Meditation can be challenging, whether you are a total beginner or an experienced meditator. Dr. Matthew Tift draws on his experience teaching meditation and yoga to guide you towards peacefulness and clarity. Born from Midwestern sensibility, this meditation podcast does not take itself too seriously. Slow down, settle in, and experience the wholesome effects of guided meditation that is pretty good.
Audio file
Sometimes desire can take over our lives. We start to believe that we really, really want something. But no thing can provide us with permanent happiness. In this meditation we explore desire and fulfilling our desire. We set the scene in an airport, at the moment when we are reunited with a dear friend or loved one. We bring to mind not just the happiness that arises from such moments, but also the limits to which those moments can satisfy.
Audio file
In this meditation you will explore your inner desires and purpose. You will explore the feeling of desire in your body, imagine the your desire has been completely fulfilled, and then go a little bit deeper before considering the actual state of the present moment.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/58. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
57. Open Awareness
Audio file
This meditation begins with a body scan to help calm the mind and body. Then we open our awareness to all the senses, and rest in an awareness that reminds us of the ever-changing nature of life.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/57. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
Audio file
The opposite of the stress response is the relaxation response. The relaxation response essentially turns off the fight-or-flight response. Meditation, breathing exercises, tai chi, and related practices can all be highly effective in calming the body. In this meditation you will focus on any single point that feels pleasurable.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/56. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0
Audio file
Our bodies sense the world all day long, and yet it can be easy to ignore those signals as we move through daily life. In this meditation, pay attention to our senses, including sounds, smells, and touch and observe the effects. We notice if senses are pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral without trying to change them.
Learn more about me and subscribe to my newsletter at https://matthewtift.com. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
Audio file
In this practice, you will count your breath in order to stay anchored in the present moment, aware of what is happening in your body and mind.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/54. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
Audio file
In this meditation we explore the connections between our bodies, our breath, and the rest of the world. This calming practice can serve as a reminder that you are not alone and that your life is deeply dependent on the world around you.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/53. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
Audio file
Sometimes it can be nice to pause during the day, check-in with yourself, and send out some positive energy into the world.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/52. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
51. Heart of Light
Audio file
In this practice, you visualize your heart as a warm, glowing source of light. With each in-breath, the light begins to glow a bit more brightly, filling your body, your surroundings, and eventually the whole planet. This practices can help you sense your inter-connectedness with all beings on this earth.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/51. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.
Audio file
In this mindfulness exercises we will examine our bodies as the four elements of earth, water, fire, and wind. These four elements represent the qualities of solidity, cohesion, temperature, and motion. This practice can help you quiet your mind and allow you to learn more about yourself.
To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/50. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.