The human mind is like an absorbent sponge, sucking up all sorts of information. Immediately, from  the second you are born, your mind begins to take in sights, sounds, and thoughts. This intake never stops. It just continuously piles up your feelings, your failures, your successes, your dreams and any thought you have ever had. By the time you get to your twenties or thirties, your mind is ready to explode. You need to be able to clear your head of all the unnecessary and bad thoughts that have accumulated and learn how to observe things without clogging your mind. One way to do this through Vipassana Meditation.

Vipassana is a style of meditation based on self-purification through self-observation. Like all meditations, it bases its technique around the breath and centering the mind. This breathing technique allows you to become more aware of what is changing in your body and mind, creating an interconnection between your mind and body. It  ultimately help dissolve mental impurities,  allowing  you to be exposed to the universal truths of suffering, egolessness,  and impermanence and reach a balance of a mind full of love and compassion.

Vipassana is one of India’s most ancient meditation techniques, that was later rediscovered by Gotama the Buddha. However, there are no spiritual or religious attachments to this type of meditation. It is not a commercialized type of meditation or exercise and only a select few are trained to teach it. Therefore,  you can not just sign up for a class in a near by location. If you want to try Vipassana, you must apply to take a ten day course from one of the few instructors who do teach it. The course is free, however, there are a number of rules you must follow. For example, you can not use any form of technology, you can not wear tight or form fitting clothing and you can not use any form of drugs or alcohol. If you would like to learn more about Vipassana and its courses, or if you would like to apply to take a course, you can visit this website.

If you are just starting to try meditation and Vipassana seems a little too intense, try doing some yoga. This will help teach you the basic breathing and focusing techniques that you will use in meditation. It also has the added bonus of helping you get into shape. If you want to try yoga, you can sign up for classes at the Pittsburgh beauty salon, Verve.