Learn to Meditate Session 3: Stress-Free Attitudes and Peace of Mindthrough Meditation Date: Venue: Facilitator:

From The Last Two Sessions Remember your answers to “Who am I?” and “What do I want to be?” What is Values Meditation?

What to Expect in This Session To see stress in a different light! Developing stress-free attitudes De-stressing using a meditation technique

Values and Stress Remember exercise reviewing some event where your behavior was not the best Were you under stress? Values clarity reduces stress Let us learn more about stress and stress relief.

What is stress? Is it a cause or an effect? – Physical – Mental – Emotional Or something deeper? – A trend A weakness?

VIDEO Thanks to : Brainsmart BBC

Let us read the next slide and introspect for 5 minutes

A gap between desires and capability – between goals and means – too much to do or pay, too many to please A state of confusion – Inability to prioritize, give and take or compromise and accept – Values conflict Due to chaotic partnership between self and the society IS STRESS…

Its Effects Physical – Chemical and hormonal imbalance – Health deteriorates, heart attack, shattered dreams Mental – Loss of poise, balance – Anger and emotional problems – You can imagine the rest

Exercise From the point of view of stress as a symptom of some inner imbalance 1. Think about the causes of stress in your life 2. List some ways in which you can reduce or cope with stress

Stress-Free Lifestyle What makes for a stress-free lifestyle? Simplicity is the panacea for stress relief -- not prayer, not any other external form of help Aspirational set of goals consistent with values and behaviors It’s ultimately about managing our own self So, How do we manage our self?

Best Ways to Self-Management What is the one thing we can do, doing which changes everything else in our life? Walking, self-reflecting, meditating as habits Seek someone who can help us (not judge us) - lover, friend, church or support group, priest, mentor

Practical Session Let us meditate on “How to develop peace of mind” for 15 minutes

Deepening The Experience When you return home, think about all that transpired in this session Try to distill a few key ideas and deepen them Please continue to meditate on an idea that would increase or contribute to your peace of mind. Meditate for 10 mins, twice daily Same place, same time if possible Write down any ideas, observations or Aha! moments

Next Week Topic: Need for A Meditation System A few systems discussed We will meditate for 15 minutes in class.