Meditation

Is Losing Sense of Time During Meditation Normal?

You sat down and began to meditate. Next thing you know it’s been 30 minutes! The clock makes no sense. Your internal timekeeper seems to have wandered off. So, is it normal to lose your sense of time during meditation? Yes, definitely. In fact, it might be a sign that you’re starting to drop into a deeper state of presence. It may even be an early taste of samadhi, a state of meditative absorption. What Happens to Time When You Meditate? Time and thought are closely linked. In daily life, our awareness is constantly jumping between memories and plans, past and future. That back-and-forth creates a feeling of time. But in meditation, you start to release that grip. Thoughts slow down. The mind becomes quiet. And when you’re no longer narrating every moment, time starts to feel less linear as there’s less reference points popping up as thoughts. Sometimes your sense of time disappears altogether. This isn’t a bad thing either. it’s actually a sign that your meditation practice is working. You’re starting to land in the present moment so deeply that the usual way of measuring time stops working. A Glimpse of Samadhi? In yogic philosophy, samadhi refers to the state of meditative absorption or union with pure awareness. There are multiple stages of samadhi. Some involving thought and form, others completely beyond them. When someone loses track of time in meditation, it’s sometimes a sign that they’ve entered the lower stages of samadhi. In savitarka samadhi the mind remains lightly active but attention becomes laser-focused on a single object like the breath. In this state your sense of the body and time start to fade. You’re not unconscious, you’re absorbed in this state. Even glimpses of this state can cause time to feel warped. That doesn’t mean you’re enlightened now (yippie!) but it could mean that your practice is paying off. A hint that you may be entering into a samadhi state during meditation is this sense of timelessness can be accompanied by feelings of bliss and contentment. Why Else Might This Happen? Beyond spiritual frameworks, there are also physiological and psychological reasons you may lose track of time while meditating: Is It a Sign of Spiritual Awakening? It can be, yes. Spiritual awakening isn’t always flashy or dramatic. Sometimes it begins quietly in these subtle shifts of perception. Losing track of time in meditation might indicate that you’re touching the edges of a timeless awareness. It’s possible you may be starting to dip your toes into an altered or higher state of consciousness where time becomes irrelevant. When It Feels Disorienting or Strange For some, especially early on, this time loss can feel jarring. You might wonder if you fell asleep, or worry that you weren’t fully “there.” But what you’re experiencing is just a light trance or state of presence that’s deeper than usual. The feeling of disorientation often only happens once you finish your meditation session and realize how much time has passed. The meditation session will likely be pleasant, it’s only after you finish that your sense of time will have felt off. Should You Try to Make It Happen? No, trying to force these types of meditation sessions will likely pull you out of them. The mind loves to grasp and label, but samadhi and true stillness can only arise when you’re not striving. Instead, just keep showing up. Sit in silence. Return to the breath. Let your awareness rest. These deeper states will visit when you’re ready. Final Thoughts So, is it normal to lose your sense of time during meditation? Yes. And it may be much more than normal than you think. Whether it’s a fleeting glimpse or a regular part of your practice, trust the process. You’re not floating away, you’re arriving. You’re not losing control, you’re finding something timeless inside yourself. And the best part? You don’t need to force it. Just keep sitting. Keep softening. Keep surrendering.

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Tingling Sensations In Your Forehead During Meditation

