Meditation is an integral part of yoga. It encourages and enables the mind, body and soul to become balanced.
It’s where your mind can relax and free itself of worry, fear, anxiety and doubt while gaining insight and clarity.
Of the eight limbs in yoga as mentioned already, Dyhana pertains to meditation.
I love that meditation can be done for a short while each day and have a profound effect.
It’s a daily ritual for highly successful people like Bill Ford, Oprah Winfrey, Rupert Murdoch, Ray Dalio, Russell Simmons, Will Smith, Lebron James, Hugh Jackman, Rick Rubin, Jennifer Anniston, Halle Berry, Kate Perry, George Stephanopoulous, Deepak Chopra, Ellen Degeneres, Tiger Woods, Gisele Bundchen, Keanu Reeves to name a few.
When I started meditating it was not easy. There are still some days that I fidget unnecessarily.
However if I go too long without it I feel completely out of balance not to mention grumpy.
It has become a really important life tool for me. I hope you take a chance to explore it as well.
Basic Meditation Steps:
- Choose a conducive environment. Find a nice, quiet place where you won’t be disturbed for fifteen minutes or longer. Sit down, relax and rest your hands on your lap. You can sit on the floor cross-legged with the support of a meditation cushion, or on any chair with your feet resting on the ground. It is not necessary to force yourself into a lotus position if you are not used to it.
- Maintain the natural curve of your back. That means no slouching. You can choose to sit on the floor with crossed legs or on a chair. People with chronic back problems who cannot sit for a prolonged period of time can explore other meditation postures like lying down or leaning against a wall.
- Breathe slowly and deeply. Close your eyes softly. Direct your soft, unfocused gaze downwards. Begin by taking a few slow and deep breaths — inhaling with your nose and exhaling from your mouth. Don’t force your breathing; let it come naturally. The first few intakes of air are likely to be shallow, but as you allow more air to fill your lungs each time, your breaths will gradually become deeper and fuller. Take as long as you need to breathe slowly and deeply.
- Be aware. When you are breathing deeply, you will begin to feel calmer and more relaxed. That is a good sign. Now, focus your attention on your breathing. Be aware of each breath that you take in through your nose. Be mindful of each breath that you exhale with your mouth. Continue focusing on your breaths for as long as you like.
- Find your attention. If is strays away from your breaths, just gently bring it back. It may happen many times. Don’t be disheartened. What’s important is to realize that you have wandered and bring your attention back to where it should be, with your breathe. As you develop greater focus power, you will find it easier to concentrate.