"If you're breathing, you're meditating."
~ Sharon Salzberg, Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society
"The sound of the breath itself is considered a sacred mantra of power that is capable of revealing many secrets."
~ Ganga White, Yoga Beyond Belief
"The sound of the breath itself is considered a sacred mantra of power that is capable of revealing many secrets."
~ Ganga White, Yoga Beyond Belief
We're here to talk about meditation. New questions will be posted frequently; please feel free to share your answers via twitter w/@meredithleblanc or below or simply take them into your daily life and ponder them.
- Do you meditate? Yes, no, or just haven't thought about it...
- What's your favorite time to meditate: morning, noon, night, whenever you have a few minutes?
- Do you use a specific breath, such as sama vritti*, to keep your focus or do you simple let the breath flow naturally?
- Sama vritti pranayama: take several relaxed breaths to tune into the breath. On the next inhale for a count of 4. Gently retain the breath for a count of 4. Exhale for a count of 4. Gently hold the breath out for a count of 4. Focus on the process of breathing. For beginners, if you aren't comfortable holding the breath in or out, simply count the inhale and exhale for a count of 4. As you progress with this practice, you may increase the count as long as it remains stress-free.
- Do you use a mala or a timer during your practice?
- @cupcakemafia: I have two [mala] that I love, one my BaliMalas.com and one byTinyDevotions.com
- Do you do any sort stretching or asana practice before meditation?
- Do you use a mantra in your meditation?
- @flyingyogini: yogabasics.com/japamalabeads/…currently using one of theirs, moonstone w/ Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha
- If you use a mala, pleases share who makes your favorite one?
- Mine is ruby quartz that was restrung beautifully for me by @SaraswatiJewels
- @flyingyogini: @SaraswatiJewels <-- my fav mala maker EVER! i have a sandalwood one from her and she's making me a new adventurine one
- Do you prefer to meditate in silence or do you like music/sounds?
- @letitgo8: silence!
- @flyingyogini: silencia
- @dpmsocial: that's a trick question, meditations don't have preferences!
- @murph4peace: depends on the kind of meditation for me. Music if I'm having a hard time dropping in, silence if I'm comfortable.
- @yogalifeway: I need quiet
- @neshobayoga: Quiet or tibetian singing bowls
- @yogabetty: sounds help me so much when I am trying to sit still! It helps that monkey in my head to chill out!
- @karinatrandom: I need the guided visualization!!
- @OMdhyanayogaOM: ((silence)
- Do you have any meditation books that you love?
- @mommyogini: After the Ecstasy, The Laundry by Jack Kornfield
- @priswarner (author of Learning to Breathe):
- Real Happiness by SharonSalzberg (also recommended by @flyingyogini)
- Meditation for Beginners by Jack Kornfield
- Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche's books
- @yogabetty: Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates
- Do you feel you have to practice #meditation for a certain amount of time for it to be effective?
- @kate_bartolotta: I like to do 30 min each morning & night , but even 5 min is better than not at all
- @yogalifeway: 30? Wow. I'm more of a 10 minute girl.
- Kate replies: ABSOLUTELY! 2 minutes is great! 10 min is great! When life gets in the way - even 10 breaths is great.
- @flyingyogini: no. whatever i can get in is what i need for that day
- Have you ever felt uneasy or overwhelmed during #meditation? And how did you deal with it?
- @suburbanyogini: yes + when it happens I see if I can sit with it. If not I stop and then try to work out what happened via journalling
- @omAnnieNH: Yes. I imagine the "bubble" of a leveler moving back to centre or if chanting, I will change my mantra or mantra cadence
- @kate_bartolotta: sometimes during tonglen#meditation for someone who is ill...mind wants to go into fixit mode. I just notice the thoughts, label them "thoughts" and go back to "taking & sending" and my breath
- Do you have a special place you do #meditation?
- @yogalifeway: Corner of my room, facing the sun, w/ my moms prayer shawl she gave me before she passed. & I like to start w/ the lovingkindness meditation on p129 [Learning to Breathe]. It helps me set a good calm tone.
- @flyingyogini: no special place. living room where i practice yoga b/c i meditate after asana.
- @downwarddog: I do meditation in my sun room so I can look out at nature before and after. I really love to do it outside in the summer.
- What 1 word would you use to describe #meditation?
- @suburbanyogini: acceptance
- @flyingyogini: stillness. i crave it
- @shinyyoga: surrender
- @emmainbxl: connection
- @mommyogini: stillness. i crave it” ditto, constantly searching for the center of the storm
- What hobby or activity do you consider to be #meditation?
- @craftychick: crocheting or needlepoint
- @elizabethgallo: knitting!
- @yogabrooks: riding my bike on the bike path by the lake :)
- @suburbanyogini: walking
- @hillarylibby: often times my running. :)
- @inhermat: used to be handwork. Now, walking with Lucy in the woods an hour a day
- What is your favorite visualization during #meditation?
- @omAnnieNH: That's fantastic! I've not a specific favourite. I love how all my senses feel awake& alive no matter where I am off to!
