Meditations
From verse 1.2 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras: “Yogas chitta vrtti nirodha.”
Translated from the Sanskrit language it means: yoga is the total quieting (nirodha) of the activity (vrtti) of the mind (chitta).
Through constant and regular practice of meditation, we can train the attitude of self-observation to detect the hectic activity of thoughts and thus become familiar with our state of being.
To meditate is to take the time to become acquainted with and approve of ourselves.
In this way, we enable those shadow aspects of ourselves, those unconscious beliefs acquired via family, school, religion, and community, to arise and learn to approach them with genuine curiosity.
Observing ourselves in all of our different behaviours and reactions, as well as all of our emotions, becomes critical in order to unlearn these modalities and be able to witness the old while allowing the new self to grow.
Therefore the process of change begins when we become aware of these unconscious states of the old self, which are embedded in the operating system of the subconscious, and when we attentively examine the programme, we are no longer the programme, and we can disidentify, becoming the observers.
As with growing a garden, we learn to cultivate our own selves.
Prior to planting, the soil must be cleared of weeds, replenished with various fertilisers, sown in an organised way, and regularly watered. We must then wait for the seed to germinate naturally.
The old crop may be a metaphor for who we have been and what we have created with our ideas, feelings, and actions whereas the numerous weeds may be a representation of all the negative thoughts that we have allowed to coexist with the seedlings we intended to cultivate, causing havoc.
Inappropriately placed rocks and stones signify obstructions and stagnations that prevent plants from thriving in harmony.
To generate the space needed to sow the new thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that, if watered and fostered effectively, lead to the birth of our updated selves, constant, repeated, well-organized, and planned work is therefore important.
Some positive outcomes of meditation:
Reduced stress and anxiety
Meditation has been demonstrated to reduce stress hormones such as cortisol while enhancing the production of feel-good neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine.
Emotional well-being improvement
Regular meditation practise may aid in the development of pleasant emotions including compassion, gratitude, and trust, which can aid in mitigating the negative effects of stress.
Enhanced cognitive function
Meditation has been shown to improve various cognitive abilities, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills, which can be negatively impacted by stress.
Greater resilience
We can become more resilient in the face of adversity and more equipped to deal with challenging situations if we establish a mindful response to stress.
Physical health improvement
Meditation has been linked to a number of physical health benefits, including decreased blood pressure, enhanced immune function, and better sleep quality.
Free resources.
Take some time for yourself and enjoy my online meditations.
This can help you reconnect with yourself and enjoy moments of regeneration, centering, and self-reflection.
Visit:
Add meditation to your everyday routine by following the tips below:
Begin with small steps
5-10 minute of daily meditation is enough and gradually increase the duration as you become more acquainted with the technique.
Find a peaceful space
For your meditation practise, choose a calm, comfortable place where you can reduce distractions and enhance your focus.
Be regular
To assist create a routine and make meditation a habit, try to meditate at the same time every day, preferibly early morning or before going to bed.
Be patient
Meditation is a practice that requires time and dedication to achieve results. Cultivate a nonjudgmental attitude towards your thoughts and feelings and be gentle with yourself.
Practice with a live teacher or use guided meditation tools
If getting to a classroom is a challenge for you, a nice way to begin with is to consider using guided meditation resources such as apps, podcasts, or videos to get started.