The Art of Meditation
The meditation practice can re-orient our inner landscape and the way we navigate the outside world
Our favorite meditation book is Meditate by Swami Muktananda because it’s funny. Can we set aside the fact that he was a predatory creep, and appreciate his book? Meditate is filled with gentle humor that explains meditation in practical terms and holds a mirror up to your scepticism.
Honor Your Self
There is nothing fussy or fancy about the slim volume; in 102 pages, he shares in very simple terms that the goal is not to meditate on an object external to yourself but rather to meditate on your actual Self. “Honor your Self. Understand your Self,” he writes because “God dwells within you as you.”
Some of the finest places to experience the unfathomable that resides within us are museums and galleries whose art reflects and challenges our self-perceptions and delusions, as well as those of our society. Standing, circling or sitting before a work has the potential to re-orient our inner landscape and the way we navigate the outside world.
Below more details on an upcoming literary and mindful evening that shines a light on contemporary art, two immersive meditation workshops inspired by a singular creative vision, as well as more ways to explore mindfulness in Paris…
Méditation, Reflets: Conference and book signing at Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection (Paris)
with Soizic Michelot
After studying art history, literature and film, Soizic Michelot spent seven years in a buddhist monastery. An author and MBSR meditation teacher today, Soizic will lead a talk that will reveal and highlight contemporary artistic expressions which draw on contemplative practices.
Her latest book, Les Tisseurs de Silences1, co-written with Philippe Filliot, contemplates new forms of emerging and contemporary art, and takes a thoughtful and considered look at the stakes facing them.
Conference on the theme of contemplative renewal in contemporary art
Friday June 7th, 2024
19h
Amphitheater, Bourse de Commerce
As this is an evening event, you’ll be free to visit the exhibitions after hours. Conference is included in the museum entrance fee.
Méditation, Reflets: Meditation workshops at Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection (Paris)
with Soizic Michelot
Inspired by Kimsooja’s large-scale installation To Breathe — Constellation, Soizic will guide you through different meditations (seated and walking) in order for you to forge a personal, embodied connection to the art.
In To Breathe — Constellation, Kimsooja has positioned an immense mirror on the floor underneath the rotunda and as one approaches, the reflective panels invert the order of the world: the sky opens up beneath our feet, re-orienting our place in space.
This is a unique chance to have the museum to yourself on a weekend morning, and immerse in an artist’s singular work through a mindfulness practice.
Meditation workshops
Saturday June 8th, 2024 and Saturday June 25th, 2024
9h-10h30
10€
Please wear comfortable clothing for the workshops. Socks (no shoes) must be worn during sessions.
MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE MINDFULNESS AND MEDITATION IN PARIS
Highly recommend Soizic’s first book, Méditer à travers l’art, which selects 100 eclectic, moving works of art—from Gustave Courbet to Space Invader to Pina Bausch—and offers each a creative, mindful exegesis.
The Paris Zen Festival takes place June 29th and 30th in the Espace City’zen at the Parc Floral de Paris. Prices are very affordable (10€/class or 70€/entire day) with all-levels sessions: meditation, yoga, sound baths, Pilates, Qi Gong…
Wild Flower Zen Sangha in the 11e is a Zen meditation center with French and English instruction. Weekly sessions are open to all, even beginners. For more info, email: info@wildflowerzen.org
Bloom now has two locations for your massage, meditation and sound bath needs: one in the 2e, and another in the 9e. Their Offre Découverte is a great deal: 45€ for three in-person 30mn or 60 mn classes.
Get in touch with our friend and meditation teacher Tanya Dyhin if your office is interested in bringing meditation into the workplace. Tanya offers on-site intro talks and can design a meditation course (in English or French) that slots into your company’s wellness programme.
Unfortunately there isn’t a bookshop.org in France, so all of the above book titles link out, via affiliate network, to Amazon. If you buy something, we may earn a small commission.