You’re meditating and a soft buzz, a tingle, or a light pressure arises right in the center of your forehead. If you’ve been meditating regularly and you’re beginning to feel unusual sensations between your eyebrows you may be beginning to activate or sense your third eye. This is one of the most commonly reported physical experiences among people exploring deeper meditation. Some describe it as warmth. Others say it feels like someone is gently pressing a finger between their eyebrows. So, what is really going on here? The Energetic Anatomy: What Is the Third Eye? The forehead area, especially the space between your eyebrows, is known in Eastern traditions as the Ajna Chakra, or third eye. In Sanskrit, ajna means “perceive.” This energy center is associated with intuition, insight, higher perception, and inner vision. In yogic philosophy, there are seven main chakras or energy centers running along the spine, and the ajna chakra is the sixth. While it’s not visible to the naked eye, many people feel activity here as their spiritual awareness begins to deepen. The third eye is said to be the seat of your inner wisdom. This is the place from which you perceive truth and guidance beyond the logical mind. When you meditate you can stimulate this area. That tingling sensation is often a sign that this center is waking up. Why You’re Feeling Tingling in the Forehead During meditation, your body shifts into a parasympathetic state. This is your “rest and restore” mode. As you settle into this state, your nervous system becomes more attuned to subtle sensations. What once went unnoticed suddenly begins to register. You’re becoming aware of the energy flow in your body. Here’s what might be happening: Tingling, pulsing, buzzing, heat, or coolness in the forehead are all common signs of subtle energy moving through this area. Is It a Sign of Spiritual Awakening? Yes. Many people report third eye sensations during the early stages of a spiritual awakening. This especially happens as spiritual seekers begin to open up energetically and before their kundalini awakens. If you’re experiencing other symptoms like vivid dreams or expanded consciousness this may be part of a broader awakening process. The third eye can open gradually, or it can burst open with intensity. Sensations in the forehead are often a sign that something is shifting energetically. But keep in mind: not all spiritual signs feel blissful. Sometimes, awakening can bring anxiety or confusion before clarity arrives. When the Sensation Becomes Too Intense While tingling is usually gentle and pleasant, some people experience more intense sensations: Some people find this to be unnerving and just uncomfortable. Maybe you just wanted to meditate and all of a sudden this weird sensation is now distracting you. If this happens, here’s what you can do: 1. Go with it & surrender Why turn away from something that is naturally arising during your meditation? Are you afraid of what you might experience? If this is arising during your meditation practice you should explore it and surrender to it. You may be on the cusp of a full blown spiritual awakening. To start just notice it occurring and allow it to be there. 2. Ground yourself If it does feel a little too uncomfortable or overwhelming you don’t have to focus on it. Instead: Could There Be a Medical Explanation? It’s important to approach these experiences with both spiritual curiosity and grounded discernment. In rare cases, tingling in the forehead could stem from other causes like nerve compression, migraines, or sinus pressure. If the sensation is constant, painful, and occurs outside of meditation don’t be afraid to book an appointment with your healthcare provider. Trust your intuition, and stay curious without jumping to conclusions. What This Means for Your Meditation Practice The presence of forehead tingling doesn’t mean you’ve “achieved” anything. It’s not a badge or a sign you’ve reached enlightenment. It simply means you’re becoming more aware of energetic system instide your body that’s always been there. You’re dropping into stillness deeply enough to sense what’s beneath the surface of everyday awareness. Stay with your breath. Stay with your presence. Let the sensations come and go without grasping. Yes, you may be on the cusp of a third eye opening or close to breaking into another state of consciousness. But don’t let the thought of that consume you. Just observe and allow what arises. What is meant for you will come and what is not won’t. Conclusion So you’re experiencing tingling sensations in your forehead. Cool. You’re tuning in. You may be awakening parts of yourself that most people are unaware of. Prana is very much real and has real effects on the body. You may be tapping into that. And if it fades tomorrow, that’s okay too. Trust what’s unfolding.

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Why Do My Eyes Roll Back During Meditation?

If you’ve ever found yourself in a deep meditation and suddenly noticed your eyes rolling upward into your head you’re not alone. This is a real phenomenon that happens when entering deeper phases of meditation. It can be a strange and even startling experience the first time it happens. The good news is that this phenomenon has been noted for centuries across many meditation traditions. It’s not only normal, but is a sign of entering into a Samadhi like state. My Personal Experience This honestly happens to me all the time. Sometimes when I relax into a deep meditative state and my hearts, my eyes will roll back without me doing anything consciously. It’s not forced. It just happens. I’m not doing anything crazy, just meditating. When I surrender deeply enough I rise into this state of bliss and my eyes will roll up and point towards my third eye. This is a sign that you’re beginning to enter a low level samadhi. The Physical Explanation On a physical level, the upward roll of the eyes is often linked to activation of the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and digest” mode of the body. This is why your eyes will roll back in this same manner during sexual activities, sleep, and when enjoying something pleasureable. As you relax deeply in meditation, your muscles let go. Some neurologists even note that in certain trance or hypnagogic states, the eyes naturally drift upward or back as a person disconnects from the external world. What Yogic Traditions Say In yogic teachings, especially within Kundalini and Kriya Yoga, the upward gaze is not only common—it’s often encouraged. The ancient yogi Lahiri Mahasaya, who helped spread Kriya Yoga in the 19th century, taught that during meditation, attention should naturally rise to the Kutastha (or spiritual eye). This is the space between the eyebrows, also known as the third eye. In this state, the eyes gently and effortlessly drift upward, aligning the inner awareness with higher spiritual centers. Paramahansa Yogananda wrote in one of his books: “When your eyes are lifted, your mind will follow. The spiritual eye is the light of the soul… It is there, at the point between the eyebrows, that Christ said, ‘If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.’” That “eye” is not metaphorical, it’s a real sensation many meditators experience when the eyes roll back and upward naturally. In Tibetan Buddhism, there are similar references to the “sky-gazing” practices where the upward roll of the eye connects to Dzogchen meditations, opening one to the vast, luminous awareness of the mind. Signs of Samadhi When your eyes begin to roll back or upward during meditation, you may be brushing against the early stages of samadhi. Samadhi is a deep, meditative and often blissful state. Samadhi isn’t just one state, it’s a spectrum. The beginning stages, sometimes called Savikalpa Samadhi or concentration with form, are marked by moments where the mind becomes still and time feels suspended. If you experience feelings of bliss alongside your eyes rolling up in your head during meditation, you’re likely beginning to enter into samadhi. Is It Dangerous? No. It’s not dangerous. You’re eyes won’t let you pop a muscle or anything if that’s what you’re worried about. If it’s happening naturally, it’s often a sign that your consciousness is shifting inward. However, some beginners try to force their eyes to look up, hoping for a shortcut to spiritual experiences. This can lead to headaches or eye strain. The key is to let it happen gently and organically. If it comes, let it come. If not, don’t worry. What To Do When It Happens If you notice your eyes rolling back during meditation: That’s about it, not much more to it! Final Thoughts So, why do your eyes roll back during meditation? You’re likely entering deeper meditative states and this is a natural physical phenomenon that happens when entering them. It might feel weird at first, but it’s a sign you’re opening to deeper levels of stillness and presence.

