Meditation Made Simple
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Westerners face a unique set of obstacles when walking the path of meditation. Our fast‐paced, high‐pressure lifestyle carries over into the way we approach meditation practice, and we often have difficulty achieving genuine relaxation of body and mind. Deep, sustained relaxation is not only the basis for mental and physical health and well-being, but the foundation for spiritual awakening.
Our approach equips students and clients with the skills, resources and tools required to develop authentic calm, clarity, and wisdom, and to achieve deep, sustained states of relaxation. Our approach has been adapted from the profound techniques of the Eastern spiritual traditions, as well as modern secular evidenced-based approaches.
To begin our meditative journey, we learn the theory behind yogic and Buddhist approaches to meditation. We explore practices to bring the body, breath, energy and mind into relaxation in preparation for calm abiding meditation.
Now that we’ve learned to relax and connect with our bodies and energy, we practice calm abiding meditation to cultivate relaxed focus. We work with various objects of meditation to free ourselves from the distraction of thoughts and reach a state of calm.
As our focus becomes more refined, it also becomes more relaxed and clear. We move beyond the urge to manipulate our experience. Less effort is required to explore the subtle qualities of mind and uncover our true inner nature. As insight develops, we learn to rest in the clarity and inspiration of our innate wisdom, without dullness or agitation.
We begin to view our internal and external worlds more widely, creating a foundation for the experience of unbiased compassion. Instead of grasping at the duality of self and other, we cultivate boundless equanimity which leads to an experience of wide-open, spacious mind.
We discover that the true nature of mind is vast, uncontrived and free of thoughts and worries. We open to the space between dualities, transcend habitual patterns and achieve a deep state of resting wakefulness.
We are introduced to our profound innermost nature of non-conceptual awareness, the naturally perfect state of primordial purity and spontaneous arising. Mind comes to rest effortlessly beyond fixation and manipulation in our authentic natural condition.
"The team did enjoy the time yesterday and all learned something knew. They left full of ideas and willing to find what works best for them. I appreciate your support and generosity, by both sharing your wisdom and your time (overtime). On behalf of the team, thank you very much!"
Microsoft Corporation
Toronto, Canada
"I highly recommend Michael to anyone that would be interested in learning about meditation. He is highly knowledgeable and has extensive experience."
Dr. Arezoo K.
Clinical Psychologist
Fredericksburg, VA
"The experience of working with Michael Hess teaching the Seven Steps of meditation was a profoundly great blessing. His method of guiding was clear and calming although we had a challenge of translation into German language. Nevertheless Michael was easily to accommodate to our various needs."
Tsering C., CEO
Vienna, Austria
"I have worked with other teachers, and without a doubt working with Michael has brought me closer to reaching my personal goals in a way that has far exceeded my expectations."
Maryellen T.
Northern Virginia
"Our staff was new to meditation and found his techniques very effective for the type of work we do within the community. Michael has a wealth of knowledge and helped us understand the big picture of the techniques we were using. Thank you Michael!!"
Micah Ecumenical Ministries
Fredericksburg, VA
"I attended Michael’s 100-hour Meditation Teacher Training in 2019-2020. Michael is incredibly knowledgeable both in terms of explaining the content of the course, but also in practice. He is more than willing to spend as much time with each student as needed to ensure the course material is understood."
Jaime K.
Elkridge, MD