Meditation and Mindfulness: Classes in Singapore

Published on July 5, 2016

What is Meditation?

Meditation is a word that has come to be used loosely and inaccurately in the modern world. That is why there is so much confusion about how to practice it. Some people use the word meditate when they mean thinking or contemplating; others use it to refer to daydreaming or fantasizing. However, meditation is not any of these.

Meditation is a precise technique for resting the mind and attaining a state of consciousness that is totally different from the normal waking state. It is the means for fathoming all the levels of ourselves and finally experiencing the center of consciousness within. Meditation is not a part of any religion; it is a science, which means that the process of meditation follows a particular order, has definite principles, and produces results that can be verified.

(Source: https://yogainternational.com/article/view/the-real-meaning-of-meditation )

Benefits of Meditation

In the late 1960’s, Dr. Herbert Benson of Harvard Medical School conducted scientific studies to test the health benefits of meditation. He determined that meditation could be used successfully in treating physiological problems, such as high blood pressure, heart disease and migraine headaches, as well as autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and arthritis. As they meditated, he found that his test subjects’ heartbeats and breathing had slowed, their blood lactate levels decreased, and their brains had increased in alpha activity, which is a sign of relaxation. Dr. Benson also found that meditation was helpful in stopping or slowing obsessive thinking, anxiety, depression, and hostility.

In the “Set Point Study,” scientists found that each of us has a natural “set point” in our brains for both good and bad emotions. The study found that people accustomed to being happy have more activity in the front portion of their frontal lobes. Meanwhile, the right side is more active in people who worry or are anxious. Even when major events occur in a person’s life, such as winning the lottery, scientists have found that brain chemistry shifts back to its normal, or set point within about six months.

The good news is that you CAN change your set point through meditation. One study demonstrated that after only eight weeks of meditating for approximately one hour each day, six days a week, test subjects reported they had become happier. Follow-up tests showed that these individuals’ set points had changed—to the extent that their normal level of mental happiness had been raised. In addition, they had become better at picking up emotional cues from others, and they reported developing more empathy towards others’ emotions. On the physical level, the researchers found that the meditators’ immune system responses had improved.

(Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/meditation-modern-life/201309/meditation-will-make-you-smarter-and-happier )


Meditation Classes in Singapore

1) SoulCentre Academy

91 Bencoolen St.
#12-04 Sunshine Plaza
Singapore 189652

Meditation Made Simple (Step 1)

http://www.soulcentre.org/meditation-made-simple

  • A unique program for 4 simple and fun sessions that will teach you how to benefit from meditation in your daily active life.
  • Learn simple techniques that can be used in just 30 seconds, in the middle of your active day to bring you happiness and inner peace. You can apply what you learnt at work, at home, and even while you are in the midst of activity, and you will see real benefits.

Meditation in Action (Step 2)

http://www.soulcentre.org/meditation-in-action

  • A 4-session training program that will empower you to deploy the wisdom and techniques of meditation in your daily life. You will be able to manage the challenges life presents in a much more efficient manner.

Masters of Meditation (Step 3)

http://www.soulcentre.org/masters-of-meditation

  • Conducted over 10 sessions, 2.5 hours each. During the sessions, you will be introduced to the highest wisdom of life and also learn secret practices of meditation that are very effective in bringing positive change.

Testimonials

  1. I just wanted to say thank you for your meditation class. I actually think that it has been life-changing for me. I am generally much happier now & focus on the positives in life which has led to a different approach to work, more work-life balance and no more sleepless nights. - Liz Fendt
  2. Meditation has made me calmer and happier. It has given me a completely new perspective on life and I now interact with the world very differently. Definitely a technique I would recommend to others. - Sudhanshu Sarronwala

2) Transcendental Meditation

SRM Foundation of Singapore
120 Lower Delta Road
Cendex Centre #10-09
Singapore 169208

TM Course Phase 1: Learning the technique

http://transcendental-meditation.sg/learning-tm/

  • Learning Transcendental Meditation happens in 7 steps, spread over 4-5 sessions of 2 hours over 4-5 consecutive days.
  1. Introduction Seminar (1.5h)
  2. Preparatory Lecture (30min)
  3. Personal interview (10-15min)
  4. Personal instruction( 1.5h)
  5. Three follow-up sessions (steps 5-7)

TM Course Phase 2: Follow-up

  • First 6 months: A bi-weekly to monthly follow-up is recommended to verify the correctness of the practice of the Transcendental Meditation technique and to gain more knowledge about its effects.
  • Weekend one day course: We dive deep into the practice of meditation, and will meditate far more than we normally do at home, together with other TM participants and under strict guidance of a trained teacher. This gives deeper knowledge, deeper experience, and greater appreciation of the TM technique.
  • Lifelong right to follow-up: TM students can, for the rest of their lives, attend the monthly group meetings or ask any TM teacher in the world to verify the correctness of the practice.

