dalai Lama has something useful to say on this: 

“If an individual were to make conscious intention to live his or her life with a sense of purpose, live it in a good way, then the ripple effect of that really spreads. First, from the individual to the family, then to the community… and so on. This is how society gets changed and effected.

“When we talk about the transformation of society, the transformation really has to start from the individual, from inside to outwards.”

More details 

My book : The Mind that Changes Everything

Download: Mind Training - Using the Power of your Mind

Join us on the Meditation Community - an inclusive, online space to learn, practice and deepen your meditation with daily live guided practices and much more...

What to do when your meditation is not working - Four real possibilities

Let’s face it. Meditation is wonderful, yet there are times when it can seem to be overwhelmed. So much noise around us these days. So many distractions; discord, divisions, uncertainty... Internationally, locally, within workplaces and schools, families and friends. Often it does seem we are caught up in some sort of wild storm.

So this was the motivation to present the latest online workshop coming soon - this Thursday 18th June 7.30 – 9.00pm AEST, and to write something more about what we can do to regain the peace and clarity meditation really does offer, but first

 

  Thought for the day

Somebody once went to interview His Holiness Dalai Lama. 

On the way they saw somebody beating a mangy dog, 

And they told this story to him 

While asking what compassion was about. 

He said “True compassion is when you can feel 

As much empathy, compassion and love 

For the person who was beating the dog 

As you do for the dog itself.”

So when it feels like the storm is raging – either around about us outside, or within our own mind – we need something strong enough to cut through all the noise and distractions; something strong enough it will enable us to regain that inner peace and clarity.

Happily, there is something that strong; something that has proven reliable for many, many people. 

The key principle is the use of concentration, and more specifically, mindfulness. We very deliberately chose to focus our full attention on one particular thing. By doing so, by focusing our attention, there is no room to think of anything else. Our mind becomes fully preoccupied with what we concentrate upon. And then we let go of any commentary or judgement; and the practice becomes mindfulness. 

As we do this, the mind reliably settles, we experience a moment of peace; and then we extend that. We extend it both in our formal practice, and we use the same principle to carry the peace and clarity into our daily lives. Easy in theory, and it works in practice!

Now, when it comes to the practical question of how do we actually do this, the answer is relatively simple. 

We have a choice of 4 key techniques. 

The recommendation is to experiment with each one of them until you decide which is the best fit for you.

Then practice that technique until you become really familiar with it. 

That will provide you with a reliable “go to” technique in times of need; or you may find it helpful to use this technique as a regular part of your practice. 

Here are the four techniques; they are all simple yet profound, and for those attending the workshop, I will provide more details and guide the practice of each one:

1. Counting the Breath. Here you count the outbreath in cycles of ten. If you lose count or become distracted, you simply come back to one and start again. This exercise, along with others, is on my download Deepening Your Meditation. Here, I am accompanied by Marshall Whyler, a world-renowned didgeridoo player from the Northern Territory. 

Marshall uses the deep, melodic and meditative sounds of this ancient instrument to add another dimension to the practice. This makes for a profound technique that focuses concentration using mindfulness of sound. https://www.iangawlerwebstore.com/product/deepening-your-meditation-digital/ 

2. Focus upon an object. Here we recommend a candle or an object that inspires you. Have the object about .5 to 1.0m away and a bit below eye level. Then give the object your full attention.

3. Use a Mantra. Here you say quietly to yourself on the in-breathe, as you imagine breathing it in – Peace; then on the out-breathe – Love.

4. Guided Imagery. Here we imagine a place where we feel particularly peaceful and comfortable – either a place we have been to before, or an imaginary place. We imagine we are in this place, and rest quietly... 

A similar exercise, The Journey of Transformation is available as a download, or as a recording on The Meditation Community, free to members.

https://www.iangawlerwebstore.com/product/mind-body-medicine-cd/ 

The Meditation Community: https://www.skool.com/themeditationcommunity 

Join me for the workshop - Thursday 18th June 2026, 7.30 - 9.00pm AEST. 

CLICK HERE :)

The recording of the workshop will be available to Premium Members of The Meditation Community.

