Foundations
MEDITATION
Why meditate? In a world full of constant input from social media, TV, news and things craving our attention. Just like yoga, the different practices and benefits are timeless. The two go hand in hand.
Meditation is a “practice in which an individual uses a technique such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness” (Wikipedia), and to achieve different desired states. Meditation is practiced in numerous religious traditions and the earliest records of meditation is found in the Upanishads of ancient India.
Just like Yoga, there is a whole inner world to explore when it comes to meditation, not to mention the numerous benefits. Some benefits include the elimination of negative emotions like fear, anger, depression, anxiety and to develop positive emotions. Meditation can help increase concentration, strengthen memory, clarity of thought and will power.
I have listed some of the morning meditation practices that I find very useful to get me through the day. First up, after completing Hatha Yoga practices, I do a yogic practice called Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya. It is a very potent form of Kriya yoga, has countless benefits (see video below) and if practiced daily – transforms one’s inner being in a very positive manner. The practice merges one’s energy and etheric bodies together over time and opens one up to deeper dimensions (perception) of life.
“The greatest religion is to be true to your own nature. Have faith in yourselves.” – Swami Vivekananda
I find Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya to be a subtle yet very effective practice. It calms me down, eliminates anxiety, and most of all I feel blissed out. I feel more productive afterward, able to concentrate better, and feel a lot more emotionally in balance.
Click this link to see the results of a survey conducted on those who practiced Shambhavi regularly. Some benefits of this practice include reduced risk of heart diseases and better cardiac functioning, improved attention, enhanced mental capabilities, improved quality of sleep, increased alertness, awareness and relaxation, reduction in menstrual problems, reduction in disease conditions, and medicine usage in chronic diseases.
Lastly my morning routine typically just consists of Isha Kriya to finish off my practices. The video below demonstrates how to do Isha Kriya. This set of practices helps develop mental clarity and focus, creates mental stability, and creates peace and well-being. Those who practice it regularly find that it calms the mind and body, reduces stress, and depression, and empowers an individual in handling unpleasant situations around them.
“When meditation is mastered, the mind is unwavering like the flame of a candle in a windless place.” – Bhagavad Gita
So after completing Isha Kriya, I have a shower and begin my day. There are many other forms of meditation of course and the internet is full of awesome resources. If you ever feel like your immunity is compromised and you want a 5-minute process to increase your lung capacity and increase your immunity, you can practice Simha Kriya.
Below is a 6 Phase Guided meditation that you can do at a suitable time, courtesy of Vishen Lakhiani (Founder of Mindvalley).
“Love is the ultimate state of human being where compassion prevails and kindness rules.” – Yogi Bhajan
While there are many forms of meditation, the two that I do regularly is the Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya and Isha Kriya to get me going for the day. Click below to find out more about other guided meditations that you may find helpful.