Great Minds

Ho'oponopono is an ancient practice from Hawaii. Roughly translated, it means ‘to make things right'. Kumu Pa'a Kawika Foster will introduce you to it in this episode of Great Minds. The traditional practice has been passed down to him through 51 generations. Sit or lie down comfortably as you hit play. Take a deep breath in. Breathe out.

Guiding us this episode is Kumu Pa'a Kawika Foster, a practitioner of Hawaiian ho'oponopono. Kawika will share a story about the light we carry from birth - it goes to the essence of Ho'oponopono. You can sit or lie down as you listen, whatever makes you comfortable.

In this last episode of Great Minds Season 1, we will finish with a final episode of Ho'oponopono. At its core, the practice is a process of making things right by forgiving, forgetting, and remembering, which is what Kawika will focus on. Sit, or lie down for this episode.

Qigong is a form of Chinese meditation. The Chinese written characters for Qigong mean ‘breath' or ‘to work the breath'. When you are practicing Qigong, you are learning the ‘skill of breathing'. In this episode Grandmaster Gary Khor will share a basic mindfulness meditation, great for beginners. Sit comfortably on a chair for this one, or even cross legged on a cushion. Try to keep your back up 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. Second, try to empty your mind of unnecessary thoughts and focus on the mantra Gary will share with you. Finally, there will be a focus on your breathing, to help fill up your body with oxygen.

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 was founded by Gunai-Kurnai man and Maara descendant Jamie Marloo Thomas and his partner Sara Jones, co-created with Jamie's Elders and community. Wayapa Wuurrk means “connect to the earth” in the language of the Maara and GunaiKurnai Peoples respectively. In this meditation, you'll be encouraged to connect to your own significant place, wherever that is. You can listen to this meditation wherever you are.

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 Indigenous Filipino practice. In this Great Minds meditation with Lorelie Luna Ladiges, you'll focus on gentle breathing and be led on a journey into your heart of hearts. 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, Sagar will introduce an ancient meditation technique that originated in India, yoga nidra. 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? And 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 Great Minds, a new podcast from SBS.