Wishing you a steady deepening of your meditation practice, along with a long and happy life...

 

Meditation’s 5 Key Offerings – the purpose and hallmarks of Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) and a reminder of the June retreat

Meditation research is showing positive benefits for just about everything that is investigated. From stress management, to building compassion and insight; all these “contemporary” uses are place amidst meditation’s traditional use on the spiritual path to enlightenment.

Certainly many these days are very happy to gain the immediate health and wellbeing benefits; the spiritual path has the potential to be more demanding and arduous, albeit even more rewarding in the long run.

But what are the 5 main purposes and hallmarks of meditation? And how are they contained within the style of practice we call Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM)? 

This post we investigate and clarify, but first

   Thought for the day

The ultimate purpose of meditation 

Is liberation from samsara, 

The cycle of death and rebirth. 

But if enlightenment is a step too far, 

Meditation can at least help us 

To heal the bridge between our head and heart.

If we are living in a nightmare, 

At least we try and turn it into a healthy dream.

We are still asleep, 

We have not become awakened like Buddha, 

But at least we are no longer in a nightmare.

                             Tsoknyi Rinpoche

The purpose and hallmarks of Mindfulness-Based Stillness Meditation (MBSM) - that contain the 5 key offerings of meditation:

MBSM has 5 steps; one for each key offering. Each of these steps has a purpose; each has a hallmark that indicates we have really “got it”. Here they are:

Step 1: Preparation – is all about creating the circumstances in which we feel comfortable to be our own authentic selves and to fully accept where we are at.

The hallmark of Preparation is being content to leave things as they are.

Step 2: Relaxation – is all about developing a beautiful relationship with your own body.

The hallmark of Relaxation is feeling comfortable in your own skin.

Step 3: Mindfulness – is all about how you engage with your life.

The hallmark of mindfulness is giving your full attention to whatever it is you are doing.

Step 4: Awareness – is all about recognizing truth.

The hallmark of awareness is consistently making choices that work best for you and for others.

Step 5: Stillness – is all about developing the View – our direct experience of truth; how we perceive it and how we live it.

The hallmark of Stillness is living joyfully; informed by a constant awareness of the truth of interdependence, impermanence (and constant change), and multiplicity.

And that is it...

And it is these steps we will investigate and practice during the next meditation retreat: The Heart and Essence of Meditation: 7 days in the glorious Yarra Valley June 7 – 13. Still a couple of vacancies... 

Also coming soon - Finding Peace Amidst the Storm - an important workshop that can help you transform the outer chaos into inner peace. Join me for this experiential workshop that will highlight the 2 most reliable meditation-based techniques proven to reduce stress and anxiety. Learn to read your own warning signs, learn reliable antidotes. Time for questions and discussion. 

Thursday 17June 7.30pm AEDT. Book here:

 COMING EVENTS

Is this your time? Your time for a deeper dive into the experience of a meditation retreat – some time out for you - the heart and essence of meditation? 

Seven day Meditation Retreat – The Heart and Essence of Meditation

June 7 – 13 

Everything about this retreat has been designed for experiencing what meditation has to offer more directly, more fully. Take time out, leave behind the activities and concerns of daily life and enter into an environment that supports the process of deepening the direct, inner experience. A gentle blend of teachings, guided practices, contemplation, optional yoga, and more... This retreat will offer the culmination of all the study, practice and teaching of meditation with which I have been engaged these past 50 years.

Apply here

Three day Meditation Retreat - Deep Natural Peace

November 6 - 8

A moment’s peace. Deep natural peace. Sometimes we just need some time out. Time to step back. Slow down. Reconnect with the practice. Be in nature. Reconnect with our selves. Be refreshed. Experience Deep Natural Peace.

The retreat and trainings are all held amidst the natural beauty and serenity of the Upper Yarra Valley       at the delightful Yarra Valley Living Centre.

Apply here

So is this your time? 

Anatomy of a Retreat – and a reminder re Meditation Teacher Training in May; retreat in June

So this is what happened... Having discussed how to set up a home retreat in the last post, and having now concluded 11 days of personal home retreat; there is more to say... 

