Getting Grounded: The Foundation for Meditation Resources

With Paula Chichester (Nyingje): 12th to 13th September 2020

In the fast paced intensity of our lives, where are we now? In our bodies or in the cloud or in our fantasies? During this weekend Paula demonstrated a series of soft, easy, physical and meditation exercises that allow the mind/body to come home to itself, to our basic natural wholesome sense of being here, present, awake and feeling good about who we are and what we are doing.

This recordings can be used as a foundation for people wishing to deepen and “get more juice” from their tantric meditations or for anyone who seeks a lighter, more focused mind and a stronger energy body.

What to bring: Wear loose clothing and use the recordings in a room with enough space to lie down comfortably with space for arms and legs to stretch out on both sides, preferably on a nice carpet and/or a yoga mat.

If you can have 3 blankets, one that goes under your body, one that is folded to reach just to below the small of your back and a small blanket or shawl that is folded or rolled to about as wide as your palm to go between the small of your back and your neck, to support an open chest. These are not required, just helpful. Paula will explain it in more detail during the sessions.

Optional: A comfortable chair to sit in or a meditation cushion or any pillow with carpet and blanket underneath to support the knees. You can also just do the meditations lying down, especially if you have the support of the blankets.

About Paula

Paula began her studies of Buddhism when she was 14 at Berkeley High School in California where she realized liberating delusion was key to healing our planet and its inhabitants. The focus on systems theory and ecology at university prepared her to apply the whole body/mind/culture/ environment to this ancient contemplative discipline of human transformation.

As a dancer, healer, singer, student of psychology and ecology, she brings all these elements into the understanding of the whole person and how tantra works in this greater context – while preserving the classical format of Lama Tsong Khapa’s ear-whispered lineage.

Inspired by the example of the meditators in Dharamsala and Kyabje Zong Rinpoche, she devoted the last 34 years to following the guidance those she calls her awesome, amazing teachers, primarily Lama Thubten Yeshe, Kyabje Zopa Rinpoche and Kyabje Ribur Rinpoche. — which included 24 years preparing for and completing long retreats — 2 of which were 4 year solitary great maha-anuttara yoga retreats.

She studies with teachers from all 4 schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Her goal in life has been steady since childhood: to realize Mahamudra and do all she can to bring peace and environmental justice to our world.

Find out more about Paula and many other materials and resources which can support you in your practice on her website: www.braveview.org

Audio and Video from Zoom Recordings

Please note: Each recording repeats the same set of exercises, however, the introduction and explanations are slightly different each time so you may still wish to watch all four.

Session One

Session Two

Session Three

Session Four

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