yoga4healthyliving

Meditation to move prana around the body

Meditation can be a challenge for the most dedicated of us yogis!  Recently I had to teach someone how to slow down their mind BEFORE they could get into meditation.  There is a simple technique that accesses the adrenal glands and quietens them down.  Then, the way is a bit clearer to meditate. 

Recently I have learnt a lovely style of meditation to move prana around the body from my friend Steve.  Steve is a Qi Gong teacher and I have been enjoying discovering the overlaps between Qi Gong and Yoga.

Often at the end of my classes in both Dunstable and Great Brickhill (Milton Keynes) I incorporate a little of this type of meditation and it always goes down well.

Meditation

Meditation does require a little discipline.  I do believe that the hardest part of meditating is actually the bit where you think, mmm, I really should meditate, maybe later, and then you go against all of your natural urges and actually STOP and do it!  I found this fabulous post and photo on zen habits.  Hope it helps!

http://zenhabits.net/2007/09/how-to-use-mini-meditations-to-relax-and-find-focus/#more-500

Feeling the inner you

A few years ago I learnt the Alexander Technique to ease my lower back problems and very effective it was.  I was reminded of the sensations experienced during the practise of the Alexander Technique when I recently read Echart Tolle's latest book, 'New Earth', which suggests the practise of listening to your inner body.  I also encourage my yoga students to 'go inside' both during relaxation and asanas to feel the inner you, listen and see what is going on inside you. 

Tolle suggests starting with thinking about your hands and once you feel a sensation there, move on to allow the feet to join in, followed by the abdomen, chest etc.  It really is a wonderful way to be present, in the moment and enjoy time away from the past and future which is where our mind resides most of the time.

If you want to go further, notice what emotions arise as you put your mind in certain parts of your body.  Do pictures appear?  This is an excellent way of boosting the immune system and beginning self healing.  Whatever you pay attention to changes.  When your mind is focussed on one part of you, extra blood is drawn there bringing with it oxygen and nutrients to assist healing.  It is also an excellent stress management tool.

Please don't take my word for it, just try it and see how you get on.

Meditation

Have you ever had a go at meditation?  I know it took me a while to get into it and there are certainly lots of different ways.  My own view is that it gives us an opportunity to 'let go' of our thoughts and just notice what happens as thoughts appear.   To get yourself started you can find a quiet warm room (no phones) sit upright or lie down comfortably, bending your knees if your back feels uncomfortable. Notice your eyes closing and feeling heavy.  Begin to notice your breathing. Allow the in breath to gently inflate your abdomen and your out breath to gently deflate it.  Just let thoughts pass through your mind, as if they were on a conveyor belt.  Avoid attaching to any thought just kind of say to yourself 'oh that was an interesting thought that just floated by' and go on to watch the next one.  To make it a little easier you can draw your focus to your breath entirely.

Just a few minutes a day, preferably early morning or early evening.  But anytime is better than no time!  Regular practise will leave you feeling calmer, your blood pressure is more likely to be normal and you will generally develop more of a sense of well being.  If you struggle with the above you can order my Stress Management with Relaxation CD which will really help you.  07817959161. 

Have a happy weekend and let's hope the sun shines......