Testimony to the TM technique:

http://transcendental-meditation.sg/references-for-the-transcendental-meditation-technique/

  1. Scientific Research
  2. Media reports about TM success stories
  3. More support from government institutions
  4. Testimonials from famous TM practitioners

3) Kadampa Meditation Centre Singapore

134 Neil Road
Singapore 088863

http://nkt-kmc-singapore.org/meditation-classes/

Weekly Classes (Mondays 7.30pm, Tuesdays 7.30pm, Wednesdays 7.30pm)

  • Suitable for those interested in finding out about the basics of Buddhism and meditation.
  • You can choose to book a short course of 4 classes to enjoy maximum benefits from meditation, or just  book individual classes

Drop-in class (Tuesdays 12.30pm, Thursdays 11am, Fridays 7-8pm)

  • Drop in to a class anytime.

Children’s Meditation Classes (Sat 5.15-6.15pm)

  • Recommended for ages 4 – 11 years.
  • Each class is self-contained and includes gentle meditations, a short teaching, fun activities (story telling/drama/crafts) and discussions relevant to their everyday experiences.
  • All children must be accompanied by an adult.

4) SahajaYoga Meditation

http://www.singaporemeditation.org/index.php/meditation-classes

6-weeks Beginner's Program (First time to Sahaja Yoga Meditation)

  • All Sahaja Yoga Meditation classes are in both English and Mandarin and cater to different levels from first-timers, beginners to regular practitioners. Anyone can come for the classes and they are always free.
  • Attending one of these classes will allow you to experience the benefits of real meditation. You will also learn techniques that you can continue at home. The classes do not require yoga postures, physical exercises or any yoga mats as they are meditation-based. Chairs are provided to help you sit comfortably.
  • You will be involved in a mixture of both practical guided meditation sessions and information on the subtle energy system.
  • Class Enquiries

English - 9237 4027 / 8350 1156 / 9182 6131

Mandarin - 9847 7811

  • Classes are running in 4 locations in Singapore:
    • Macpherson
    • Boon Lay CC
    • Canberra CC
    • Serangoon RC

Testimonials

 


5) The Terataii Centre

#04-03C Sime Darby Building
896 Dunearn Road
Singapore 589472

http://www.terataii.com.sg/meditation.php

Joyful Meditation Workshops

  • The workshop teaches several easy and effective ways to meditate, with plenty of practice. It offers tips on setting up your own regular practice. It explains the science behind meditation so that your understanding of the process strengthens your practice of meditation. It teaches you, too, to be less reactive and more responsive to life, shifting your locus of control inside rather than outside yourself.

The Meditation Hour

  • Discover the joys of meditation with like-minded students led by Pamposh Dhar, who has taught meditation for several years in the Philippines and Singapore. Pamposh guides the group through several different forms of meditation, and explains the why and how of meditation.

Testimonials

  1.  “Pamposh exudes peace and contentment and is such a fine example of what meditation can do to help us find self-love and a feeling of freedom and joy at any given moment – simply as a matter of CHOICE in the now, in each moment.” - Elizabeth Lake
  2. “I had an amazing experience participating in one of Pamposh's meditation workshops. I learnt a lot of new facets about my senses and how I can control them to relax myself at will. The inner peace I felt cannot be described!" - Tarannum Syed, meditation student

6) Vipassana Meditation

111 North Bride Road
#02-07A Peninsula Plaza
Singapore 179098

http://www.sg.dhamma.org/

  • To learn Vipassana Meditation one needs to develop one's own experience during a residential ten day course. Courses are held several times a year in Singapore.
  • To apply for a course and to understand the requirements, please read the Code of Discipline and find a convenient date in the Course Schedule.

7) Singapore Breath Meditation Group

http://www.meetup.com/breathmeditation/

  • Join us for a Breath Meditation Meet-Up where we meditate with our breath to calm and clear our mind. Breath Meditation is a very simple and effective method to quiet our mind while watching our breath. It is non-religion based and suitable for all who are on his/her spiritual journey. With group support, one would find that breath meditation is calming and relaxing. Breath Meditation enables one to be in the present moment and builds one's trust in inner wisdom.
  • With Breath Meditation, one can improve work productivity; enhance one's inner state of well-being and also to better balance one's life. Keep our mind clutter free in this modern and fast-paced society with Breath Meditation now.

