Yogis,
Welcome to “Back to Meditation”! Tomorrow we begin
this one month journey into ourselves. We are starting out as a group of
44 (wow!). And in this class we never close the door, so if you
find others who would like to join, send them my way!
Reminder that if you want to receive the daily emails, send me a note at: sarah@serenitycircleyoga.com
What is meditation? Here is one
definition:
The term meditation
refers to a broad variety of practices (much like the term sports) that
includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy and
develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness.
Meditation involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way.
But really,
meditation is as simple as stopping, coming to the present moment and
watching…..
Things to plan for tomorrow:
·
Where to meditate – a place in your home
that is quiet and has a calming energy. Use the same spot every day
(although if a spot doesn’t feel right after you have been trying it, move to a
new one).
·
How to sit – Sitting is
recommended; If you choose to sit on a flat surface (floor or bed) it is
best to prop your hips up by sitting on a firm pillow or folded blanket, with
your legs off the blanket . You want your spine to be long
and straight. If this is difficult for you while sitting, sit with your
back against the wall or your headboard. Sitting in a firm
straight backed chair is also fine, but have your feet grounded on the floor,
or if they don’t reach, have something under them (like a stool or
books). You don’t want to be in a lot of discomfort, but some is
ok. Part of the practice is to learn to let go of discomfort and over
time your body becomes more open and can stay still longer.
·
When to sit – this is up to you but it is
best if you can pick a time of day that you can stick with every
day. Morning is nice because your mind is still relatively
clear, but evening has the benefit of aiding in sleep. By staying with
the same time each day your mind and body are more ready. I
meditate daily at 6:30 am if anyone wants to meditate “with me”. On
weekends I set the alarm for 6:20, brush my teeth, get set up and
meditate. Then I go back to sleep! And what a wonderful dream
filled sleep that is!
·
How long – a minimum of 10 minutes.
Start with 10 and work up to 15 over the month. If you continue with the
practice you will want to work up to 30 minutes. At the beginning I
suggest setting a timer so that you can forget about time and not have to keep
looking at the clock. Over time you will be able to feel when the
time is up.
·
Shawl/blanket – I suggest wrapping a
shawl or blanket around your shoulders. Wrapping it around you tells your
body it is time to meditate. A separation from your day. Use the
same one all the time so it soaks in your energy.
Technique #1:
For these first several days
we will do a simple breath meditation.
·
Get yourself seated and close your eyes
·
Take a few big exhales and visualize everything
up to that moment floating away from the body
·
Notice your posture – root down with the sit
bones, lengthen the spine, drop the shoulders, bring the chin to level and
reach up with the crown.
·
Take a moment to settle in and notice the moment
– the sounds, the air on your face, how your body feels
·
Then begin to notice your breath. No need
to change it. Just watch it……….watching the rise of the breath up the
spine on the inhale, and the fall of the breath on the exhale. Just
watching. As if there is nothing but your breath.
·
When your mind wanders (and it will), as soon as
you notice it, take note and then gently guide your awareness back to the
breath. Again and again.
·
Observe anything that arises – emotions,
boredom, the urge to move or scratch – just watching
·
When the timer goes off it will pull your
awareness away. Turn it off, and then close the eyes and take 5 more long
slow breaths. Often, once you are “done” the meditation becomes the
best
·
Open your eyes and verbally or mentally thank
the Universe for this gift!
And most importantly, this is a practice and can become a
beautiful life long journey. So be compassionate with yourself.
Resist the urge to “judge” your meditation. Let it just be exactly what
it is………….
Every day…..at least 10 minutes.
I will be back in touch on Monday!
Aaaahhhhh………………
SARAH