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Benefits of meditation
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Perhaps you've heard about meditation, and maybe tried a particular technique, read a book, or listened to some instruction. So what exactly is it that we teach at IMS?

Primarily, we offer instruction in insight and lovingkindness meditation. These are practices drawn from the Buddhist meditative tradition. Although much of the culture and atmosphere at IMS reflects this, a retreat at our centers does not require an adherence to Buddhism or any adaptation of personal faith.

Why Meditate?

Meditation helps us on many levels, from simple relaxation to freedom from suffering and full liberation of heart and mind. It allows us to:

• defuse stress and experience greater calm
• explore the mind-body relationship
• connect to our feelings
• expand our sense of who we are, beyond our fears and self-judgment
• find genuine happiness
• discover inner resources that can change our everyday lives
• awaken our capacity for insight and wisdom
• transform our worldview from one of isolation and confusion to one of connection, clarity and compassion
• broaden our perspective and deepen our courage, based on seeing things just as they are

(Thanks to Sharon Salzberg, IMS co-founder and guiding teacher)