Yoga, Meditation and Me
Meditation is an intensely personal experience. It came into my life at a time when I was a little lost and needed some guidance. Having been through some major life changes in the space of 12 months, I had never been more ready to start afresh. Alternative medicines and healing had always interested me, but when I realized I needed a change in my life, I didn’t know where to begin. Having practiced Bikram Yoga for some time I knew that yoga had the power not only to center my mind, but also help me connect with and understand my body better. I wasn’t sure though, how to start a meditation routine.
Prior to starting my own meditation practice, I had assumed it was the same for everyone. Close your eyes, quiet your mind and enlightenment will come straight away. That couldn’t be further from the truth. For some, it is relatively easy to block out any negative energy and focus solely on their breathing. For me, it was a struggle at first. Even during my yoga sessions, I was thinking about what I had to do before bed, reminding myself to put the washing on and don’t forget to give the dog his medicine. I knew that if I truly wanted to experience the healing power of meditation I had to make a conscious effort to shut my mind up!
After some trial and error, I discovered what worked for me. Having a daily ritual of yoga and meditation along with actively trying to be more grateful really started to help my mind, body and spirit. What it’s turned into is something I would never have expected. Each afternoon as the sun is sitting atop the trees in the distance I light my incense, grab whatever healing crystals I am attracted to that day, my yoga mat and go through my own little meditation ceremony. Instead of gravitating towards the poses, I feel comfortable with through Bikram. I try to focus on stretches and positions that are said to help quiet the mind. Depending on the day, I’ll practice anywhere from 10-20 minutes before plonking myself down on the mat to mediate. I have found it difficult to instantly shut off my thought process, so for the first few minutes I breathe deeply and go through all the things I am grateful that day. I find this helps me focus on the here and now rather than the past or future. With the incense filling my nose and the crystals vibrating happily at my feet, I slowly begin to fall into a state of complete quiet.
Everyone’s experience with yoga and meditation is different and perfect in its own ways. Take inspiration from others, but adapt them to suit your own needs. By doing this you are setting yourself up for success and happiness. Happy meditating!
