So I am obsessed with Yoga! This is not news to anyone who knows me. I love the workout I get, I love the clarity I feel, I love the alone time I am able to have and I love the lifestyle. In spite of all that, I have been hesitant to start meditation. I remember being a young girl in elementary school and the schools gym teacher would struggle to teach 30 fidgeting kids how to meditate. It was so boring! From then it was imbedded in my mind that meditation was boring and just not for me. I had always believed meditation was just the process of clearing your mind of every little thought. How in the world could I be expected to do that as an active little girl or as a multi-tasking grown woman for that mater? I have been told it is good for me and I tried a few other times just to see if my will-power to rid my mind of all insane and silly thoughts was stronger. It never worked!!
The one thing that finally struck a cord with me and was able to click was Mantra Meditation. I’m embarrassed to say that with 15 years of yoga experience I didn’t hear about mantra meditation (and malas for that mater) until about 3 years ago. Mantra Meditation lets you actually think!! You are to use visualization and positive affirmations to create an environment within yourself that is able to de-stress faster, and look at things objectively. The top 10 most productive Mantras are linked here. The Link also has an awesome definition on mantras and why to use them.
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is a short example of the steps I take to create calm in my life by using mantra meditation:
- Sit up tall and cross-legged with my eyes closed in a quiet and clean room (This is by far the hardest thing to find. I have finally created a yoga/meditation room for myself, but if you don’t have that you can at least lock your bedroom door so you avoid interruption)
- Breathe deeply In my nose and out my mouth, I then begin to visualize my breath as a type of colored smoke as it goes in and out of my body. When I breathe out the smoke is dark and represents all my stress, confusion, and anger. When I breathe in, the smoke is bright and full of light; it fills my entire body to my fingers and toes with it being its brightest at my heart center.
- After visualizing my breath for a few times I begin my Mantras. Usually I go with a positive affirmation that is something I need that day. for ex: “I am a beautiful, happy, and relaxed Goddess”
- I then utilize my mala as a tool to count my mantras. I repeat them over in my head or out loud until I have finished my moving along my mala. For an explanation on how to use the mala please link here to the Gaia site that give a simple, helpful definition. (If your mind wonders it’s totally fine. I try to think about myself being a beautiful, happy and relaxed goddess that day. My mind always ends up wandering but the constant repetition of the mantra always brings me back)
- To finish off I will put my hands to heart center and repeat Namaste to myself and to God. This is my way of praying and expressing gratitude at the same time.
I noticed a huge difference in my life after the first time I meditated this way. The affirmation stayed in the back of my mind and helped shape my actions. I noticed showing more love and less irritation.
Some days I don’t have time to set aside to meditate so I end up doing it anywhere that I can find a little quiet. Having 2 toddlers can prove this to be difficult. I have done it while driving, while going to the bathroom, while cooking, and while laying in bed right before I go to sleep. This type of meditation really is what has finally worked for me and hopefully in can work for you. But if you find you hate it, no problem! Try something else, something new! Never stop searching for your niche to help give you peace-of-mind, cause once you have it you will never go back.
Now Go Find Your Inner Peace!
-Namaste Bitches