MEDITATION & YOGA
This is the part of my spiritual journey that is most lacking, but I'm working on it. Meditation and yoga are gateways to a higher state of being. They require discipline and dedicated time in order to progress to a point where they become easy to do. My daughter started practicing yoga about a year ago, and she says that now she "craves" it. Not only has it helped quiet her mind, but it has made her physically stronger. I'd like to get to that point!
In the last few years most of my spiritual commitment has been towards divine love, to gaining insight and awareness of people and how to accept each as a SOUL. I've worked hard at practicing compassion and understanding, and at gaining the ability to be "unaffected" by the actions of others. So maybe I needed to "get right" with all that before I got into an earnest practice of meditation and yoga ... or maybe those practices would have helped me even more. Regardless, this is where I'm at, but I am willing. Meditation and yoga are high on my list of priorities.
I've "dabbled" with meditation over the years but I still find it hard to remain motionless for periods of time. I'm good with guided meditations, but I lack in quieting my mind on my own. I'm still a work in progress. When I was in rehab, we had a weekly meditation where the instructor guided us through a series of music and images. I loved it ... but everytime we would start, as I settled into a comfortable position, my nose would itch or my ear would itch, or I'd get an itch under my foot. It always took me a few minutes to get past those "itches" enough to relax and get into the flow. I have, however, been fortunate enough to access my third eye on a number of occasions, but I know it wasn't to any mindblowing degree, just a "teaser." There is still a great deal more to experience.
My daily walks are my most comfortable form of meditation. That is where my mind is quiet ... I am at rest and feeling the presence of God. Up to this point, it has always been easier for me to walk than to sit motionless, and my walks have helped immensely with my spiritual development. All I can do for my readers at this point is link them to the methods of meditation and yoga that I am currently pursuing: For yoga, the instructor my daughter introduced me to is Julia Marie. She has made many yoga videos with something for everyone, from beginners to experts. It includes breathwork and stretching, and she is easy to follow. For meditation, I generally go to my two favorite teachers - Aaron Abke or Eckhart Tolle. Not only do they offer guided meditations, but they also offer meditations for specific relief ... pain, anger, anxiety, etc. Aaron Abke specifically gets into the Kundalini yoga, which increases awareness, releases energy blockages, and promotes overall well-being by balancing the body's systems and expanding consciousness. All I can say is "find what works for you."
The Chakras
Meditation and yoga go hand in hand with The Chakras, which are our energy centers or "auras." Each Chakra is associated with specific emotions, functions, and colors and are believed to be vital for overall well-being, mental and physical health. Here is a breakdown:
Root Chakra (Red) - base of the spine. It represents our connection to the physical world ... our identity and stability. A blocked root chakra can manifest as physical issues like arthritis, constipation, bladder or colon problems, or emotionally as insecurity about basic needs, well being, or finances.
Sacral Chakra (Orange) - lower abdomen. It governs creativity, sexuality, and emotional expression. Issues with this chakra can be associated with urinary tract infections, lower back pain, and impotency; or emotionally, as lower feelings of self-worth, pleasure, sexuality, and creativity.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Yellow) - upper abdomen. It is linked to personal power, self-esteem, and confidence. Blockages in the third chakra are often experienced as digestive issues like ulcers, heartburn, and eating disorders; emotionally, as lower self esteem and self-confidence.
Heart Chakra (Green) - center of the chest. It embodies love, compassion, and emotional balance. Heart chakra blockages can manifest physically as heart problems, asthma, and weight issues; emotionally as feelings of loneliness, insecurity, and isolation.
Throat Chakra (Blue) - in the throat. It relates to communication, self-expression, and truth. Blockages can be seen as problems with the throat, teeth, gums, and mouth; emotionally, through dominating conversations, gossiping, speaking without thinking, and having trouble speaking your mind.
Third Eye Chakra (Indigo) - between the eyebrows. It governs intuition, wisdom, and psychic abilities. Blockages can manifest as headaches, issues with sight, or hearing problems; emotionally, they might have trouble with listening and have a "know it all" attitude.
Crown Chakra (Violet) - top of the head. It represents spirituality, enlightenment, and connection with the divine. Blockages may affect the brain and nervous system; emotionally, a person may seem narrow-minded, skeptical, or stubborn.
During the course of your life, you will fluctuate between blockages in one chakra and awakenings in another. Meditation and yoga are practices which facilitate healing these blockages and becoming aware of where you need more work. This, in turn, leads to spirtual knowledge and empowerment. There is just so much out there for anyone looking to practice meditation or yoga; but like I said, it takes discipline and desire. Let's make it a priority together and see where it takes us!
Note: One of the websites I am currently studying is called Original Christianity, Original Yoga ... wisdom from India. It's a different perspective on Jesus, reincarnation, yoga and meditation. You might want to check it out ... ocoy.org.
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