Yoga: Learning to Meditate

When people think of mediation and yoga, many think of someone with their eyes closed, legs crossed in an impossible yoga pose, fingers in a mantra resting on their knees, and perhaps even chanting.

Or maybe you think of meditation as contemplating a topic or even an object for hours on end. But the end goal to yogic meditation is to be able to clear your mind totally of thought, but still be awake and aware. Sounds hard “not” to have thoughts, but there are many easy ways to get started.

• Find Time for Yourself Meditation takes a little time. This may seem like an impossibility with your busy schedule, but putting aside time for yourself, just ten minutes, is a great start on your way to a calming meditation practice.
• Create Your Space You don’t want to meditate just anywhere. You want to create a tranquil, trusting, positive environment – a place that you can return to each time. What makes you comfortable? A cushion, a candle, darkness? Quieting the mind can be tough, so pick a quiet place to set yourself up for success, without interruptions.
• Don’t Hold Your Breath We hold so much tension in our bodies. The simple act of breathing is a wonderful way to help release it. Take deep, slow, even breaths as you practice.
• Try Music to Let Go of Thoughts Try concentrating and listening to inspirational music during your meditation time. Ignoring thoughts as they come in and out of your mind. If they come racing in, pay no attention. Will them to go away. This takes practice… easier said than done, but over time you will find it easier the more you do it.

Try a Mantra To Let Go of Thoughts

I love this finger exercise that goes along with a mantra “sat nam” which has many translations, such as “i am that” or “I am truth”. To begin, sit in a comfortable, seated position. Bring your thumb and forefinger together, then switch to thumb and middle finger touching, and then on to the thumb and ring finger and finally thumb and pinky.

As you rotate through the fingers and say “sat-ta, nam-mah” starting each syllable as your fingertip touches your thumb. Repeat and relax. This is a great exercise you can do almost anywhere, I’ve even done it to relax before a big meeting or when I have to go on the air.

Related Posts

• Learn more about the peaceful side effects of yoga – ahimsa which will be sure to enrich your life!
• Curious about yoga and other yogic practices? Browse my list of favorite yoga books.
• There is so much more to yoga than posing. To learn more check out my post on ayurveda.

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