This has been the first somewhat longer (as in longer than a couple of days) home retreat I have completed on my own, so some more practical experience to share, and an insight or two. 

Also, be reminded, as well as being a fabulous service to humanity, teaching is one of the very best ways to learn – and to deepen your own meditation. Ruth and I will be presenting the Meditation Teacher Training on the actual Meditation module May 11 - 15, and this is unlikely to be repeated for at least two years. So if you are considering learning or deepening your capacity as a meditation teacher, time to book, but first,

   Thought for the day

       Life is complex.

       Questions abound.

       Rather than sink 

       Into the confusion,

       Revel in the mystery

       And keep asking.

       Real knowing comes 

       Through direct experience.

               Ian Gawler        

                     (One of my own this post :)  ) 

In the last post, one observation and 7 steps were suggested when setting up a home retreat.

First the observation – it takes more planning and more discipline than to go on a residential retreat. This was very much the case. At home alone, and not being in a formal retreat environment with the support of teacher(s) and fellow retreatants, the potential for distraction is high.

I relied on my schedule and made a commitment to myself to follow it. Midway through the retreat I did have a prior commitment to go out and teach in person for half a day. That day unfolded as a big exercise in carrying the meditation into daily life, staying with the awareness of the practice, and avoiding the sense of becoming distracted. 

It was a mixed blessing. 

The foray into the world highlighted the very real differences between being secluded on retreat, and out and about. 

It highlighted how much easier it is to dive into the formal experience of meditation plenty of time is available, and when free from external distractions. 

And it highlighted the reality of how we do live in a world with its many elements, and how the real benefit of meditation comes how we integrate our formal practice with day to day living. 

Clearly, we do need the balance of formal practice and the activities of life; this is what we call integration...

The daily schedule included around 6 hours of practice, and 4 hours of study. 

Throw in making and eating meals, longer walks for integration and exercise and the day was fairly full. 

Maybe there is value in having free time in there somewhere, but while I did lie down once a day to deeply relax and stretch out my back, this level of intensity was very comfortable.

For the study, there was a wonderful series of teachings on profound meditation by the great female Tibetan Khandro Rinpoche. Plus Rupert Spira’s book Being Aware of Being Aware. Both point towards open awareness which is a useful way to summarise the intent of the practice.

The study was wonderful. Wonderful to have a solid block of time to focus on one particular theme; especially as this is the sort of material I aim to share in the retreat Ruth and I will lead in June 7-13 – Meditation in the Forest – the Heart of Meditation. 

Similarly, having time to steadily move deeper into the meditation was also wonderful. 

There is something both useful and comforting in knowing there is time to experiment with the practice. 

To have time to allow the mind to settle, naturally into itself. 

To allow the awareness to become more evident, and to stay in open awareness for at least some of the time. 

And then to notice what distracts, and what brings one back.

In the organisational sense, the need for solid preparation was very evident. 

Being solo, I did need to shop one day and combined this with my teaching commitment. 

Also, I had a couple of work commitments I felt needed to need attention – not ideal – but again, a good opportunity to play with integration. Easy to see how distraction could become a major issue, and here, the strong commitment to keep to the schedule really helped.

However, distractions come in various forms – some of them quite subtle, some very clever. One of my common distractions during any form of retreat is to come up with a really good idea! Usually such ideas are compelling. Something that will be really helpful for lots of people. And something that requires plenty of contemplation, aka thinking, aka distraction!

So sure enough, two fabulous ideas emerged on this retreat. 

One was just a simple good idea that will be easy to follow through; the other could be life changing. 

So maybe more on those another time.

However, on retreat, I made a few notes to store the ideas, and then parked them. 

Then, every time my mind attempted to lure me into that conversation, I smiled, acknowledged the potential to be distracted, and rested in the awareness of this being just another thought; with another opportunity to remain in open awareness.

So if you are contemplating a home retreat for yourself, to repeat: be kind to yourself. If you do make the effort to create a home retreat, celebrate doing what is both good for you, and as a consequence, good for those around you.

The bottom line is, a home retreat can be very valuable, very beneficial, very doable. Even a half day or a day of home retreat can be very worthwhile.