Testimonials

  1. “I love this community and the safe spaces it has for group meditation.”
  2. “A very supportive and friendly group. I felt welcome as soon as I arrived.”
  3. “A nice group comprising of people from different ethnic background and different age group.”

8) Nirvana Mind

Loft at Boat Quay
10 North Canal Road
Singapore 048823

http://www.nirvanamind.net/#!meditation/c1ka7

Private Meditation Sessions

  • If you would like to deepen your practice and receive personal guidance on your meditation practice and techniques, Nirvana Mind is available for one-on-one or private group sessions.
  • In your home or location of your choosing, we will customise a meditation session or series to suit your schedule and requirements
  • Please contact us for our rates and more details about how we can support you on your meditation journey (Email: helen@nirvanamind.net )

Testimonials

  1. "Nirvana Mind is your new sanctuary and retreat where the world disappears for a while. Step into a candlelit room away from the heat and bustle of the day, where a quiet cushioned space is saved just for you. Dedicated facilitators are there to assist, support and guide you on your journey towards achieving peace of mind. Every day of the week, except Mondays, there are guided meditation sessions and workshops at Nirvana Mind." - Sassy’s Guide to Mindfulness and Meditation in Singapore

9) The Reiki Centre

http://www.reikicentre.com.sg/reiki-workshops/

  • Reiki is easy to learn and the different levels are designed to meet your differing needs. 
  • At the Reiki Centre we provide all the levels of training from Beginners (Level 1) to Advanced (Level 2) and Master’s Training.  We also provide Children’s workshops as well as free talks and ongoing Reiki group healing and sharing sessions at all levels.  We offer Reiki from the Usui/Hayashi/Takata lineage.

10) Sri Chinmoy Centre

http://sg.srichinmoycentre.org/meditation-singapore

  • The meditation classes we give offer practical, easy-to-learn techniques that people can take home and use as the basis for their own home practice.
  • At the request of our teacher Sri Chinmoy, we give these classes free of charge - we feel that the inner peace and joy that meditation can bring is a birthright, and not something that should be sold. Sri Chinmoy himself never charged for his guidance, meditations or public concerts. He used to say "my only fee is aspiration" - i.e. the student's inner willingness and yearning for higher and deeper truths.
  • You can find out about upcoming meditation classes by getting in touch with us using our contact form (http://sg.srichinmoycentre.org/contact)

11) Brahma Kumaris Singapore

Peace Hall
7 Hindoo Road #03-00
Singapore - 209 108

http://brahmakumaris.org.sg/events/about_courses

  • Raja Yoga meditation is the clearest method of attaining mastery over your own life. Unwanted habits are banished forever, stress is replaced with peace and worry is transformed into well-being. Raja Yoga is unique in that it merges spiritual education with open-eyed meditation.
  • Just like any healthy lifestyle practice, the practice of Raja Yoga meditation blends into one’s life, giving experiences of inner peace and contentment. As one progresses to be a regular meditation practitioner, this new understanding enables one to be proactive in life and to value each moment of self awareness. Most importantly, a meditator needs an environment that supports his/her practice and helps trigger their spiritual awakening. The Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre is a haven of peace & tranquillity.
  • You are invited to continue to take benefit from the Centre even after you have completed the Raja Yoga course. All courses offered by the Brahma Kumaris Raja Yoga Centre are free of charge.

Testimonials

  1. “It is here that I came to know who am I and what is the purpose of my life. I am applying this Raja yoga knowledge and meditation in my life on a day to day basis and it has greatly improved my professional and family relationships. My unnecessary worries and fears are a thing of the past.” - Nandlal Patil
  2. “I used to be short tempered and impatient but with the practice of meditation, have become more patient. This has benefited me in my line of work - teaching. I have learnt to be non-judgmental and open in my interaction with others.” - Rema Narayanan

Meditation Apps/Support

1) Headspace

https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

  • Meditation made simple. Guided meditations suitable for all levels from Headspace. Meditation can help improve your focus, exercise mindful awareness, relieve anxiety and reduce stress.

Testimonials

  1. "It's an app that teaches you how to meditate. It's kind of genius." - Emma Watson

2) Smiling Mind

http://smilingmind.com.au/

  • Smiling Mind is modern meditation for young people. It is a unique web and App-based program, designed to help bring balance to young lives.

