The “I can’t meditate” trap (and how to escape it)

A Weekend Course, 21-22 February, 9am – 4.30pm.

Free introductory zoom call on Wednesday 11th February, 7:00pm to 7:40pm.

In Person at Newcastle Rigpa Centre, 2/2 Smith Street, Charlestown 2290.

Many people believe meditation is something you either “get” or you don’t. They imagine a quiet mind or an instant sense of calm—then feel discouraged when thoughts inevitably show up! Western concepts of meditation have set us up to fail.
Meditation isn’t about banishing thoughts to achieve peace. It’s about changing our relationship with thoughts, so they no longer trigger anxiety, fear, or negativity. And it isn’t about becoming a different person. Meditation is about discovering the peace, clarity, and ease, that are already there— hidden beneath our habits of rushing, striving, and self-criticism.
This weekend course is an invitation to step out of that pattern and explore and experience meditation in its most natural form without pressure or performance.

Free introductory zoom call – This is a no obligation free introductory discussion about the weekend course “The ‘I can’t meditate’ trap (and how to escape it)”. You will meet the instructors Merryn and Craig who will describe the flow of the weekend, the types of meditation practices we will do during the weekend and answer any questions you might have. Click this button to register for the zoom call. 

What we’ll explore together
Across the weekend, we’ll discover why trying to “force” meditation often backfires. Instead we’ll explore:
• How genuine ease can arise naturally
Discover the quality of ease already present in your very being through meditation.
• How mindfulness, awareness, and spaciousness work in everyday life
Not as abstract concepts, but as lived experiences that can shift how we respond to stress, relationships, and uncertainty.
• How everything can become meditation
Sitting, walking, eating, conversations, movement—even the difficult moments. Life becomes the practice.
• How to meet your mind with curiosity rather than judgment
This includes learning simple techniques to work with overthinking, restlessness, emotional turbulence, and sensory overwhelm.
• How change becomes possible without straining for it
When awareness deepens, clarity and resilience emerge on their own.

Who this course is for
This weekend is designed for people who:
• have tried meditating but feel they’re “not doing it right”
• have never meditated but are keen to dip your toe in
• are curious about meditation as a way of being, not just a technique
• feel stuck or overwhelmed and want a spacious reset
• want to build confidence in their ability to find inner peace and calm

What you’ll take away
By the end of the weekend, you can expect to leave with:
• a sense of ease you can access anytime
• practical tools for navigating stress and change
• a renewed relationship with your own mind and emotions
• confidence that meditation is possible for you
• a simple daily practice you can sustain

Why a weekend?
A short immersion allows you to slow down just enough to notice what’s always been available but rarely seen. This often leads to breakthroughs that are hard to access in quick or isolated sessions.

Evening Zoom call introduction – optional Wednesday 11 or 18th February
This is a free introduction to the weekend that you can attend as either a taster and introduction to the weekend or to help you decide if you want to attend the weekend course.

Meditation style and instructors
The techniques taught will be secular but based on the Tibetan Nyingma Buddhist meditation methods that are our tradition. These methods have been passed down from teacher to student for centuries.

Merryn Kennedy is a senior instructor with Rigpa Australia with over 30 years of meditation practice. She was a senior civil servant in the Commonwealth Government. Merryn is an active member of Rigpa supporting retreats throughout the year. She finds having a daily meditation practice not only brings a sense of optimism but is the key to being able to better respond to everyday events and setbacks.

Craig Dalton has been an instructor with Rigpa for over 15 years. He spends between 4 to 8 weeks in retreat each year. He is a public health physician and credits meditation practice with guiding him through the challenges of both work and raising two boisterous boys. He was the course coordinator for Buddhist and other Contemplative Traditions at the University of Newcastle.

What the schedule looks like
We will start the program at 9am each day and end no later than 4.30pm.
There will be a mix of sitting practice, meditation instructions and discussion. Some meditation sessions will be guided and others will be personal practice. Challenges to practice and integration in daily life will be discussed. We will have two 20 minute breaks and a 40 minute lunch break.

On Sunday, for those who would like to join us for a complimentary light breakfast, we’ll be there at 8am.

Accessibility statement

The venue is ground floor with good access for wheelchairs and those with reduced mobility. Unfortunately the toilet is not wheelchair-accessible. The room has opening windows for fresh air and air conditioning. It is a simple comfortable room, with easy access to the outside, and there will be an image or statue of the Buddha.

Setting
We create a cosy and quiet atmosphere, and people are welcome to take breaks outside whenever they wish, or to lie down if they need. Merryn and Craig are available to chat and questions are encouraged.

Maximum group size 25 people

What you need to bring
Bring a water bottle. A cushion will be available if you want to sit on the floor or you can bring your own. Chairs are also available. There is no “dress code”, just wear comfortable clothing.

If you’re ready to explore meditation in a fresh and empowering way, this weekend is a place to begin. All are welcome.

Course Details

Date – 21-22 February with a free introductory zoom call on Wednesday 11th February

Time – 9am – 4.30pm (at the latest)

Place – 2/2 Smith Street, Charlestown

Cost – $180 full and $90 concession (we want no one to miss out because of finances so please contact us at newcastle@rigpa.org.au if you need assistance)