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7 Best Meditation Courses For Beginners in 2024

Meditation is the foundation of healthy and happy mind. It’s the gateway to higher consciousness and blissful states of being. Meditation is a very basic practice that when used consistently can truly transform your life, thinking, and way of being. Many seek out the path of meditation for their personal development journeys only to be bombarded with too many options of where and how to learn. Others have no idea where to start or how to meditate properly. A beginner’s meditation course will show you the ropes and get you on your feet to start practicing meditation asap. I’ve compiled a list of the best meditation courses for newbies who want to learn the life changing practice. These are the 7 best meditation courses for beginners in 2024. Nurture Your Spirit’s top picks: 7 Best Meditation Courses of 2024 Teacher Price Course Duration Meditation University’s Meditation Masterclass Kevin Ellerton $299 5 hours Palouse Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course Jon Kabat-Zinn FREE 50 hours (over 8 weeks) Ryan Molkentin’s Spiritual Awakening Accelerator Ryan Molkentin $67 2 hours Graham Nicholls’s Meditation Accreditation Course Graham Nicholls $129.99 7.5 hours Michaël Bijker’s Breathwork & Meditation Course Michaël Bijker $124.99 18.5 hours Ian Tucker’s Beginner’s Guide to Meditation Ian Tucker $59.99 1.5 hours Mindfulness Daily at Work: Mindfulness Course Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield FREE 8 hours (over 40 days) Best Meditation Courses For Beginners in 2024 #1 Meditation University’s Meditation Masterclass Taught by the founder of Meditation Magazine and Meditation University, Kevin Ellerton’s Meditation Masterclass makes our #1 spot. This beginner’s course to meditation teaches you everything you need to know about meditation as well as gives you a certification after completion. Kevin Ellerton’s Meditation Masterclass makes #1 on our list for its depth of teaching as well as its fantastic guided meditations. Noteworthy for: The most comprehensive and in depth meditation course for beginners Teacher: Kevin Ellerton Hosted on: Meditation University Duration: 5 hours Price: $299 Rating: 4.6/5 Check it out here. #2 Palouse Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course For a totally free yet very good introduction to meditation, the Palouse Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction will help you start your meditation journey. Taught by Jon Kabat-Zinn, this meditation course is free of charge and gives you an in-depth start to basic mindfulness meditation. Noteworthy for: Best free meditation course for beginners Teacher: Jon Kabat-Zinn Hosted on: PalouseMindfulness.com Duration: 50 hours (over 8 weeks) Price: FREE Check it out here. #3 Ryan Molkentin’s Spiritual Awakening Accelerator Break into greater consciousness in just 7 days with Ryan Molkentin’s Spiritual Awakening Accelerator. This course teaches several meditation techniques and other spiritual practices to experience spiritual awakening. If you’re looking for a course on meditation with an emphasis on spiritual awakening look no further! The Spiritual Awakening Accelerator gives you an introduction to meditation and all of the tools needed to break into blissful higher consciousness. Noteworthy for: An emphasis on spiritual awakening and attaining higher consciousness Teacher: Ryan Molkentin Hosted on: NurtureYourSpirit.org Duration: 2 hours (over 7 days) Price: 67$ Rating: 5/5 Check it out here. #4 Graham Nicholls’s Meditation Accreditation Course Graham Nicholls’s Meditation Teacher Certification is perfect for those looking to get a basic certification in meditation. Do you want practice and teach meditation? Look no further! Often on sale for $19.99 or less, this course will teach you everything you need to know about practicing and leading meditation. Noteworthy for: Receiving an accredited meditation teacher certification on completion Teacher: Graham Nicholls Hosted on: Udemy Duration: 8.5 hours Price: $129.99 (though often on sale for much less) Rating: 4.7/5 Check it out here. #5 Michaël Bijker’s Breathwork & Meditation Course #5 on our list is Michaël Bijker’s Breathwork & Meditation Course. If you want to learn both meditation and breathwork (pranayama) in one course, this is the course for you. Expert meditation and breathwork teacher Michaël Bijker goes in depth on many techniques and several guided sessions in this 18.5 hour course. Noteworthy for: Best for learning breathwork and meditation Teacher: Michaël Bijker Hosted on: Udemy Duration: 18.5 hours Price: $124.99 (often on sale for much less) Rating: 4.7/5 Check it out here. #6 Ian Tucker’s Beginner’s Guide to Meditation Are you totally new to meditation? If you just want to dip your toe in the meditative waters, then Ian Tucker’s Beginner’s Guide To Meditation is perfect for you. At just 1.5 hours and often on sale for just $11.99 this course will give you a bitesize start to meditation. Many meditation courses are overly long and overwhelming, if you want a simple and straigtforward meditation course, this is it! Noteworthy for: Best short beginner’s meditation course Teacher: Ian Tucker Hosted on: Udemy Duration: 1.5 hours Price: $59.99 (often on sale for much less) Rating: 4.9/5 Check it out here. #7 Mindfulness Daily at Work: Mindfulness Course Another great free option is Tara Brach’s and Jack Kornfield’s Mindfulness Course. Over 40 days these expert teachers will share a few minutes of meditation knowledge with you at no cost at all. Not only does it teach you the basics of mindfulness meditation, but there are several guided meditations along the free 40 day course. Noteworthy for: Best for basic mindfulness meditation Teacher: Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield Hosted on: TaraBrach.com Duration: 8 hours (over 40 days) Price: FREE Check it out here. Why Take A Meditation Course? While there are many free resources available online to learn meditation today, a course offers several advantages that might be worth considering: Think of it like this: free resources can provide a taste of meditation, while a course is a full-fledged training program. It equips you with the knowledge and guidance to establish a sustainable practice. Looking to become a certified meditation teacher? See the 7 Best Meditation Teacher Training Certifications of 2024. Free vs. Paid Meditation Courses While both can lead you to a successful meditation practice, free and paid courses have some key differences to consider: Free Courses: Paid Courses: Choosing The Right Course: Ultimately, the best course is the one that fits your individual needs and preferences. Other Meditation Resources If you’re not ready

