ABSTRACT
The practice of sitting meditation is taught in a graduated way from Week 2 onwards. Participants are invited to sit either in a chair or on the floor on a cushion or meditation stool, and to consciously bring the body to a posture that is both upright and at ease. This offers an embodiment of the internal qualities that are being cultivated - an alert and relaxed awareness. The practice encourages learning in the following areas: Further developing the ability to be with experience within the body; learning to bring the attitudinal qualities of mindfulness to experience; learning to settle and calm the mind; developing a new relationship with experience; and understanding how the mind operates. Repeated experience of the sitting meditation opens the way for a deeper appreciation of the nature of the mind. The sitting meditation practice builds on the foundation of learning developed during the body scan and mindful movement.