Testimonials

  1. “Smiling Mind is extremely effective in building self-confidence and emotional health in young people” - Marty Sacks
  2. “After being exposed to numerous outstanding not-for-profit initiatives over the years I am very excited about Smiling Mind. It is a complementary, pre-emptive mental health program that people of all ages and walks of life can access at no cost. I am pleased to support Smiling Mind and believe it will ensure happier, healthier young Australians.” - Simon McKeon

3) Calm

https://www.calm.com/

  • Relax with Calm, a simple guided mindfulness meditation app featured in the New York Times and LifeHacker, that focuses on stress reduction and will bring more clarity, joy, and peace of mind into your life anywhere you go.

Testimonials

  1. “The web app falls short of a full-blown meditation practice, but it does serve as a gulp of fresh air between the sedentary-ness of office life. And it feels good to be floating away, forgetting the desk for a few minutes.” - Mindful Staff

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.

(Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/mindfulness)


Mindfulness Classes in Singapore

1) VS Wellness Dr Ruen

9 Kaki Bukit Road 2
#03-27
Singapore 417842

http://www.vs-wellness.com

Sports Programmes

  • For executives and professionals looking for an androphin boost – to relax/ destress, detox your mind, calm yourself to gain more clarity, but yet unable to sit still – our physical activity range is perfect for you.
  • Our Yoga range will ensure that you not only have a great workout, which enhances your health, but also a more resilient mind to weather the daily toils. Our Pilates sessions are mat base – that is the floor version of the Pilates Method. You will be guided to use your body weight as the primary source of resistance. Focus is placed on the precise movements originating from the core of your body, building stability and support in your spine and pelvis. This leads to better posture and alignment. It is ideal for all levels.

2) Nirvana Mind

http://www.nirvanamind.net/#!themindfulmovement/kxv13

Pop-up Session

  • Join us for a Mindfulness pop-up session where you will be guided through meditations, and learn mindfulness-based tools for coping with everyday living.
  • Our evening and lunch time drop-in sessions are great for those looking to unplug quickly, and regain some balance throughout the week

 Four Week Mindfulness Course

  • Whether you are new to meditation and mindfulness, have begun your own home practice, or you are looking for community to inspire consistency, join us for our upcoming 4-week mindfulness course.
  • In this short, affordable course, you will learn to practice Mindful Awareness, Mindful Response, Mindful Walking, Mindful Self-Compassion and many more practical tools.
  • When: Wednesdays: 4th, 13th, 20nd & 27th July, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
  • Where: The Hub @ Cuppage Terrace
  • Investment: $450 for 4 weeks

3) Lifesteps Pte Ltd

1 Tanglin Road
Orchard Parade Hotel
Office Suites #04-09
Singapore 247905

http://lifesteps.com.sg/mindfulness-programmes

  • Lifesteps was the first to offer the 8-week Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Programme in Singapore in 2009.
  •  Lifesteps offers MBSR programmes throughout the year as well as shorter-term individual and group courses in Mindfulness skills.

4) Connected Sense

http://www.connectedsense.sg/#!mindfulness-program-options/c21fs

Mindfulness in the Workplace

90-minute Group Workshop

  • Introducing theory and practice to give you knowledge and experience of Mindfulness

Day Group Workshop

  • Full day workshop dedicated to learning mindfulness

4 or 6 - Weekly Group Workshop

  • Incorporating weekly Mindfulness session at workplace

Mindfulness Private Sessions

90-minute Workshop

  • If you are wondering what Mindfulness is all about, this could be a good start.

4 or 6-Weekly Workshop

  • Classes are held once weekly for consecutive weeks.

Day Workshop

A good option if you prefer to take days out of your daily activities to refresh your mind. 


5) Mindful Sights

http://www.bemindful.sg/#!course/yu4gh

  • The eight-week Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an empirically-supported 8-week psycho-educational course that teaches a variety of mindfulness practices as a health intervention.
  • Format: The MBSR course is conducted over eight weeks, with each session lasting 2 to 2.5 hours. There is a mandatory all day retreat between the sixth and seventh week, as well as approximately 45 minutes of daily home practice (involving both formal and informal practices) between each session. 
  • What is taught in the eight weeks: The practice of MBSR involves relatively intensive formal practices involving focussing on the breath and body through meditation and gentle body stretching and movements to develop awareness of thoughts, emotions, bodily sensations and habitual tendencies that typically cause unhappiness.  Informal practices are also taught to establish mindfulness into daily lives. There will also be group discussions and brief lectures on stress physiology. Home assignments, handouts and mindfulness audio files will be provided.

