Meditation


Related Content

Kayagatasati (Mindfulness of the Body)

Episode Number
10
In this episode of Pretty Good Meditation, we practice another common form of meditation: kāyagatāsati, or "mindfulness of the body."

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/10. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.

Mindfulness of Breathing

Person in the woods eyes closed with head against a tree

Breath is an ever-present aspect of life, which is part of the reason why "mindfulness of breathing," or ānāpānasati in Pāli, is probably the most common form (object) of meditation. Typically, the practice involves focusing attention on the physical sensations caused by the movement of the breath, the in-breaths and the out-breaths. Mindfulness of breathing is a feeling practice, not a thinking practice.

Anapanasati (Mindfulness of Breathing)

Episode Number
9
In this episode of Pretty Good Meditation, we practice the most common form of meditation: ānāpānasati, or "mindfulness of breathing."

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/9. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.

Cultivate the Garden of the Mind

Garden with purple and yellow flowers

Yogis, meditators, mindfulness coaches, Christians, and countless other spiritual seekers commonly employ the metaphor of the garden to represent stewardship. To view the mind as a garden is to view it as a place with potential value and commit to cultivating it. One must locate the space and make effort, which can take a variety of forms. One can tend to the garden of the mind while doing yoga, meditation, or any other activity in life.

Tending the Garden

Episode Number
8
In this episode of Pretty Good Meditation, we explore the metaphor of tending the garden as a meditation technique.

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/8. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.

Why Are You Listening?

Episode Number
7
In this episode of Pretty Good Meditation, we explore the motivation behind your meditation practice. Some people want to become more peaceful or happy. Others want to get rid of anxiety or fear. This episode provides a space to reflect on your reasons for practice.

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/7. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.

Under the Piano

Episode Number
6
During meditation, we frequently use a "meditation object," such as the breath, a mantra, or physical sensations to help cultivate present moment awareness. Rather than let the mind jump around, we give it a task, something to do. There are many kinds of meditation objects, and in this episode of Pretty Good Meditation, we use piano music.

The musical example, Frederic Chopin's Nocturne in E flat major, Op. 9 no. 2, performed by Aya Higuchi, is in the public domain (https://musopen.org/music/108-nocturnes-op-9). The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0. To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/6.

A Welcoming Space

Episode Number
5
The goal of meditation is not to eliminate all mental and emotional activity. Rather, meditation provides a welcoming space. It provides a container to help redefine our relationship to thoughts and emotions, and to let go of our attachment to our views and opinions. In this episode of Pretty Good Meditation, we practice simply welcoming whatever arises.

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/5. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.

Nature-Centered Living

Episode Number
3
This episode explores the concept of nature-centered living and tuning in to the ordinary state of how things are right now.

To leave a comment about this episode, visit matthewtift.com/prettygood/3. The theme music is "Maxixe" performed by Edson Lopes under CC BY 3.0.

A New Meditation Podcast That's Pretty Good

Pretty Good Meditation Logo

Guided meditation for all? You betcha! I started a new meditation podcast called Pretty Good Meditation.

Previously I have offered live guided meditations through Spirit of the Lake, in assorted settings at Lullabot, in a combined Yoga & Meditation class, as well as in prisons, churches, and other settings. Some people have asked about additional opportunities for guided meditation, and a podcast seems like the most accessible format for me to provide a consistent stream of guided meditations.

Meditation