Meditation – Why we should all be doing it!
When I first thought of meditation, I pictured a Monk at the top of a mountain overlooking forests and lakes, legs crossed, eyes closed, the picture of serenity… I was sceptical about it and It was a side of Yoga I showed the least interest in. I only wanted my Practise to be based on postures and breathwork as that’s what I believed was the most important when in fact these are only 2 out of the 8 limbs of Yoga.
In a class setting of 60-75 minutes once a week it can be difficult to approach the aspect of meditation but it really is if not more important that Asana. The only reason we practise Asana (postures) and Pranayama (breathwork) is so we can ready our body and mind for the meditation that should follow.
The reason that it is so important to practise mediation is that it makes you present, makes you a more grounded and calmer person, brings self-awareness, gives you the gift of inner peace and is the best thing you can do for your mental health.
It can be really challenging in this day and age to find thirty minutes plus to sit in silence with our throughs to meditate, there are many many great apps and programmes that can help us but even that can be overwhelming. As soon as we try to silence the mind goes in to overdrive thinking about the most bizarre things like a meal we once had on that holiday to Crete in 2005! This is all part of the process of Mediation and entering Samadhi (a state of divine bliss) but for myself personally I found different ways to enter meditation when it is not possible to find the tranquil environment I craved.
1. House Hold Tasks – Washing up and dusting can be really amazing ways to quiet the mind, it calms the nervous system and mindlessly focusing on the task of cleaning gives the mind a chance to become quiet. So next time you are feeling frazzled grab a duster!
2. Walking in Nature – This one is my absolute favourite! Walking mediation should be made compulsory in my eyes! Walking underneath the canopy of ancient trees feeling the earth underneath your soles, permitting your ears pick up the sound of nature and letting your feet wonder is the most amazing way to quiet the mind, process thoughts and feelings and take in some much-needed fresh air. Mother Nature is truly awesome!
3. Sketch, Doodle or Paint – When I have had a trying day, I find that getting the creative juices flowing really helps to calm me down. Sitting comfortably away from the distraction of technology with a pencil and a scrap of paper and mindlessly letting my mind guide my hand to create shapes and designs brings me focus and clarity. It’s like I am doodling out all the distractions, doubts and blockages that have been buzzing in my brain leaving a much more centered, concise being behind!
4. Music – putting my Headphones in closing my eyes and listening to my favourite music is an amazing way to calm the mind as there is no room for buzzing thoughts when your ears are full of music!
5. Pamper – Lastly, I have found that when I want some peace and quiet and some time for quiet a bath is a gift sent from heaven! Light some candles put some gentle music on and relax.
If you want to learn more about meditation private classes are available, get in touch here!