6) Emerge Performance

The Lumen Room
10 Winstedt Road
#01-11
Singapore 227977

http://www.emergeperformance.net/mbsr.html

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) 8-Weeks Meditation Bootcamp

  • Over the course of 8 weeks (8 weekly sessions, plus an all-day silent retreat on a weekend), participants will commit to a structured and step-up curriculum comprising of a mix of various formal meditation practices (e.g. sitting, yoga, walking etc…) and group learning sessions to enhance their mindfulness practices . Participants will also be assigned homework between the weekly classes to embed the mindfulness discipline into their lives
  • Our next MBSR program runs from 22 Jul to 9 Sep 2016.

The MBSR Silent Retreat (Day of Mindfulness)

27 Aug 2016, Sat (9 to 430pm)

  • This retreat brings together the various practices and content that have been covered in the MBSR program. At the retreat you can expect to firmly and effectively establish the use of MBSR skills across multiple situations in your lives.
  •  We will practice a number of meditation exercises covered in the program as well as introduce some new exercises.

Testimonials

  1. "Started off feeling resistant to the concept but eventually benefitted through series of meditation and yoga practicing. Sharing sessions in each session was particularly helpful in expressing experience and getting perspective from others."  - Ong A.M
  2. "MBSR is a very powerful program, not because of what Han Ee can teach you in class. It's about you, and what you can experience and find about yourself in the 8 weeks. 8 weeks is a journey of both the good and the bad. There will be good experience and bad experience, but all is about yourself. Really recommend this program to all." - Lim D.
  3. “Han Ee, thanks for accepting me into the program, & for the exemplary ways, in which you’ve facilitated the classes. I enjoyed your questions & the observation of how you’ve “answered” or reflected the questions back to the participants.” - Lim D.

7) The Minding Centre

Shenton House
3 Shenton Way #03-06B
Singapore 068805

Mindfulness Meditation For Beginners (Monthly/Small Group)

http://themindingcentre.org/wp/beginners-meditation-course/

  • Mindfulness meditation is mental cultivation or mind training. Through which, your mind, indeed your whole life, goes through spiritual growth — your mind becomes clear so that better self-understanding can arise. You become more wholesomely aware of yourself, of others, of your environment and ultimately of true reality itself.

Personal Meditation Coaching

http://themindingcentre.org/wp/individual-personal-session/

  • For busy executives, professionals or anyone who wants to learn meditation in a private setting.
  • A minimum of 2 hours are required to complete the training.

For appointments and consultation fees, please call Ratna @ hp (65) 8211 0879, or email: themindingcentre@gmail.com.


8) Art of Living Foundation

433 Race Course Road
Downtown Core
Singapore 218679

http://www.artofliving.org/sg-en/art-meditation#distance=10&sSearch=Singapore&st=&lat=&lng=&ctype=12415&acol=0&c=&cc=&d1=&d2=

  • The Art of Meditation (AOM) is a powerful yet effortless technique that allows the conscious mind to experience the silent depths of its own nature.  AOM is also known as Sahaj Samadhi. Sahaj, in Sanskrit, means effortless and Samadhi is the silent yet lively state of awareness that lies at the source of thought – a state beyond waking, sleeping and dreaming that is an unlimited reservoir of energy, intelligence and creative power and a place of infinite peace and tranquility. 
  • During your AOM practice the mind effortlessly experiences this state of Samadhi. Upon finishing your meditation you will find that you feel infused with these qualities of energy, clarity, creativity and perhaps most importantly, deep inner peace.

Easy to Learn

  • AOM is a simple mental practice that can be easily learned by anyone who can think a thought. With only two 20-minute daily sessions AOM brings profound transformation to your life.  If you’re thinking:  “But I don’t have 20 minutes twice a day!”
     No need to worry. The improved clarity of mind AOM brings will augment your efficiency manifold resulting in increased productivity and accomplishment with much less wasted effort.

Personalized Instruction

  • Although AOM is easy to learn it requires personalized instruction from a qualified teacher.  It is not something that can be learned from a book.  All AOM teachers have been personally trained and qualified by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in a rigorous course of study so that they can teach you this effortless technique in a precise, systematic way for maximum results.  In fact, it is taught in the exact same way that it has been taught for thousands of years through a long tradition of Masters out of India.

 


Category(s):Mindfulness Meditation

Written by:

germainespc