Meditation is a practice that has been around for thousands of years. It can be found in almost every country, culture, religion and tradition. Although there are many robes in which this practice wears, they all share one thing in common. Meditation is the development of attention. Not only does meditation enhance focus but it can help to reduce stress, decrease anxiety, improve sleep, support memory, accelerate creativity, improve health and the list goes on. What makes meditation such an ideal life enhancement practice is that it is always available; it requires no membership fees, equipment, little time, can be done almost anywhere and at any stage of life.
So why is it that with so much to gain and nothing to lose, people struggle to incorporate meditation into their life? We will look toward meditation in the Yoga tradition for the answers.

In this 3 part workshop with Josh Blatter, we will explore meditation through the lens of Yoga and see what makes this method of meditation, one of the most approachable and effective. We explore the misconceptions of meditation, the mind’s role in the practice, components of a meditation practice, proper preparation to focus the mind and the applications of meditation for self reflection and transformation.

Part 1: Application of Meditation in the Yoga Tradition
There are many ways to meditate and the Yoga tradition lays out a very clear framework for the practice. In the first session, we will explore how meditation works, discuss the components of the practice and the mind’s role in the development of attention. This session will be both discussion and practice. By the end you will leave with a much clearer sense and understanding of how meditation is applied in the Yoga tradition.

Part 2: Meditation and Self Reflection in Practice
There is a saying that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. This is because everything we see is subjective to our own experiences. By observing how we perceive, we gain insight into ourselves. In the second session, we will utilize meditation for self reflection. We will explore how to apply various methods of meditation for self inquiry - what is called, svādhyāya meditation.

Part 3: Meditation and Transformation in Practice
What you pay attention to matters. A rock is different than a tree. The sun is different than the moon. A river is different than the ocean. Every object has a different set of qualities. In the third session, we will utilize meditation for transformation - what is called, tapas meditation. We will explore how to use objects of focus to both enhance and access the unlimited potentials within us.

ABOUT JOSH BLATTER
Josh Blatter is a Yoga and Meditation instructor in Encinitas, CA. Josh is best known for his understanding of the human body, subtle anatomy and Yoga therapy in concert with the ancient tradition to guide student into the heart of Yoga. Josh believes that the root of the practice is our ability to bring the body, mind and breath into balance. Contributing and enhancing his teachings, Josh has attained multiple certificates in Yoga and Yoga Therapy, Corrective Exercise Specialist with the National Association of Sports Medicine, has extensively studied at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram in Chennai, India, and has clinical experience working with doctors, chiropractors and naturopaths.

Cost for this 3 days workshop is $200 or $75 per day if you are unable to attend the entire workshop.