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Hello Everybody!

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:41 am
by Joseph
My name is Gaston and I live in Quebec City, Canada.
I'm new to meditation, so you'll have to forgive me if I don't speak the jargon.

I stumbled upon this site while searching for answers to questions I have about a 10 days vipassana course I'm going to attend this coming Wednesday (march 17th).

I started to meditate this past June for 8 minutes per day for a couple of months. I tried to meditate before then but got discouraged because I tried it for too long at one sitting. 8 minutes was manageable for me at the time. Then, I started to sit 8 minutes twice per day and gradually increased it to 20 minutes (sometimes 1/2 hour) twice per day.

I registered to the 10 days course a couple of months ago. It's located in Sutton, Quebec, Canada. I feel like I really need this course because for the past few weeks I've missed more and more sittings (sometimes I don't do any in a day). I find it hard to get the motivation, or when I sit I watch the time. I can't say that I'm helping my cause though for I am a coffee drinker and I eat a lot of sugar, red meat, junk food, etc. Some habits will have to go.

From what I've read so far I believe the 10 days course will be beneficial and am really looking forward to it.

I have a couple of questions for those who have been to such a course:

Will they frown upon me for trying different sitting postures? I mean, I've been mostly sitting on a chair to meditate but have also tried the cross legged way and being so new I'm not sure which is more comfortable. Do they teach also about sitting positions? Are there any chairs, cushions, etc. at the center?

What can I wear during meditation in the main hall? I'll bring a pair of jogging pants and some sweat shirts. I was wondering, are pajama bottoms ok to wear? These are the clothes which are comfortable to me.

Thanks in advance.

G.

Re: Hello Everybody!

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:54 am
by DNS
:hello:

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel!

I think most of the answers to your questions can be found here:

http://www.dhamma.org/en/code.shtml" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re: Hello Everybody!

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:02 am
by retrofuturist
Greetings Gaston,

Welcome to Dhamma Wheel.

:buddha2:

Enjoy your retreat.

Metta,
Retro. :)

Re: Hello Everybody!

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 4:34 am
by bodom
Welcome Gaston!

:anjali:

Re: Hello Everybody!

Posted: Mon Mar 15, 2010 7:31 pm
by Joseph
Thanks for the welcome, guys!

David, I've already been through all the available info on the Sutton site but it only vaguely addresses my questions. Well, I guess I'll soon find out the answers!

So far, I've found some great information on this site; thanks to all for contributing!

Have a great present moment!

G