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Body Vibrations During Meditation: Causes & Explanation

Vibrations, humming, tingles, and buzzing in the body are to be expected at different times on your meditative journey. I’ve experienced all kinds of strange energy in my body while meditating and practicing other spiritual techniques. Here’s the basic reason it happens: You may simply be tapping into bodily sensations like your heartbeat. It’s also very possible that you’re awakening specific types of spiritual energy in your body. This can happen when chakras become activated, kundalini awakens, or when you begin shifting into the astral. In almost all of these scenarios you are perfectly safe. Why your body is vibrating during meditation There are so many possible causes of body vibrations during meditation. We’ll start off by discussing the most mundane and likely causes of this body buzzing. Later we’ll discuss what it means in specific locations in the body. You are feeling your heartbeat The simplest explanation for feeling vibrations in your body is that you’re becoming aware of the sensations of the heart. Your heart can create vibrations in your chest and body. The blood being pushed around your vessels can cause a subtle buzzing feeling when you sit still and quiet enough. Though this can be frightening at first, it’s totally normal and you’ll get used to the feeling with further mindful practice. Hyperventilation body tingles Another possibility is that your body tingles may be caused by your breathing. If you’re breathing deeply and intensely you may be experiencing a phenomenon known as respiratory alkalosis. Breathing too heavily while meditating can cause a reduction in the CO2 in your blood to a point that causes your blood pH to change. This change can cause tingling and buzzing in your body, often starting with your toes and fingers while working its way up into the body. This can be easily reversed by slowing down your breathing. Vibrating in your forehead If you experience vibrations specifically in your forehead during meditation you may be activating your third eye chakra. This happened to me during a spiritual practice right before I broke into vivid consciousness. Buzzing or vibration in your forehead is a sign of third eye activation. This happens when a lot of bodily and spiritual energy becomes active in this specific energy center of the body. The intensity of this buzzing can often be very uncomfortable. Vibrating in your throat Meditation can cause the awakening of all kinds of energy centers in the body. One such energy center is the throat chakra. If you feel vibrating in your throat you may be opening your throat chakra. This is a rarer symptom of throat chakra activation, but nonetheless does happen. If your throat is buzzing during meditation you can simply mindfully observe it or begin humming along with it to enhance the throat chakra opening. Vibrating in your chest The chest is a common location for vibrations to occur in during meditation. This is because the heart, one of the greatest energy centers in your spiritual system, is located here. You may simply be feeling your heart beating more intensely due to an increase in awareness. But you may also be opening your heart energy center during meditation. It’s a common experience among meditators and often catches them off guard. The opening of your heart chakra can be very intense including symptoms like: When this occurs simply surrender and relax. Allow the heart to open and enjoy the experience. Vibrating in your hips Vibrations in your lower body, base of the spine, and hips are signs of sacral chakra activation. This is also a sign of awakening Kundalini. Your Kundalini is held dormant at the base of the spine and can begin shooting up the body when activated. This can be a very intense vibratory experience. Chakra openings of any kind can cause vibrations in the body, and kundalini can forcibly open up your chakras. It’s entirely possible that your meditation practice can cause this to happen. Kundalini can also manifest itself as body convulsions, shaking, and shivering. An important note about Kundalini If you think you may have accidentally activated your kundalini it’s important to handle it correctly. Mishandled Kundalini can result in Kundalini Syndrome. See my guide to handling an unexpected Kundalini awakening. Your body is preparing for astral projection You may be getting into such a deep meditative state that your consciousness is preparing for an out of body astral experience. The state that comes before astral projection is known as “The Vibratory Stage“. In this stage of the astral projection process your body will begin to intensely vibrate from head to toe. Once in the vibratory stage you can begin visualizing yourself rising from your sleeping body to enter into an out of body experience. This is a very real phenomenon. You can induce this vibratory stage of astral projection in your meditations by practicing VELO (Voluntary Energetic Longitudinal Oscillation). How to handle body vibrations during meditation You have 3 main options when you’re experiencing body vibrations. Not all options are best for every situation. It’s best to discern which is best for yourself. 