Meditation TechniquesSoftening in order to Awakenclick links to go to to how-to instructions on meditation techniques, or choose from the list below Meditation has secret lives, too. On the surface, meditation looks like simple mental exercises for relaxing or combating insomnia. And these are definitely some of the benefits to meditating. But we miss out if we overlook the deeper potential of this powerful tool. A meditation practice, one personally tailored to suit your needs and predilections, can be the thing that nudges you to finally wake up - to the fullness of the life you're already living. Meditation, or centering, is the foundation of the yoga practice. It comes in many shapes and sizes, from two or three minutes of watching the breath, to something longer and more involved, such as repeating a mantra or visualizing light. There are several accessible meditation positions to choose from. What all meditation techniques have in common is focus: the meditator chooses something to use as a focal point, called a dharana, and all the facets of the jewel of the mind are pulled in gently around it. In my practice, and in my teaching, too, I often use the practice of perceiving the fullness of the inner body as a focal point for meditation. It's something I learned in my studies with John Friend, the founder of Anusara Yoga. in Anusara, we pay attention to, or receive, the self just as it is in the moment. Sometimes we say "filling up", and this filling up softens the hard edges with which we approach our perceived imperfections. Turns out, these are the same edges that keep us feeling so separate from the rest of the universe.John calls it "inner body bright" or "opening to grace." We begin each of the poses with this softening, too. We build our practice on it. Whichever meditation techniques you choose, it can be helpful to think of it this way - that we do the actual practice to become adept at recognizing and utilizing moments for meditation in daily life. In other words, while the public face of meditation might be sitting on a mountain top in solitude for multiple lifetimes, or even sitting in a corner of your bedroom for 10 minutes a day, the meat of your practice, the substance, and also the reward, are in the here and now. They are remembering to pause and breathe before reacting to the casual unkind words of a loved one. Or having the perspective to reconcile with your inner critic. Or knowing how to fill up with the unlimited support of the universe when the pressures of life seem like too much to bear. Filling Up Mantra Meditation Mindfulness Practice Gratitude Practice Savasana Meditation and the Universal Principles of Alignment™ If you get something out of the writings here, and you'd like to support their continuing growth, you can make a donation by using the button below. Donations go straight to me, for things like groceries and the electric bill. Any amount is appreciated, none, of course, is required. Share your insights or questions about the secret lives of meditation techniques here. I will keep your comments as private as you want them to be, and I promise I wont share your email address with anyone.
This website is meant to inspire you, and to encourage you to begin your own life-affirming practice of yoga. It is not meant to replace a real live yoga teacher, or the transformative experience of an actual community to practice in. you may contact me with questions, or: take a class in Portland, Oregon
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