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Three Point Body Scan (Pure Noticing) – Guided Meditation

(4:19) This guided meditation is quick to do, and nice for your daily 2-minute practice.

This particular version of a body scan guides you to notice whatever sensations are happening right now versus creating sensation by moving your body.

This is great for when you want to do a quick practice, because you just notice an area and move on with out staying there very long. It is also nice for increasing your ability to notice subtlety, because as you practice it your capacity to notice subtler and subtler sensations improves.

 

 

To Download:

Click on the Download button below

If it does not download automatically:

  1. A new window will open with an audio player (like the player above).
  2. Right click on the player and choose “Download File” or “Download Video”
  3. iPhone users will want to first copy the meditation into iTunes (on your computer) and then sync with your iPhone.

 

Progressive Breathing + Body Scan (Moving Muscles) – Guided Meditation

(11:16) This meditation practice is nice for when you want to practice for 10-15 minutes.

This practice can also be nice to do lying down in bed if you’re having trouble getting to sleep. It is also good for beginners who enjoy body based practices, because it includes a variety of body based things for the mind to focus on.

This practice includes progressive breathing, or taking 3-5 breaths that are each slightly deeper and longer than the one before. It also includes a 4 point body scan with muscle relaxation to give the mind something to focus on and the body additional encouragement to relax.

Enjoy!

 

To Download:

Click on the Download button below

If it does not download automatically:

  1. A new window will open with an audio player (like the player above).
  2. Right click on the player and choose “Download File” or “Download Video”
  3. iPhone users will want to first copy the meditation into iTunes (on your computer) and then sync with your iPhone.

 

Progressive Breathing – Guided Meditation

MME Album Art

(2:02) Quick Stress Reduction.

This guided meditation is a quick way to relax the mind and body that is perfect way to calm down in the midst of stressful situations, noisy, chaotic environments.

It is very fast and done with the eyes open, so you can do it in meetings, in restaurants, at social gatherings, etc.

You simply redirect your focus to your breath and deepen it gently. This allows you to shift your attention away from stress for a few moments, calming your mind and body, so that you can return to the situation in a better state.

Enjoy!

Progressive Breathing Instructions:

  1.  Start by looking down a comfortable distance in front of you at the floor, desk or table.
  2. With your eyes gazing down (open), shift your attention to your breath. Notice your breath as it is moving in and out of your body.
  3. Take a few breaths where each breath is a little bit longer and a little bit deeper than the breath before.
  4. When you are feeling a bit calmer and more relaxed in your body end the practice by looking up.

 

To Download:

Click on the Download button below

If it does not download automatically:

  1. A new window will open with an audio player (like the player above).
  2. Right click on the player and choose “Download File” or “Download Video”
  3. iPhone users will want to first copy the meditation into iTunes (on your computer) and then sync with your iPhone.

 

Note that you are welcome to download and share this files as many times as you like provided you do so in it’s entirety and use it for personal or educational use only (no commercial uses).

 

Two Great Ways to Fall Asleep Faster

Falling asleep can be tough if we’re not able to slow down our minds and bodies. We spend all day going at hyper speed, as fast as we can, “really busy” as the norm. Is it any wonder that we have a hard time turning all that drive off and slowing down at night?
Slowing down so that we can rest starts 1 to 2 hours before bedtime… Put down all your stimulants: your phone, computer, notepad; and turn off your tv. If this is too hard at first, try a shorter amount of time like 10 minutes before bed and build up to longer times once that is easy.

Keep all of these stimulants out of you bed room or sleeping area! Let your bed be for sleeping, not being busy, even for entertainment or education. If that stuff is important, do it before bedtime.

Third, once you are ready for bed, get in and do a Progressive Relaxation Body Scan. Essentially notice each area of the body & relax the muscles there. Start at the top and work your way down. More details are in the video. This will help your mind slow down by focusing on your body vs your day and will relax your body by relaxing your muscles.

Let me know how it goes!

Sweet dreams!,
Elena

Two Nice Meditation Apps

2 Nice Meditation Apps

I just looked at several meditation apps and I’d like to share two that I liked. Both of these allow you to track your practice, which I think is a really good way to establish any habit. One lets you take notes and the other lets you track how you’re feeling mentally and physically.

Zen Friend lets you set reminders so you remember to meditate and tracks how many meditations you do overtime. It includes instructional videos for learning Zen meditation, nice quotes, images and meditation bells. It also allow you to take notes & share your activity with friends via Facebook and twitter.

Stop, Breathe & Think includes instructions about various aspects of meditation and offers a variety of guided meditations. It allows you to input how you are feeling, so you can track your emotional state overtime.

Enjoy!,
Elena

How to make your meditation practice fun.

To make anything you do more fun, like meditation or working on a project, add in elements of things you like! Add music, go to a beautiful place or dance while you work.

Not sure how to do this last one? Get creative! I have a high counter that I work at that allows me to move.

Here’s to us all having even more fun this new year!

Warmly,
Elena Maria Foucher