Great Minds

Qigong is an ancient form of Chinese meditation. The Chinese characters for Qigong mean ‘breath’ or ‘to work the breath’. This episode is a basic mindfulness meditation that is great for beginners. Sit comfortably on a chair or cushion to start. Try to keep your back straight and relax your shoulders.

There are five elements in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy; wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. This episode focuses on grounding yourself with the earth's energy. There will be a little bit of light movement in this episode so keep these three things in mind as Grandmaster Gary Khor guides you through. First, sit up straight but do not tense up – try to be relaxed at the same time. S...

In this episode we will look at the concept of three energy meditation, with Grandmaster Gary Khor. Three energy meditation is used in Chinese qigong, health, medicine and in martial arts. sit comfortably in a chair or if you have space, stand up with your legs slightly apart.

Shinrin-yoku is a Japanese phrase for ‘forest bathing’. In this exercise you will be gently guided to a beautiful peaceful forest by practicing forest bathing with Mayumi Kataoka. To begin, get in a comfortable position in a quiet and safe environment.

Shinrin-yoku translates as ‘forest bathing’. The term was coined in Japan in the 80’s, and it’s encouraged as an antidote to hectic city life. Mayu Kataoka will lead you into a peaceful forestfor this meditation. Find a comfortable spot either sitting or lying down in a quiet place and close your eyes.

Be immersed in the forest in this Shinrin-yoku meditation with Mayu. Discover the birds in the trees, feel the leaves beneath your feet, and walk away with a sense of calm. You can either sit or lie down on your bed, couch, or floor.

Wayapa Wuurrk is a mindfulness practice that draws from Indigenous wisdom and uses meditation to help you connect with the environment. Wayapa Wuurrk literally means “connect to the earth” in the language of the Maara and Gunaikurnai Peoples. This meditation is led by Gunaikurnai man and Maara descendant Jamie Marloo Thomas. Together with his partner Sara Jones, Jamie co-created Wayapa Wuurrk in 2...

The aim of Wayapa Wuurrk is to change how we think about wellness, because no matter how many gym sessions we do or vegetables we eat, we can’t be well if the Earth is sick. Your guide for this episode is Gunai-Kurnai man and Maara descendant Jamie Marloo Thomas. He will take you on an earth mindfulness journey of connectivity. You can listen to this meditation wherever you are.

Wayapa Wuurrk aims to help people reconnect to Earth Spirit, and their true self. Jamie will guide you through a special meditation, taking you back into the ancient times on this land, as well as his own places of significance on country. You can listen to this meditation wherever you are.

Hilot is an ancient practice indigenous to the Philippines. This meditation by hilot facilitator Lorelie Luna Ladiges is a gentle breathing exercise, slowly focusing in on your heart. You can be lying down or seated.

Hilot has been practiced in the Philippines for centuries. Your guide for this episode Lorelie will help you try to quiet your mind and focus on a moment of joy in this meditation. You can sit or lie down on a mat, whatever makes you comfortable.

Lorelie Luna Ladiges will take you on a mental journey into nature, inspired by hilot, a traditional art of healing from the Philippines. You can do this meditation while walking through nature, seated, or lying down.

In this episode of Great Minds, experience a deep sense of calm with an ancient meditation technique that originated in India, Yoga Nidra. The name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘nidra’, meaning sleep. Our guide Sagar recommends lying down on a yoga mat and closing your eyes as you listen.

Sit up with your spine straight for this Chakra meditation – bringing awareness to the energy centres in your body. Sagar will take you through step by step using affirmations, or positive statements.

Be guided by Sagar in this visualisation meditation, a Buddhist meditation technique. This Great Minds episode touches on some big themes. Love, forgiveness and compassion.

Mindfulness, meditation, living in the present... these are all buzz terms you’ve probably heard. Maybe even tried. But what actually is meditation? Does it always have to be done in skintight yoga clothes, next to the water, and posted on social media? Join host Leah Vandenberg to try various meditation styles from across the world in this podcast from SBS.