Meditation

26 Feb Meditation

MEDITATION in 2019 – by a1000yoga Academy

Most of us associate the term ‘good health’ purely with our bodies.
And, if we are ‘health-conscious’, chances are we put in considerable effort in getting to know the state of our bodies, in terms of strengths and weaknesses, requirements in terms of food, nutrition, exercise, protection and so on. Then we put in even more effort towards ensuring our bodies receive what they need.
But is that all there is to good health?

In the modern world we are well versed with the term“ psychosomatic disease” (diseases that have their origins in the mind and manifest in the body ). It is a phenomenon clearly illustrating the close relationship between physical and mental realms. A relationship that Ayurveda understood thousands of years ago!

As per Ayurveda’s Sushruta Samhita (Su.15.48), Health is when the Doshas, Agni and Dhatu, Mala, Kriya are balanced and in equilibrium. Meaning that all the physiological functions of the body are stable and in equilibrium, resulting in “ Prasanna Atma, Indriya Manas” (Pleasant mind and senses)
Clearly illustrating the importance of a healthy mind in a healthy body.

Yet most of us – even the most health conscious – have little or no understanding of the workings of our minds. Rarely – if ever – do we spend any time or effort getting to know and taking care of our mental selves as we do our physical selves.

For example, how many of us would even be aware of these 6 Common Causes of mental ill health :
⦁ Physical: inactive, heavy and unclean body
⦁ Food and food habits: Unwholesome food, overeating and irregular food habits
⦁ Physiological : buildup of toxins and sluggish functions of the internal organs
⦁ Lack of quality sleep: both quality and quantity of sleep / rest
⦁ Senses : over stimulation and exhaustion of sense organs
⦁ Unhealthy interpersonal and social interactions
For many of us the above could be a description of what we consider ‘normal life!’

So how does one start the process of looking after our minds?

Like all else in Yoga – the first step is basic awareness. Spending some quiet time with our inner selves.
Here’s are some simple first steps:

DIY :
⦁ Body: Start with working on relatively disease free, light and active body
⦁ Lifestyle: next regulate lifestyle including proper sleep, timely & nourishing meals
⦁ Meditate: After freshening up the face and the senses, Play some soft instrumental music and Start with sitting still for 10-12 minutes while keeping your attention on one of the following:
⦁ Breath: take a few deep full breaths and keep the awareness on the breath
⦁ Watch/ witness your thoughts, emotions and feelings.
⦁ Recollect some recent events and interactions
⦁ Contemplate on recent choices you have made in life – work, life, relationships etc.

⦁ Seek a trained Meditation Teacher : once you have done the above for 3 months its time to seek the guidance of a seasoned meditator. Like Yoga Asana you will need to look for a teacher who is qualified, certified and has been practicing meditation based proven techniques. You could also follow one of the many Meditation apps while you look for a trained teacher.

Going forward – both Ayurveda and the Astanga Yoga of Patanjali – both offer excellent and time-tested tools and techniques to help nurture a healthy mind.

Until then – the simple practices listed above will help you get to know the most complex part of our self – the mind – a little better, opening up avenues, not only for good mental and physical health, but also for a happy life.

Happy meditation in 2019.

“There will be a 1 week course on Meditation in April, we will keep you posted on the dates and other details , send us an email if you wish to receive this information”