Led by longtime meditation teacher Light Watkins, this simple-yet-powerful program can help you build and strengthen your personal meditation practice. Each day, Light introduces a new theme, guides a brief meditation, and ends with practical takeaways to apply throughout your day.
21-Day Meditation Challenge with Light Watkins
Light Watkins shares techniques to help you establish an enjoyable, lifelong practice. Learn tools to relieve stress, calm anxiety, and tap into contentment — every day.
Rated 5 out of
5
by
SVA123 from
Excellent Beginner Course
This was so helpful as a starting point. I've tried to start meditating many times before and failed. The most important message for me was that it did not matter what happens during the meditation, that you only need to notice. Instead, it's what happens and changes outside of your practice that demonstrates if your meditations are successful. His approach may not be for everyone, but for someone like me who struggles to meditate, this was a very freeing approach. I didn't have to worry about my breath or whether or not I was "doing it right," I was just free to observe. Extremely, extremely helpful messaging for me.
Date published: 2022-02-16
Rated 5 out of
5
by
Deb71 from
Looked forwared to this every morning
I am a novice to meditation and I found this to be an excellent way to start (I've been meaning to for a while.) I was glad that the average duration of the video was 15 mins - it was easy to fit it in before work. Light included his philosophy of mediation and life into each video which might be a bit new agey for some people, but I found it to be very positive, and at the end of the day, you can take or leave the philosophy, it is up to you, but I think he gave a solid framework to start a lifetime of meditation. Overall, I found that when I watched the video and meditated in the morning; I was more focused, productive, and positive throughout the day. I really enjoyed the summary of the 21-day challenge that he gave on day 21. The only complaint I have is that at the end of the challenge he gave a list of future resources to continue your growth, but they were only his resources, nothing else-only his book, his retreat, his social media sites. I think that is fine to plug yourself, but I am sure there are also many other excellent places out there that can help you move forward with meditation.
Date published: 2022-01-21
Rated 2 out of
5
by
Anonymous from
Hidden agendas and missing the point.
When taken at its best, Light Watkins does a good job of introducing non-judgmental observing. As others have said on here he has a comforting voice. He may be well-intentioned in his guided meditations.
I listened to the entire course and there are definitely well-covered and important ideas that he explores. He has some helpful metaphors, particularly on day 18 comparing the ego to a Halloween costume.
He's teaches Vedic meditation, also referred to as Transcendental Meditation (TM,) with use of mantras which deal a lot with intention and some of the pseudoscience tradition of things like The Secret.
This is not a course to the caliber of The Teaching Company or Great Course.
Since changing their name to Wondrium, they've cast a wider net to include pseudoscience.
I would be more comfortable with Watkins' teaching if he branded it with a view he holds as a Vedic meditator, but not in his claiming that what he's teaching is meditation in general which seems to be implied.
That he has a Buddhist statue next to him seems disgraceful due to much of his teaching running counter to core values and principles in much of the Theravada, Vajrayana and Zen traditions.
He maintains a branding of "The Bliss Within" as though he's marketing to Fortune 500 companies. He provides multiple examples of his business ventures and how he ultimately became more successful when he listened to his True self.
To frame this positively, I'd say that his idea of "Bliss" can parallel nicely with Buddha-nature, so I have little or no discomfort in his use of the word 'bliss' as this can be inclusive of non-Buddhist meditators.
However, he often comes back to his business agenda by repeating "The Bliss Within."
At the end he refers to his own book as "One of the most comprehensive" books on beginning a meditation practice. I have never in my almost 20 years with listening to courses from TTC heard a sales plug at the end or anywhere in the lecture.
What I find most offensive is that teachings on intention like you find here, in The Secret or in other pseudoscience could not apply to people in severe poverty. At its core it speaks as though the intent of people in poverty can't feed themselves or their children because their aspirations for great business ventures aren't strong enough.
Mindfulness meditation without prioritizing the care of self-as-other and other-as-self is wasted.
If it's helpful I offer a reframe that may help people gain more from these meditations: Have your intention that the world be exactly as it is. Don't have intent that your company succeeds while others starve. Have intention to recognize your "Bliss" in a way that provides that you be in-touch with what Joko Beck calls your "Boundless field of benefaction."
If you want a comprehensive book on meditation for beginners, one that is free of plugs and invites itself to the spiritual and secularly-minded a like, I recommend Ezra Bayda's Being Zen.
Date published: 2021-12-29
Rated 5 out of
5
by
frequentuser from
You will want to meditate
This was my initiation to Light Watkins. I was surprised that I had not heard of him, so thank you, Wondrium, for bringing him to my attention. His first name is appropriate, because I feel the lightness in his voice, face, and the way he sits. He provides a brief talk and a manageable silent meditation period, followed by some concluding words. Then he preps you for the next session. By "manageable" I mean, perhaps, 15 minutes? The 21 - Day Meditation Challenge attracted me because you hear that it is best to meditate everyday. In actual practice, I skipped over a day three times. That is an improvement for me from other times I have used "challenge" type yoga or meditation. I think that had to do with me really wanting to go back to this everyday. I hope there is more coming from Light Watkins on Wondrium-Commune.
Date published: 2021-09-26
Rated 5 out of
5
by
PJ Mayfield from
TERRIFIC!!!!!!
I am over half way done with this program and I wake up every morning and can't wait to do this program. His voice is so soothing and how he guides you thru every program is awesome. If I see another program by Mr. Watkins, you bet I'll get it.
