Meditation instruction
One-on-one instruction
I have the capacity to take on a few individual students. If you're interested in one-on-one meditation instruction, reach out via the contact form. In your message, give me a sense of your past meditation experience ("none" is ok!), including the names of any apps you've used, teachers you've studied with, or techniques you've used.
Course: Intro to Meditation
This short course is targeted at anyone new or new-ish to meditation. Meditation has many benefits, including stress reduction, greater ability to stay in the present moment, and some of the same benefits that come from therapy. We'll cover a few different techniques, including concentration on breath sensations and lovingkindness. There will be an emphasis on establishing a regular practice, self compassion, and learning from each other's experiences. Each class will offer a group sit and an opportunity for everyone to share about their practice and ask any questions they have.
Offerings
Upcoming:
- Mondays 6:00–7:30pm Pacific time (PT), June 2 through July 7, 2025
- Sign up via this form
Previous:
- March–April 2025
Notes
These notes are living documents, to be updated as the course evolves over time.
- Class 1: focus, goals, and consistency; what is meditation?; self compassion; concentration on breath sensations; posture, environment, and other practical considerations
- Class 2: attention and awareness; additions to concentration practice; troubleshooting concentration practice; the three skills
- Class 3: sensations per breath; the "committee" model of mind; choice of practice
- Class 4: "progress" is not linear; body scanning
- Class 5: treating others with compassion; sensation and equanimity; open awareness
- Class 6: resources for further practice; how to stay in touch; lovingkindness (mettā)
About the teacher
Alex Ellis has been meditating since 2016 and has sat around 60 days of retreat. He is a student of and is authorized to teach by Tucker Peck.