And if you are interested in a formal retreat, Ruth and I are offering two this year, plus we have our Meditation Teacher Training coming up shortly; here are the details:

COMING EVENTS

Is this your time? Your time for a deeper dive into the experience of a meditation retreat – some time out for you - the heart and essence of meditation? 

Or maybe your time to learn the wonderful skill of teaching meditation to others? 

Seven day Meditation Retreat – The Heart and Essence of Meditation

June 7 – 13 

Everything about this retreat has been designed for experiencing what meditation has to offer more directly, more fully. Take time out, leave behind the activities and concerns of daily life and enter into an environment that supports the process of deepening the direct, inner experience. A gentle blend of teachings, guided practices, contemplation, optional yoga, and more... This retreat will offer the culmination of all the study, practice and teaching of meditation with which I have been engaged these past 50 years.

Apply here

Meditation Teacher Training (MBSM) 

May 11 - 15

What a privilege to teach others to meditate. Maybe you want to do this as a new career; maybe this is something to offer within your workplace or elsewhere? These trainings are approved by Meditation Australia and help meet their requirements for registration. And you learn so much and deepen your own practice once you start to teach. 

A wonderful thing to do... Apply here

Three day Meditation Retreat - Deep Natural Peace

November 6 - 8

A moment’s peace. Deep natural peace. Sometimes we just need some time out. Time to step back. Slow down. Reconnect with the practice. Be in nature. Reconnect with our selves. Be refreshed. Experience Deep Natural Peace.

The retreat and trainings are all held amidst the natural beauty and serenity of the Upper Yarra Valley       at the delightful Yarra Valley Living Centre.

Apply here

So is this your time?

Details and applications to join the retreat and the trainings are available 

via the website

 

The Secret to Deepening your Meditation – and how to conduct a home retreat

It takes time. For almost all of us. Occasionally someone comes new to meditation and simply falls into it, however, for most of us it takes time. As with many things, the more you do; the more you learn, the more you practice, the better you become. 

For meditation, the secret is held within the regularity of the practice, and the time spent practicing. Longer sessions, more frequent sessions do bear fruit. 

And the real secret is what happens when you do some extended, dedicated practice. So this week, maybe something to which you have not given much consideration, how to set yourself up for a personal home retreat, but first

    Thought for the day – and acknowledging a time when gender was not used so skillfully...

To go into solitude, 

A man needs to retire 

As much from his chamber as from society. 

I am not solitary whilst I read and write, 

Though nobody is with me. 

But if a man would be alone, 

Let him look at the stars.

In the woods, we return to reason and faith. 

There I feel that nothing can befall me in life, 

— no disgrace, no calamity, 

(leaving me my eyes,) which nature cannot repair. 

Standing on the bare ground, 

— my head bathed by the blithe air, 

And uplifted into infinite space, 

— all mean egotism vanishes. 

I become a transparent eye-ball; 

I am nothing; 

I see all; 

The currents of the Universal Being 

Circulate through me; 

I am part or particle of God.

Emerson

A friend was telling me recently how they were attempting to explain to their boss what happened on a meditation retreat and why they wanted leave to attend. The boss listened with interest, and then replied “you could do all that at home!”

This set my friend to thinking; could I save the effort and money, and do as the boss suggested? 

The challenge is, making the effort to go to a retreat is a big part of the process. 

The commitment it takes to obtain the leave, gain the support from family for the time out, find the finances, make the bookings... 

In truth it is often said by the time you arrive at a retreat, half the benefit has already been gathered.

Then, once at a meditation retreat, everything becomes easy. 

Retreats are designed to create an ideal environment in which you can learn more and actually deepen your experience. 

You are encouraged to let go of work, computers, social media, and to focus on the meditation. A schedule organises your day, meals are provided, comfortable accommodation, good company, teachings; everything designed to support you.

Against all that, there is tremendous value in a home retreat. Firstly, the convenience, the cost savings and hence the possibility of a short retreat. There is real benefit in a retreat that lasts even half a day, a full day, a weekend or more; and these shorter times are very practical at home.

However, if considering a home retreat, how do we set up at home to mirror what is available at an external retreat and provide the most conducive environment? 