Date published: 2021-09-11
Rated 4 out of
5
by
Aamylf from
A Decent Foundation
If you have not meditated before at all, this course could help you on a good beginning path. The duration of the "talk" and then the meditation were the right length for someone with little experience, but also enough time for someone with more experience. I found the instructor's voice to be pleasant and contemplative. I was not a fan of the different mantra each day, but that's probably because I already have a mantra I use. I thought the basis of the course, to re-find your bliss, was a good one, but found that term off putting in the beginning. Anyone who wants to either start a meditation practice or get encouraged to continue in a more routinized manner, would probably find this course a good one.
Date published: 2021-09-02
Overview
About
Meet Light Watkins, your daily meditation guide for the next three weeks! Light started his journey with meditation in 1998 as a practitioner, then as an apprentice to his Vedic meditation instructor, and ultimately as a teacher himself. In this challenge, Light shares meditation techniques, best practices, and tips to help you establish an enjoyable, lifelong practice.
01: Welcome
Meditation is not inherently difficult, and when you learn the proper mechanics, you’ll find it quite enjoyable. This course teaches a simple-yet-effective style of meditation that will help you establish a consistent, daily practice.
5 min
02: Day 1: Redefining Bliss
What do we mean when we say bliss? In this first class, you'll learn to examine "bliss" as more than just a buzzword, but rather a powerful state of presence accessible through the practice of meditation.
16 min
03: Day 2: Responding vs. Reacting
As humans, we're prone to overreact to negative circumstances. By harnessing the power of responding versus reacting, you'll be more prepared to accept the things beyond your control and settle into true bliss—true presence
15 min
04: Day 3: Syncing Bliss With Meditation
Meditation is a tool that, when used properly, can dramatically impact your quality of life. Learn how to use your practice to enter a state of sustainable inner stillness.
17 min
05: Day 4: Simplifying Your Approach
It's easy to overthink a meditation practice. In this class, you'll learn to let go of the need for control and instead approach meditation with a more relaxed and natural state of mind.
19 min
06: Day 5: Understanding Self-Care
Many of us feel guilty for taking time for ourselves, but proper self-care is one of the best things we can do for our loved ones. Learn to look at your meditation practice as a way to show up completely in the lives of those important to you.
16 min
07: Day 6: Setting the Intention of Bliss
Allow the bliss state to direct you toward what is resonating most deeply in your heart, whatever that may be. This class will help you source intention internally, rather than searching externally for answers.
15 min
08: Day 7: Where is the Bliss?
Where is the bliss?” you may wonder, “and how do I know I’ve tapped into it? In this class, learn to recognize the bliss state so you can begin to find it more frequently in meditation and throughout the day.
15 min
09: Day 8: The Power of Rest
Rest and bliss go hand-in-hand. By allowing ourselves to welcome sleep, or rest, you'll become more familiar with the bliss state of mind.
16 min
10: Day 9: Examining Bliss and Energy
Bliss can dramatically affect our energy levels. Here you'll start to learn how to use bliss as fuel, bringing the energy from your meditative state into everyday life.
15 min
11: Day 10: Finding the Flow State
Many of us have heard of the flow state in reference to sports, creative projects, or other activities that demand high levels of focus. In this lesson, you'll learn how to access the path of least resistance—the present moment—on a consistent and reliable basis.
15 min
12: Day 11: Bliss and Gratitude
While life's ups and downs might feel disruptive, there is something we can learn from every hardship. Here you'll examine how to use gratitude to help reframe your thoughts, and ultimately grow closer to the bliss within.
15 min
13: Day 12: Discovering Your Truth
Bliss is a mechanism for extracting our highest truth, or internal knowledge of what is right. In this class you'll practice meditation to help stimulate the bliss state and notice what resonates as true for you.
17 min
14: Day 13: Listening to Your Intent
There is a great connection between our mind and reality. Our intentions and thoughts can often change the course of our lives, for better and worse. Here you'll learn to develop awareness over your intent, better preparing you to select the thoughts that lead you on the plane to bliss.
15 min
15: Day 14: The Power of Forgiveness
One of the most powerful benefits of accessing the bliss within is compassion. Learn how you can use compassion to fuel forgiveness, and ultimately eliminate unnecessary negativity from your life.
15 min
16: Day 15: Trusting Your Experience
With consistent meditation, you may begin experiencing a more tangible and refined sense of what’s right for you in this moment. In this class, you'll learn the tools to trust your experience and own your personal journey.
15 min
17: Day 16: Anatomy of a Commitment
One of the biggest challenges we face when we encounter a meditation practice is creating the time do it. In this class, you'll deepen your confidence in your ability to commit, making it easier to regularly tap into your bliss.
15 min
18: Day 17: No Right or Wrong
Meditation is a judgement-free zone. By increasing your ability to appreciate both the "good" and "bad" things in life, you'll be able to develop the inner confirmation that you are exactly where you need to be.
15 min
19: Day 18: Transcending the Ego
Accessing the bliss within means aligning ego with spirit. Rather than dismiss the ego, this class teaches you how the spirit and ego can ultimately co-exist, so that you can follow your heart without feeling guilt or fear.
15 min
20: Day 19: Recognizing the Extended Self
As we have more experiences with our inner nature, we evolve and refine our perceptual acuity to detect that same spirit within others. Today you'll learn to translate the lessons you're learning on a personal level and see the connection between your true nature and that of others.
15 min
21: Day 20: The Mechanics of Inner Happiness
Peace and happiness are byproducts of accessing this bliss within. In this meditation, you'll develop a better understanding of how true happiness is the natural state of your spirit, and how both peace and happiness are readily accessible whenever you need.
15 min
22: Day 21: Releasing Your Bliss Into the World
We've now practiced an array of meditation tools you can come back to throughout the rest of your life. As you continue with meditation, your practice will grow and blossom. In this last class, you'll learn techniques for furthering your practice, and allowing your bliss to flow into the rest of the world.
16 min
