Meditation
Calm. Relaxed. Joyful.
Meditation is the Core of Yoga Practice
It can be argued that all of the yoga practices are oriented to developing the conditions and skills for meditation.
A simple definition of meditation is: “Meditation is being with what is.” In meditation, we take time to do two things:
- meet ourselves where we are, right here and now
- meet ourselves just as we are
Obviously, the attitude we have when we approach any activity will influence how we feel and how the activity will unfold. So, if instead of seeing meditation as a chore, we choose to see the practice as establishing an intimate relationship with ourselves, we may be more likely to enjoy it. This is key to establish consistency, because it is easier to practice something that we find enjoyable
Create an Effective and Enjoyable Practice
Often when we try to practice meditation, we may find it frustrating to notice that the voices in our head cannot seem to stop. Another frequent challenge arises when we notice how often we get distracted. Noticing our internal chatter and that we are getting distracted are already signs that show that we can witness these activities from a different vantage point instead of allowing them to derail us. This is a sign that our meditation is working because we can separate ourselves from the habitual activities of our mind. I would suggest savoring that as we return to our focal point.
5 Useful Tips for Success in Meditation
- Find a comfortable position
- Choose a focal point
- RELAX
- Let go off any and all judgement
- Persist with gentle curiosity
Free Meditation Resources
I hope you find many opportunities to enjoy connecting to yourself through your meditation practice.
- Meditation: Simple and Practical Suggestions
- Keep meditation simple
- 5 useful tips for success in meditation
- 2 minute concentration exercise
- Simple meditation for beginners in 3 minutes
- Gratitude Meditation
- Guided Gratitude Meditation (audio)
- Free Video Easy Meditation for Beginners
- Returning to your true nature
- Chant of Bija sounds (chakras)
Moving Meditation:
Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata)
The Dance of Shiva is a form of moving meditation rescued by Ukranian Yoga Teacher Andrey Lappa. The practice starts with two basic patterns, horizontal and vertical. Each pattern consists of 4 simple arm positions. In the Dance of Shiva, the practitioner moves the arms between these four basic positions. Although it sounds quite simple, it is astounding how complex the practice can become.
This practice is very helpful in cultivating:
- Attention, Concentration & Focus
- Coordination
- Expanded mental processing capacity
- New mental and emotional patterns that can contribute to remove old habits and patterns that are no longer useful
More information:
- Dan ance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Introduction
- Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Starting with Arms in Different Positions
- Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Combining Horizontal and Vertical
- Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Linking Horizontal – Vertical
- Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Transquarter
- Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Arms and Legs
- Dance of Shiva (Shiva Nata) Arms and Legs 3D
During Practice, We..
Let go of all struggle, strain and self-judgment
Remain calm
Attend to what we are doing
Explore with curiosity
Notice and enjoy the effects of the practice
