"I'm currently teaching a guided meditation (after 30 minutes of gentle yoga) every couple of weeks at Milton Yoga," says Boston Buddha founder and meditation expert Andy Kelley. "Check the schedule for the next class at miltonyoga.com.” And soon, he’ll take his lessons on the road. “I’m excited to be teaching meditation mantras with the Chopra Center on April 22–28, 2012, in Carlsbad, California. They’re hosting their signature six-day meditation retreat called Seduction of Spirit.” But here’s how he describes his day-to-day work in Boston: “I provide mindfulness-based education in the form of meditation, for everyone — individuals, families, schools, companies, organizations. I offer one-on-one or small-group meditation classes, which allow for detailed, interactive instructions and individualized attention for all.” It’s rewarding work. As Andy says, “Life is about giving to others by doing what you are meant to do.”

"I sit as comfortably as I can in a chair that has good back support," says Boston Buddha founder Andy Kelley, offering a step-by-step account of his meditation method. “A quiet room is ideal, but not required. I close my eyes and start to notice my breath naturally. Then I gently bring my attention to my breath (or my mantra), nice and easily, without forcing it. I allow my thoughts and feelings to come and go — and when I notice them, I gently bring my attention back to my breath (or mantra). I don't try to control my thoughts or push them out in any way. I just become aware of them — without judgment. When I realize that my attention has drifted away from my breath/mantra (which it does all the time), I gently bring my attention back to my breath/mantra. This is repeated many, many, many, many times.” Ready to try it yourself? “You may experience a deep state of relaxation, but it's totally normal if you don't,” Andy advises. “Meditate for 20 minutes (for children less time). When you're done, take about a minute or two to slowly return to normal activity. It's funny: breathing is the most natural thing in the world that we do, and yet we don’t breathe deeply enough. By focusing on this simple but powerful technique, twice a day, we can better manage our stress and live happier lives." 

According to Boston Buddha founder and meditation expert Andy Kelley, practicing meditation on a daily basis can help you to manage stress, improve your relationships, awaken your intuition, enhance your sleep patterns, lower your blood pressure, and more. "Some of the benefits of meditation will be realized quickly, and others over many months, so don't be discouraged and give up,” Andy explains. “If you can calm the surface of the mind on a daily basis, you'll start to realize that we waste a ton of emotional energy on stuff that we have no control over, or you'll find that we worry about stuff that's really not worth stressing about. When you find that real authentic part of yourself, you'll say, ‘Man! This is who I really am! Why was I so worried about that?’ You get a taste of that authentic YOU — that's really quite profound. You'll want to sustain it." 

Boston Buddha founder and meditation expert Andy Kelley shared a few of his favorite reads: The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra M.D., Real Happiness by Sharon Salzberg, and Mindfulness for Beginners by Jon Kabat-Zinn. He also suggests turning to tunes like Davidji's guided-meditation CD fill what is empty; empty what is full as well as Music for Deep Meditation: Tibetan Singing Bowl.