- @omonthegoyoga: Hugging my Power Animal. Love her.
- @craftychick: walking through a mountain meadow.
- What do you do with your hands during #meditation?
- @flyingyogini: i keep mine on my lap. fingers in a mudra that the name escapes me: first finger and thumb together hands pointed down hands on knees, fingers pointed down for grounding. learned this from Ana Forrest. works great.
- @emmainbxl: either mudra or resting palms on knees, I listen to what my body & heart tell me to do, it changes from 1 day to the other.
- @omAnnieNH: a simple mudra (often tip of thumb & index finger touching) & resting on my knees or thighs : however they "land"
- Do you you share with non-yoga friends that you meditate? If you do, how do they react?
- @beeyondyoga: I don't.
- @Claudiayoga: Yes, people are open to it
- @flyingyogini:i do. they almost always say.. "i wish i could do that." then i say: you can!
- @dionne_ reply: Same here! And same w/yoga ...although there are some I don't have that direct discussion with.i don't hide it but don't openly declare...interesting!
- @omAnnieNH: I definitely do. I talk about my meditation practice on the air, too.The reaction is an acceptance of who I am & what I do
- @cupcakemafia: From my experience some people seem more open to the idea of meditation than yoga. I also think it's more universal in the sense that people can relate it to the idea of "prayer".
- If you're short on time, what do you choose: #meditation or #yoga?
- @letitgo8: I do too. "@MeredithLeBlanc: If you're short on time, what do you choose: #meditation or#yoga? I choose meditation"
- @frenzy36: it's yoga for me, I still haven't been able to tame my A personality to embrace meditation
- @yogauntwisted: depends on who needs more attention... my body or my brain.
- @coryteo: depends on how I'm feeling. But mostly yoga :)
- @omAnnieNH: I find it depends on how I need to return to center. It has been meditation for me recently.
- Do you have a favorite deity or symbol to meditate on that gives you solace and/or strength?
- @sevasouleyoga: Tara, baby! (usually the green variety;) Happy Friday- dare I say it...meditation momma!
- @omAnnieNH: I'm an Amma and a Mother Mary kinda girl, but I generally make empty my dristi while meditating.
- What is your BPM? Breaths Per Minute. Get in touch with your breath. [BPM is a breath tool I give to my meditation students to help them get to know their breath. With a timer set to 1 minute count the numbers of breaths you have in a minute. One breath = 1 inhale & 1 exhale, count on the exhale. I like to repeat the timer 3 times & then take an average. It also makes a great mini meditation anytime during the day.]
- @omAnnieNH: 15 if inhale/exhale = a breath & & I love how that 1 simple minute felt! Hmm ☺ I need to do that more often!
- Why meditate? Why make the effort to observe what's going on in your body, mind, & spirit?
- @omAnnieNH because it gives me a center. A place of balance to measure and grow
- If you like music with your meditation, what is your soundtrack?
- @meredithleblanc: I love Eternal OM by Robert Slap ow.ly/7kzeA
- @PoorGirlOrganic: I like Johnathan Goldman, "The Divine Name: Sounds of the God Code"
- Do you have a meditation ritual?
- @FlyingYogini: only asana before, sit on my zafu made by @innerspaceyoga and time it with the "meditator" ap. also some times if i find that my mind is racing (which is often) i say to myself.. i'm breathing out, i'm breathing in. brings me back
- @omAnnieNH: I say "Here. Me. Now." as I land in my zazen spot.
- @PrisWarner: I wake up every am and recite: "Thank you God for returning my soul to my body." Then I breathe :)
- @Emmainbxl: chanting or kriya (depends am or pm), then a bit of asanas, then on to meditate :)
- @YogaLifeWay: Must have my face turned to the sun
- Mini Meditation: at a stop light or standing in line, gaze @ the red light or something in front of you ~ tune into the breath, be present
- @yogabetty: I like to do that on the bus... Focus on a point & breathe. As long as I don't forget im on the bus & miss my stop :)
- What is your favorite chakra to meditate on?
- @Meredithleblanc: Lately for me its been #5, vissudha strengthening my voice.
- @omAnnieNH: heart - (worked to open my heart and then it was a bit too open haha. Working on balancing my heart with my life)
- @Emmainbxl: depending on day and what I feel I need, can be muladhara, anahata or ajna :)
- Yoga Teachers: Do you include meditation in your asana classes? Why or why not?
- @Yogini_Jess: depends where I'm teaching & length of class. 1hr class @ a gym - no, 90 min class at a studio - maybe based on the vibe
- @YogaLifeWay: Have been introducing meditation & pranayama into more of my classes. Slowly but it's being accepted so far!
- @elizabethgallo: I am trying to incorporate it and pranayama into my classes more -- feeling the call to share more than just sweaty asana!
- @JeffreyLDecker: This will bring the yoga revolution to the next step in the West. Pranayama and meditation are powerful.
