Meditate: v. focus one's mind for a period of time, in silence or with the aid of chanting, for religious or spiritual purposes or as a method of relaxation. Latin, meditari, meaning 'measure'.
Meditation is not generally of common practice among Westerners, especially the young and hip who are always on the go- using their iphone for instant information and communication, facebook to keep track of their social life from a safe, digital distance, always running from place to place without taking time to sit and... well... BE. True, the rise of yoga has helped many get a taste of the nectar, but most people in today's world just can't sit still for that long. Especially here in NYC, where my community of artist friends buzzes like a hive- the day begins somewhere in the afternoon with emails and facebook and lots of coffee, continues to some form of work which lasts till the evening, and then the real day begins with performance and socialization, often ending somewhere between midnight and daybreak with a crash of alcohol-induced slumber. Oh yes, I've been there.
In the definition above from the Oxford Dictionary of English, it says that the word 'meditation' stems from a Latin word which means 'measure'. Balance. Space. Taking stock. To measure something is to gain an awareness of its proportion. To meditate is to gain awareness of our own proportion, of our own EXISTANCE.
In Pratima Raichur's book "Absolute Beauty: Radiant Skin and Inner Harmony Through the Ancient Secrets of Ayurveda", Doctor Pratima defines the five 'strata' of existance according to the teachings of Ayurveda:
Consciousness (Anandamaya kosha) Bliss (samadhi) She describes the pure essence of consciousness as that feeling which we experience oh-so-briefly at the moment of waking, before our first thought occurs. This is what it is to simply "be", to "exist".
Ego (Viganamaya kosha) Individuality, intellectual or elevated mind, feeling, intuition, desire, values.
Mind (Manomaya kosha) Discrimination, decision making, control of behavior and attention.
Breath (Pranamaya kosha) Vital energy of the body.
Body (Annamaya kosha) Pysical substance of the body (bones, muscles, organs, tissues, etc.).
When we meditate, we are giving ourselves the opportunity to balance the five 'strata' listed above. Is our mind in balance with our body, or are we pushing the body past its tolerance because we want to stay out that extra hour, get that drink with a friend, go to work even though we feel sick? Do you wake up feeling like you were hit by a truck? Does your patience fail you when in discussion with friends, family, or co-workers and leave you feeling angry, hurt, or embarrassed? Are you struggling with headaches or digestive issues, disordered sleeping, or depression? Forgetfulness? Clumsiness? Confusion? Feeling 'fuzzy'? Do you find that you have great spurts of energy and excitement and then land in a heap of exhaustion and crankiness or even apathy? If any of these applies to you, then you are a normal person, and you should meditate daily. (If I know you personally, I am describing YOU up there; yes, Mom, yes, FRIEND, yes, BROTHER, I'm telling you now that you should start!)
Meditation is a time to find the silence needed to take measure of our being so that we can begin to establish a more sustainable and happy energy to live on.
It might seem daunting. Do I have to sit in that 'meditation' position? My legs don't bend that way. Do I have to chant? I will feel stupid. What if I can't make my mind stop 'talking'? I'm too stressed out, I have too much going on, I'm too busy, I have too much on my mind!!!!!!! Aghhh!!!!
SOUNDS LIKE YOU NEED TO MEDITATE.
It's going to be easy. Here are some directions and suggestions, improvise and use whatever feels good to you:
1. Find a time and place that is quiet and private. Give yourself at least 10-15 minutes.
2. Sit in a comfortable position. I don't recommend reclining because you may simply fall asleep, and that is not the goal.
3. Take in a deep breath, feeling the downward motion of your diaphragm. Elongate your exhalation. As you continue to breathe, continually elongate inhalation and exhalation, thereby slowing your breath, and your heart-rate.
4. As you do this, focus all of your attention on your breathing. What does it feel like the moment you drag the first air molecules into your nostrils? How does it feel passing through your throat, down into your lungs? What temperature is the air? So on. Get really into the breathing.
5. Continue this breathing for a long time. Try to achieve the feeling of Pure Consciousness, or Bliss that you experience just when you wake up, before you start thinking. Do this until you feel rested, and refreshed. If you find that thoughts are surfacing like bad, begging dogs at the table, look at them compassionately and tell them to go away. You will address them later, when you feel refreshed. Continue with your breathing.
6. When you feel ready to end your meditation, open your eyes, and say a silent thanks to your mindbodyspirit.
Some things that might enhance, or facilitate meditation:
Yoga (it helps increase circulation and tone the muscles to make them ready for sitting calmly)
Candlelight
A bell or singing bowl rung at beginning and end to 'cleanse' the space you are in.
A pillow to sit on if you like to be on the floor.
Tissues if you have a stuffy nose.
Do this practice at different times in the day. Try it at night before bed- see how much better you sleep. Try it in the morning when you wake up- see how much more gracefully you go through your day. Try it in the afternoon and see how it gives you joyful energy to complete your work. If you do this regularly you should find yourself having more awareness and clarity in matters of decision-making, communication, learning, and performance, and a new glow to your well-being that enables you to sleep more restfully, walk more gracefully, be a better lover, friend, or parent, and make choices that lead you to the strength and vitality necessary to enjoy a long and happy life.
BE WELL!
Alice
No comments:
Post a Comment