1. Stop meditating If this is too uncomfortable for you simply stop meditating and try again tomorrow. These vibrations can sometimes be scary and uncomfortable so it’s okay to just stop. Sometimes, stopping meditation won’t work. In that case follow option #2. 2. Surrender to it You have the option of observing and allowing the buzzing in your body. This is my preferred method. This will allow you to figure out what is going exactly and why. Surrendering to the vibrations will also facilitate the flow and eventual dissolution of the energy in your body. 3. Intensify it In some scenarios you may want to intensify and expand the energy and vibrations in your body. This is likely the case if you want to continue into an astral projection experience or if you want to open one of your chakras that is activating. There are specific practices you can do

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Why Is My Heart Racing During Meditation?

If you’ve experienced a racing heartbeat during meditation you know it’s not very pleasant. It can even be a bit of a scary experience. Why does this happen and can you even stop it? The truth is your heart might be racing for several reasons during meditation. One is that you’re simply becoming aware of your heartbeat during mindful practice which can be a jarring experience. You might also be experiencing some anxiety which could be speeding up your heartrate. It’s also possible that your body is tapping into a divine energy known as Kundalini, though this is not the most likely reason. Whichever of these you’re experiencing, none of them are dangerous or need to be worried about. You’re becoming aware of your heartbeat You might simply be raising your awareness enough to start truly feeling your heartbeat for the first time. If you’ve never really slowed down enough to feel your powerful heart pumping blood it can be a jarring experience. The fact may be that your heart isn’t actually speeding up, but your awareness is just becoming deep enough to notice the heart beating very intensely. This can then actually cause anxiety which then leads to your heart racing more. Meditation may be causing you anxiety This probably sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes meditation can actually cause anxiety. Meditation can cause us to see a lot of anxiety inducing things about ourselves. You might be experiencing meditation anxiety. Maybe feeling your heartbeat itself is anxiety inducing which is causing thoughts of your own mortality and the thought “this is the only thing keeping me alive”. That’s a powerful thought which can lead to a fear response in the body. This can lead to a cyclical effect where feeling your heartbeat creates a fear response which then releases adrenaline which causes an even higher heart rate. Kundalini can cause a racing heartbeat Though unlikely you may also be experiencing a release of Kundalini energy. Kundalini is a powerful divine energy that resides in the body which can be triggered by practices like deep meditation. The symptoms of Kundalini being awakened in the body include racing heart, body shakes, feeling energy shooting up the body. What can you do about a racing heart during meditation? There are a couple approaches you can take to a racing heart during meditative practice. 1. Continue meditating anyways The first thing you can do is sit through the discomfort and continue meditating anyways. A racing heart is usually caused by fear in minds which our body responds to. To get over this simply become aware of the racing heart and continue meditating anyways. You’re more than likely not in any physical danger. 2. Surrender into the experience A racing heartbeat is a sign showing you something causing you fear. This is your sign to dive in further. If you find yourself with an unexpected racing heart during meditation, the best course of action is to feel more deeply into it. This could be a call to surrender and discover what’s truly causing it. By surrendering you will start to dissolve any fear around the experience and find out what lays on the otherside of this strange racing heart phenomenon. 3. See a doctor If you’re concerned that this goes beyond just a psychological response and you’re having chest pain then you may need to see a medical professional. It’s also possible you may actually be having a medical issue that needs to be seen by a cardiologist. Though this is likely not the case, use your best discretion and know when it’s time to go the ER. What Does It All Mean? Racing heartbeats are signs given to us by our body during meditation. It’s your job to dive more deeply into it during meditation to discover what that message is. You may be experiencing anxiety for a variety of reasons that is creating a bodily fear response. More likely than not this will pass within a few minutes.

