True meditation is the awareness of the effortless infinite expanse of Consciousness. Consciousness is our true nature. Mindfulness leads to awareness, resting with awareness as awareness will reveal our true nature. Consciousness has qualities of peace and stillness, it is timeless freedom and is always here and now.

As a result of increasing the levels of mindfulness and awareness, a regular meditation practice has been scientifically-proven to reduce stress, control anxiety, promote emotional health, enhance self-awareness, improve wellbeing, enhance the immune system, increase creativity, improve focus, increase empathy and generate heart-based qualities of gratitude and kindness.

The Realisation of our true nature is hidden by our tendencies to identify with the movements of the mind. Our lack of acceptance of “what is” causes mental reactions creating stress and inner turmoil. We can feel hurt, guilty and ashamed of what has happened in the past and have anxiety and worry about the future. Our minds are continually pulled between the past and future, creating further stressful reactions of fear, hurt and anger. Instead of perceiving Reality purely “as it is” moment to moment, we create an apparent reality that is filtered through our conditioned mind that is based on the past. This apparent reality originates from our sense of separation from our True Nature and the fear this separation creates. Apparent reality is essentially a mind-created illusion.

The past is forever gone and the future is a mental concept, essentially nonexistent. The Now is constantly present. All phenomena – including thoughts, bodily sensations, feelings and sense perceptions- are transient, always in a continual state of change. All phenomena appear and dissolve in the Now, the eternal moment. The Now isn’t an object or a state but has qualities of Stillness and Peace and is inseparable from who we essentially are.

Meditation, Mindfulness and Self Inquiry directs one’s attention to be conscious of the Now. When we consciously embrace the moment, the accumulation of past pain, fear and anger can be illuminated and then released, creating more clarity, peace and harmony. Our true radiant Self can only ever be realised in the moment, Here and Now. Peace and Stillness is not “something” to be gained but is revealed in awareness, through openness and surrender, as who we truly and fundamentally are.

Group sessions, workshops, half-day and longer retreats are held regularly in Melbourne and Healesville. Sessions involve silent sitting, meditation and Self Inquiry instruction, and discussing questions that may arise for participants. The sessions are suitable for all levels of experience: from absolute beginners to the most experienced. All Welcome.

For details of workshops and retreats see Retreats, Half-Day Retreats and Weekly Sessions

To read more about Aruna's approach to Meditation and Self Inquiry visit Aruna's Blog