“I am really glad I participated! Thanks for holding this course!”

This was just one of the many enthusiastic comments shared by participants about their recent experience with a new meditation course, launched at Stetson last semester. In October 2014, 10 Stetson students and staff members (pictured left) participated in the Meditation Starter Kit—a four-week series. The course is designed to offer structure and assistance to individuals as they establish or recommit to their own personal meditation practice.

The Meditation Starter Kit begins by exploring meditation in general, with each individual identifying their own purpose for developing their meditation practice. Weeks two and three include tips and tricks for success, as well as open discussions on the difficulties that individuals face when meditating. Sleepiness, difficulty shutting down thoughts, and even our own inner critic can make meditation difficult. The Meditation Starter Kit explores techniques to observe and address such challenges.

Finally, week four brings all of these learnings together with a discussion of what it might mean to integrate conscious awareness into our life—both on and off our meditation cushion.

The series is designed by local community member, Jora Young. Young spent 37 years in the field of natural areas conservation and resource management, and is the co-author of The Ecology of Hope, a book that highlights how communities can work collaboratively to solve conservation challenges. Additionally, Young has a 40-year commitment to a meditation practice. She has studied under three renowned spiritual teachers and participated in and facilitated numerous meditation retreats.

Participant reviews from October’s Meditation Starter Kit stated:

“I feel less anxious and sleep better now.”
“I feel less confused and alone in the practice.”
“Because of this course, I am learning how to accept and manage my feelings.”
“I am now more interested and devoted to establishing my own practice.”
“It helped motivate me to meditate everyday.”

Interested in participating? The Meditation Starter Kit is offered to Stetson students, staff, and faculty members at no cost. The next series will begin on Wednesday, Feb. 4. To register, or to receive more information, please contact Stetson’s Assistant Director of Interfaith Initiatives Lindsey Graves, at [email protected].