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7 Best Meditation Teacher Training Certifications of 2024

Don’t forget to take the free quiz at the end of this article to find out which certification is the best fit for you! There are dozens of meditation instructor certifications on the internet today. It’s hard to know which one to choose, and which one is the best bang for your buck. Luckily, I did the hard work for you and found the best meditation instructor certifications on the internet today. Meditation instructor certification courses give you comprehensive online and/ or offline training to teach and guide mindfulness meditation to beginner and intermediate students. Each of the courses listed below are accredited on some level and allow you to receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of your training. It’s important to note that there is no governing body that oversees meditation instructor certification accreditation. However, some programs are more credible than others. Many high quality programs are unofficially recognized by other organizations such as the International Association of Yoga Therapists and The Awareness Training Institute. But even some of the best programs aren’t “accredited” by these institutions. > see my article “How To Lead A Great Guided Meditation” I analyzed dozens of meditation teacher training certifications offered in 2024 and here are the top 7: #1 Meditation University’s Meditation Teacher Training (MTT-200) Kevin Ellerton’s Meditation University has recently released a state of the art all encompassing meditation teacher training. In Meditation University’s training not only will you learn about the various types of meditation, but you’ll also learn pranayama, kundalini, how to mantra, and yoga nidra. Meditation University’s meditation teacher training is taught by 13 highly experienced teachers each with a specialty in a specific area of meditation. Another notable point about Meditation University’s program is its entire section teaching you how to create a full time income teaching and selling your meditation skills after certification. All in all this meditation teacher training is both highly in depth and broad in scope making it one of the best options available. Noteworthy for: Being the most comprehensive meditation teacher training program available Teacher: Kevin Ellerton + 12 other teachers Available online: Yes Duration: 200 hours at your own pace Price: $3000 (scholarships are available) Accreditation: Internationally accredited and overseen by the International Mindfulness & Meditation Alliance and The Meditation Organization Check it out here. #2 Sura Flow Certified Meditation Coach Training Sura Flow is ranked #1 on our list because they are on the cutting edge of training meditation teachers and practitioners. Not only does Sura Flow’s course teach you every aspect of meditation, but they also teach you how to coach others to get the most out of their meditation practice. This approach leads your students to have the greatest spiritual and mental transformations possible through meditation. This is a 12 week long certification program taught by expert meditation teacher Sura Kim. This is an in-depth meditation course that is best for teachers, coaches, and instructors. Noteworthy for: The best for meditation coaches Teacher: Sura Kim Available online: Yes Duration: 12 week program (300 hours) Price: Depends (Multi-factorial) Accreditation: Sura Flow accredited meditation coach certification with completion Check it out here. #3 The Path’s Meditation Teacher Training The Path’s meditation teacher training ranks #3 on our list for the incredible in-depth training you receive for one of the lowest prices in the industry. Not only is this an entirely affordable course, they offer scholarships as well! The Path’s meditation teacher training hosts real live classes online and group sessions over 12 weeks. This meditation teacher training is rich with meditation knowledge and gives you real experience guiding meditations in group settings before graduating with your certification. Noteworthy for: Best for the price Teacher: Dina Kaplan Available online: Yes Duration: 12 week program Price: $1,099 (scholarships available up to $400 off) Accreditation: The Path accredited meditation teacher certification with certificate of completion Check it out here #4 Unplug Certified Meditation Teacher Training Unplug’s meditation teacher training program ranks #2 on this list because it’s the most well rounded of any other program out there. Unplug’s program consists of 200 hours of in depth training and community practicum laid out over a 6 week period developed by world renowned teacher Davidji. Unplug also gives recent graduates lifetime free access to the unplug app and continues to keep in touch with and answer questions well after the program finishes. With world class teachers comes world class prices, with the ultimate price tag being $3,500. Noteworthy for: The best for new meditation teachers Teacher: Davidji Available online: Yes Duration: 6 week program (200 hours) Price: $3,500 Accreditation: unplug accredited meditation teacher certification with certificate of completion Check it out here #5 Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Program Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach’s Mindfulness Meditation Program is the gold standard for meditation certification. Graduates from this program are among the most qualified meditation instructors in the entire world being taught by world class meditation teachers over the course of 2 years. The program has both psychological and spiritual depth and brings in renowned guest lecturers such as Eckhart Tolle and Dan Siegel. The program also includes a mentorship program that pairs students with experienced meditators for guidance and support throughout the course. Noteworthy for: Being the most in-depth in-person certification program Teacher: Jack Kornfield & Tara Brach Available online: Yes (in-person practicum) Duration: 2 Years Price: Calculated after acceptance into the program (It would be wise to assume this one has a hefty price tag due to it’s in depth nature and 2 year duration). Accreditation: Upon graduation you receive a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Sounds True, and the Awareness Training Institute. Check it out here Bonus: Jack Kornfield’s Mindfulness Meditation Fundamentals Course Jack Kornfield offers his own independent meditation course that focuses on the fundamentals of mindfulness meditation. Although it’s not an official meditation teacher certification, it does give you a deep dive into 31 lessons of mindfulness meditation content + a certificate of completion for just a measly $29! Check

