There are a myriad of meditation techniques geared toward various ends. Sage Mountain Center employs the two most basic. Sitting Meditation or “just sitting” is a disciplined examination of being. This simple yet profound practice is free of ritual and compliments any religious or non-religious practice. During sitting meditation we explore humanity and all creation in the form of ourselves. This practice is not necessarily for self-improvement, but to befriend who we are already, to embrace all that is, moment to moment. This practice of being present, of learning not to escape, allows us to develop an acceptance of reality. Compassion arises in the deepest sense when we recognize that we are not separate from others.
The second form of meditation practiced at Sage Mountain Center is Meditative Awareness. This form of meditation is done all the time: in the shower, driving, walking, playing with the kids, shopping, or any other activity. It involves being aware of one’s thoughts, feelings and emotions in a non-judgmental manner. We observe ourselves as if listening to anothers conversation or watching somebody else live their life. Meditative awareness reveals the conditioned patterns which contribute to inner conflict, fear, and suffering. The activities of daily living are all we need to be fully awake, fully alive humans. The ordinary activities of daily life are used to stimulate spiritual growth and a sincere concern for others.
The freedom of meditative awareness coupled with the discipline of sitting meditation provides the foundation by which balance and equilibrium are discovered.