First observation – it takes more planning and more discipline at home.

1. Clarify your purpose

Motivation sets the tone for all we do, and it needs an accompanying strong intention. 

Decide if you are preparing for a pure practice retreat, or if you will include listening to or reading supportive teachings. 

Set your intention to prepare a schedule and to follow it.

2. Decide upon the intensity of your retreat

How long? Half a day? A day? A weekend? More??? 

And how much study and practice each day? 

3. Make a schedule

Structure the retreat. 

This is important. 

If you just drift into the day during a home retreat, time will pass quickly and you will look back and wonder where it went. For each session, one and a half hours works well, with 40 minutes of meditation, 10 minutes walking meditation, and another 40 minutes of meditation. A longer, mindful walk or two during the day can be helpful. Do you include some yoga or other stretching exercises? Decide upon start and finish times, and where the meals will fit. Then follow your schedule!

4. Creating solitude

The answer: Do the best you can, and accept the rest. Depending upon who you live with, and where you live, the notion of solitude may be more or less real. 

If you do live on your own, you can put an Out of Office message on the computer, change your mobile’s message to suit, determine to avoid the TV or radio, and effectively isolate yourself. Then you live with whatever sounds drift into your home from the outside world.

If you live with company, then their buy in can make or break a home retreat. 

Young children are a clear challenge, but not insurmountable. 

With a committed partner, you can structure the day so you have some time to yourself, and accept you probably need to give some time to the children as well. 

Then they need to become a part of the retreat and noises from within the home need to be accepted. 

They become part of the practice; part of the learning, and the deepening.

5. Prepare

Stock up the kitchen; maybe pre-prepare some meals. 

Complete the list of all those things “that need doing” so you can feel comfortable to focus on the retreat.

6. Tell those close to you

Now need to make a major announcement – unless you chose to – however, it can be helpful to tell family and close friends of your intention. This raises the accountability. Some people do post their intention on social media and request support; this has worked well for some.

7. Take a sense of joy into the retreat

Be kind to yourself. 

If you do make the effort to create a home retreat, celebrate doing what is both good for you, and as a consequence, good for those around you.

The bottom line is, a home retreat can be very valuable, very beneficial, very doable.

And speaking personally, I am about to enter into a 10 day, personal home retreat while the beloved is away on a formal retreat of her own. 

So wish me well, and do consider following suit – even a half day or a day of home retreat can be very worthwhile.

If you are interested in making the extra effort to attend a formal retreat, Ruth and I are offering two this year, plus we have our Meditation Teacher Training coming up shortly; here are the details:

COMING EVENTS

Is this your time? Your time for a deeper dive into the experience of a meditation retreat – some time out for you - the heart and essence of meditation? 

Or maybe your time to learn the wonderful skill of teaching meditation to others? 

Seven day Meditation Retreat – The Heart and Essence of Meditation

June 7 – 13 

Everything about this retreat has been designed for experiencing what meditation has to offer more directly, more fully. Take time out, leave behind the activities and concerns of daily life and enter into an environment that supports the process of deepening the direct, inner experience. A gentle blend of teachings, guided practices, contemplation, optional yoga, and more... This retreat will offer the culmination of all the study, practice and teaching of meditation with which I have been engaged these past 50 years.

Apply here

Meditation Teacher Training (MBSM) 

May 11 - 15

What a privilege to teach others to meditate. Maybe you want to do this as a new career; maybe this is something to offer within your workplace or elsewhere? These trainings are approved by Meditation Australia and help meet their requirements for registration. And you learn so much and deepen your own practice once you start to teach. 

A wonderful thing to do... Apply here

Three day Meditation Retreat - Deep Natural Peace

November 6 - 8

A moment’s peace. Deep natural peace. Sometimes we just need some time out. Time to step back. Slow down. Reconnect with the practice. Be in nature. Reconnect with our selves. Be refreshed. Experience Deep Natural Peace.

The retreat and trainings are all held amidst the natural beauty and serenity of the Upper Yarra Valley at the delightful Yarra Valley Living Centre.

Apply here

So is this your time?

Details and applications to join the retreat and the trainings are available 

via the website