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What Is Strong Determination Sitting in Meditation?

Strong determination sitting is one of the most powerful and potent forms of meditation for spiritual growth. It’s original purpose was to help serious spiritual seekers make breakthroughs faster by using a more intense form of meditation. Strong determination sitting meditation originates from the Pali term Adhiṭṭhān which translates to “determination” in English. Do you want to learn about the most potent meditation practice out there? Well you’re in the right place. What is strong determination sitting? Strong determination sitting is a form of Vipassana meditation which involves sitting completely still for long periods of time while maintaining complete focus. Strong determination sitting requires much longer durations of time that can last from hours to even days in extreme cases. Have an itch? Too bad, you’re not allowed to scratch it during a strong determination sit. When you are doing a strong determination sit you are not meant to react to any physical pain or discomfort, and instead maintain your posture and position. You can see how brutal this could get for even just 30 minutes of meditation. What Is The Purpose of Strong Determination Sitting? The purpose of strong determination sitting is twofold: One is to train mental resiliency and to develop deep concentration & mindfulness even in the face of deep discomfort and even pain. When you challenge yourself with such intense and long meditation sessions, you are training your brain to stay calm and aware even in the most uncomfortable situations. The second is to delve into deeper states of meditation to help you have spiritual breakthroughs or awakenings (especially, with regards to Vipassana meditation. > see also How To Meditate For Spiritual Awakening How to do a strong determination sit Here’s how you can practice strong determination sitting for yourself. 1. Set your intention Before you begin your strong determination sit set an intention for your session. Are you doing this for a more disciplined and strong mind? Are you meditating to learn more about what’s deep in your brain? Or are you trying to have a spiritual awakening? 2. Choose your time and place Choose a time during the day when you can spare a hour and aren’t rushed as strong determination sits may take longer than the usual mindfulness meditation session. Make sure you also find a location where you will not be distracted. It’s also important to sit somewhere comfortable as you will be sitting in this spot without moving for a long while. 3. Start with short sessions Start your sessions at short durations. Strong determinations sits can quickly get overwhelming and uncomfortable for new meditators. For this reason you should start with a 10-15 minutes session and work your way up from there. 4. Set a timer and prepare your posture Set your timer for the desired amount of meditation time. Without a timer you will have no idea when to stop meditating. Your sense of time can get confused in long meditation sessions! Find a posture that you will be able to maintain for a long period of time. You may try the classic legs crossed lotus position. If you are prone to back pain or your legs easily go numb during meditation you might want to sit upright in a chair with a rigid back. 5. Mindfully observe sensations, thoughts, and feelings Begin your meditation practice as you usually would by focusing your attention on whatever arises in your awareness. You can focus on a particular thing like your breathing or just watch as different thoughts, feelings, and sensations arise. 6. Maintain discipline and stillness What sets strong determination sitting apart from other types of meditation is the inability to move during meditation. No matter the pain, numbness, or discomfort you are staying totally still during a strong determination sit 7. Gradually lengthen meditation sessions As you continue practicing strong determination sitting meditation, you can begin to lengthen your sessions as you get more comfortable. The longer your sessions become, the more you will find the benefits of strong determination sitting. Benefits of strong determination sitting Why would you want to put yourself through all of that discomfort you may ask? Strong determination sitting meditation has many benefits including: Though strong determination meditation may be the most difficult form of meditation, it definitely is the most potent when it comes to benefits. Some report diving into and healing past traumas due to strong determination sits while others simply enjoy the practice of daily mental discipline. Conclusion Strong determination sitting meditation is the most extreme and difficult form of meditation you can practice. Though it can be uncomfortable at times, strong determination sitting can lead to great mental resilience and personal & spiritual growth.

