Bozeman Dharma Center

In today’s world, everyone—from yogis to scientists—seems to be talking about the wonders of meditation. With benefits like rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity, overcoming limiting beliefs, fostering emotional healing and balance, improving focus and productivity, enhancing self-awareness, and even attracting desired outcomes by aligning thoughts with elevated emotions—it’s no surprise that so many people give it a try.

The real challenge, however, is finding a technique that resonates with you and makes you want to return to it every day.

When I first started, about ten years ago, meditation felt like this impossible task where you were supposed to shut off your mind completely and float into eternal bliss. I remember sitting down, telling myself “go blank, go blank,” only to give up after a few minutes because my brain wouldn’t stop chattering. But my curiosity kept me searching. That desire eventually led me all the way to India, where I studied with monks in an ashram, and it inspired me to read countless books on religion, spirituality, psychology, and science—until I finally found practices that worked for me.

With time, my meditation practice has become like a dear friend—always there when I feel out of sorts, when my energy is scattered, or when life feels like it has no purpose. Meditation waits patiently for me to pause, breathe, and tune into the serenity that already exists within me.

There’s a phrase from Dr. Joe Dispenza’s book, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself that I find immensely inspiring: “Meditating is also a means for you to move beyond your analytical mind so that you can access your subconscious mind. That’s crucial, since the subconscious is where all your bad habits and behaviors that you want to change reside.”

Whenever I notice an emotion or behavior that isn’t serving me, meditation becomes a tool to observe it, and—with time—rewire it into something positive.

The good news is, you don’t need to travel across the world to discover effective meditation techniques. Right here in Bozeman, there are groups offering weekly gatherings where you can explore different styles.

The most important thing to remember is: don’t give up if one practice doesn’t click. Try another. Don’t expect cosmic bliss from day one—look for grounded results like more emotional awareness or better sleep. And whatever you do, don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Meditation is deeply personal, and your experience will be unique. The key is consistency. Even five minutes a day is more powerful than two hours once a year.



Here are a few paths you can explore locally and beyond:

Yoga-Based Meditation
Start with Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda—an absolute classic (and the only book Steve Jobs kept on his iPad). Yogananda’s lineage teaches Kriya Yoga, a meditation that uses breath and visualization to move energy through the spine.

If you’re curious to try it, kriya.org offers initiations and group meditations right here in Bozeman (bozeman-mt@kriya.org).

Buddhist Meditation
The Dharma Center in town has been offering a refuge of silence and practice since 2013, with a full schedule of sitting practices, instruction, and Buddhist study—some of which are also available on Zoom.

Another great resource is Tergar.org, a worldwide community of meditators dedicated to cultivating awareness, compassion, and wisdom in daily life. Their step-by-step path makes meditation approachable, with weekly practices designed to open the heart and awaken inner clarity.

Non-Religious Approaches
Dr. Joe Dispenza, well-known since his appearance in the film What the Bleep Do We Know?!, has written popular books explaining the science of meditation. Start with Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself or Becoming Supernatural. He also offers guided meditations on Spotify—perfect for slipping into a daily routine.

Apps for At-Home Practice
• Calm – Great for relaxation and sleep, featuring soothing background sounds, focused meditations, and bedtime stories.
• Insight Timer – A massive library of free meditations. If you’re on a budget, this is the one for you.

I hope this inspires you to give meditation a try. Remember—even just five minutes can shift your emotional state and leave you feeling more grounded.