- @peterferko: I always include #meditation in asana classes: for most class is their only yoga and I want them to experience the point
- What advice do you give to people who want to start a practice or are new to it?
- @ClaudiaYoga: I would sit with them for a few minutes, or direct them to a basic level weekend retreat, Shambhala is great for beginners
- @omAnnieNH: Be simple. Take just a couple seated moments. Fidgetting happens. Return to centre. Breathe.
- @hillarylibby: don't try so hard to clear your mind, just observe without judgement when thoughts come up. And start w/ just 5 minutes.
- @MishogaWear: Just do it, even if you can only be still for 3 minutes. It's a start. That's what I tell my students
- @MeredithLeBlanc: I wish I could remember where I read this: each breath is an opportunity to start again
- @MishogaWear: that is so true because each time is a new experience and opportunity
- Meditators: When I first started meditating my hands would fidget, then I got a mala; what has been your best "tool" to help you focus?
- @coryteo: music! And yoga :)
- @cafeterrablog: Oh good idea! I just bought a mala too:-)
- @flyingyogini: saying inside when my head wanders: i'm breathing out/i'm breathing in. focusing on where fingertips touch in a mudra
- Please be sure to check out the Meditation Musings of my friend Kat Saks
- Why meditate no matter who you are by Peter Ferko
- Why are there 108 beads on a mala? by Jewels of Saraswati
- Awesome Guidance for Beginners by Jennifer of Yoga Life Way
Hi Mer! Love this- and yes, I meditate. My practice has grown in leaps and bounds since I made meditation part of my daily practice.
ReplyDeleteHere's some more answers off the top of my head (brahma nadi???)
AM
Nadi shodhana, then Ham-sa kriya (usually)
Mala at beginning if I'm chanting
I use the Insight Timer App on my iPhone- LOVE it
Typically practice asana before, short or long practice, doesn't matter, just opening/balancing lines of energy
Sometimes I use mantra in chanting with my mala
The mala I use is the one they gave me after my 200-hr TT. I think it's cherry wood beads or something. I keep it in a little silk satchel next to my practice/teaching area...
Silence (there's usually enough noise going on in my head!)
Nope.
My teacher suggests 18 minutes/day and I find that this works for me.
This should be interesting!
Cheers, R
1) yes, not frequently though... usually during yoga class.
ReplyDelete2) i don't have a favorite time to meditate... but my yoga class is usually in the evening so that's when i get to meditate.
3) most of the time, i use ujayi breath for the meditation. sometimes our teachers will guide us to sama vritti pranayama or alternate nostril breathing.
4)I don't use a mala for meditation
5)i usually come into meditation without having done any preparatory poses, but having a light practice to stretch and unwind is a good idea.
6)usually no mantra is used, but occasionally i will try "om gum ganapatayei namaha"
8) I prefer some music, or the sounds of nature if I am outside
9)actually this is not a meditation book, but Max Strom's A Life Worth Breathing has really motivated me to incorporate breathing into meditation. I like how he starts his meditation on focusing on something or someone you are grateful for.
10) Being so restless that I am, I find even 1 minute of complete stillness with breathing is tremendously helpful :-)
Nice idea to hear how others do it!
ReplyDeleteBeing sick has completely changed the game for me for the past 2 months. I meditate when I can, while in bed. When the body allows for the mind to settle.
I have started using a mantra to calm my mind the one that Tina Turner uses in the movie right before she faces -successfully- detaches from her abusive husband... the mantra :Namhyohorengekyo...
It was different when healthy and I am feeling like this process of healing is doing things from me, not sure what will happen when I return to full health ...
1. Yes!
ReplyDelete2. Usually in the morning, keeps me grounded for the day. And then whenever I have a few minutes :)
3. Natural breathing or ujjayi.
4. I use a timer - meditating in the morning could easily have me walking late to work, have to be careful :)
5. Yes, meditation comes as the end of my morning routine: kriyas, a bit of movement (usually gentle sun salutations and whatever pose my body needs), then I sit for meditation.
6. It depends on the way I feel. Sometimes I use a mantra, sometimes I observe my breath, and sometimes an affirmation will come up.
7. Would love to, but have yet to find one that "speaks" to me.
8. Usually silence, or guided meditation.
9. The Radiance Sutras, by Lorin Roche, a beautiful and joyful translation of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra.
10. No, it really depends on the way I feel. I have found myself locking myself up in the office bathroom for a couple of minutes just to be still and breahe, and it worked!
<3
1.) yes! trying to make it a very daily practice but it is tough
ReplyDelete2.) mid day (only time i'm free of elves)
3.) natural breathing
4.) timer on my iPhone (meditation app)
5.) after asana for sure. i can sit forever after and not at all before
6.) I'm breathing out, I'm breathing in
7.) I don't use a mala for my seated meditation but I use one for my daily mantra as I walk around/drive/move/live. Fav by Jewels of Saraswati and currently one by another company that is moonstone with Ganesha mantra
8.) silence
9.) i like Sharon Salzberg
10.) any amt of time is groovy