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How Long Should You Practice Transcendental Meditation?

Transcendental meditation is a form of meditation pioneered by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi that uses a sound mantra. During meditation practice you choose a single constant sound in your environment to continually focus on (also known as the sound mantra). When it comes to practicing transcendental meditation how do you know how long you should practice for? And how often? How long should you practice transcendental meditation? Most types of meditation can be practiced for as long or as little as you prefer. While this is true for transcendental meditation, experts and instructors of TM recommend that you practice this type of meditation for 20 minutes at a time. Herbert Benson M.D. researched the effects and benefits of transcendental meditation at Harvard University. Benson’s recommendation in his research for the ideal time of a meditation session is 10-20 minutes. The official transcendental meditation website ca.tm.org gives this recommendation: “Transcendental Meditation is ideally practiced for twenty minutes”. Meditating for over 20 minutes may become difficult for the average meditator. However, anything under 10 minutes probably won’t be effective. How often should you do transcendental meditation? Transcendental meditation can be practiced as often or as little as you desire. If you desire a specific outcome such as lower stress levels or increased states of consciousness, you should create a habit. The official TM website recommends practicing transcendental meditation 2 times per day for 20 minutes each session. The first session should be in the morning before daily activities or work. The second session should be in the evening after work is completed for the day. This schedule of twice daily at the beginning and end of the day is set up for a special reason. Practicing TM before the day begins gets your mind calm and focused for the day ahead. Having a session at the end of the day unwinds your mind from work and allows you to relax for the evening. How long does it take transcendental meditation to work? So you want to know when you’ll see the benefits of transcendental meditation. Transcendental meditation expert Dr. Tony Nader says it takes around 4 days of practice to begin seeing noticeable long term benefits. However, I find that even practicing transcendental meditation one time you’ll find it has a huge impact on your mindset for the day. With habitual practice of transcendental meditation, you’ll begin to find your mind to be quieter and calmer more regularly. Keep at it meditators!

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Transcendental Meditation: How To Do It

Transcendental meditation is a newer form of meditation developed in the 1950s by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. Transcendental meditation is a form of silent mantra meditation where users focus on a sound for the entire duration of the meditation. Maharishi brought transcendental meditation to the West when he went on a world tour in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The sound is known as the mantra in transcendental meditation. A mantra is just anything that is repeatedly focused on by the meditator. The focus on the sound mantra in transcendental meditation brings you into the present moment and deepens your conscious awareness. How To Do Transcendental Meditation Here are the steps to practicing transcendental meditation: 1. Find a comfortable location and position Choose a quiet location that is distraction free and find a comfortable sitting position. You can decide to sit on a chair, bed, couch, or the floor as long as it will allow you to stay awake and alert for the duration of the meditation. 2. Close your eyes Begin your meditation by closing your eyes and taking a few deep breaths. This will help you get centered and closing your eyes will help you focus solely on the sound mantra. 3. Choose a silent sound mantra Become aware of the sounds in the room or environment you’re in. Find a sound that is relatively constant in your environment. Choose this sound and use it for the duration of the meditation. 4. Focus on the mantra for 15-20 minutes For however long you want to meditate you’re going to continue to bring your attention to this one constant sound you chose at the very beginning. Anytime you get distracted just bring your attention back to the sound mantra. Continually refocus in this way for the entire meditation. Most transcendental meditation teachers recommend doing this for 15-20 minutes a day. How Long Should You Practice Transcendental Meditation? Why Transcendental Meditation? Transcendental meditation is unique for several reasons. This specific type of sound mantra meditation brings meditators deeply into a state of relaxation and peace with a relatively low amount of effort. This particular type of meditation can also be used to access higher states of consciousness. As you get deeper and deeper into a meditative state using transcendental meditation, you may have spiritual breakthroughs or spiritual awakenings. Transcendental meditation is incredibly simple to start practicing and gives you all of the mental and spiritual benefits of any other type of meditation. 7 Best Types of Meditation: Which Is Best For You?

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