Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to questions that people often ask during my public presentations on
Mindfulness Meditation.
What is meditation?
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There are so many varieties of meditations; however, they may be categorized into two main types.

Object meditations focus on an object such as the breath or sound or phrases to develop benefits such as concentration skills by infusing the mind with a certain thought or attitude and mind control skills.
  1. Subject meditations focus a person's thoughts, feelings and mind states to develop benefits such as insight, understanding the nature of phenomena and wisdom.
Why has Mindfulness Meditation become so popular?
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Scientists, in particular neuroscientists, have always been interested in how the brain and mind work. Armed with newly developed equipment to measure and predict brain activity (such as fMRI, EEG, and PET machines), scientists are able to see the structural impacts of Mindfulness Meditation on the human brain. While researchers were initially interested in how meditation can manage pain without medication, they discovered that it also improves overall well-being.  

​​Researchers have recently published the findings of their twenty years of study on Mindfulness Meditation, documenting its benefits for human health. Because it is an effective practice for promoting health and reducing stress, Mindfulness Meditation has now been woven into school curricula, psychotherapy, cancer therapy, and general medical applications for health maintenance.
Is meditation a religious practice?
It can be a non-religious and religious (Eastern and Western religions) practice. My style is secular, non-theistic.
How is mindfulness practice different from other meditations?
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There are too many different types of meditations to list (e.g., Centering prayer, Transcendental, etc.). The goal of Mindfulness Meditation is to remove stress and to cultivate happiness, good health, and overall well-being. This meditation practice trains the mind in concentration skills, clarity and objectivity (the ability to just observe). Mindfulness practice develops the ability to be in the present with the moment-to-moment experience that arises in a non-judging way. It also serves to see options, to gain insight, to understand the true nature of phenomena, to quiet the mind, to control the mind and to gain wisdom.
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How do you practice at home?
Space. Find a quiet and comfortable space at home to begin your practice. If you can designate that spot as your “sacred space” (whatever that means to you), it will help engender an attitude of reverence, respect and solemnity. 

​Time. Any amount of time you're comfortable with is good. You can practice as little as ten minutes and build up to more. The more time you practice, the more your skills will improve. Most people find that practicing in the morning before beginning a busy day is best; others like to do it at night just before going to sleep. Try practicing at different times and you'll find the time(s) that work best for you.

After a while, as you embody the practice, you'll find yourself living a healthier and happier life. Pay attention to what works for you, and incorporate what works into your daily life.
What posture is good for practice?
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Posture supports the practice. Be comfortably seated such as on the edge of a chair or kneeling or cross-legged on the floor.  Our minds naturally tend to wander as we meditate. But you can tame the mind by not shifting much. In this way you're letting your mind know, "I'm in charge. Listen to me."
Can meditation skills be used to help us sleep better?
Yes. You can learn to use your concentration skills and focus on the fact that you body feels tired and where it feels tired. 
Where do I go if I want to learn from a teacher?
​There are many venues in Oregon that teach Mindfulness Meditation. Just do an Internet search. My classes are taught through the Park & Recreation systems in Lake Oswego. Learn more about classes.