When I first began attempting to meditate about 5 years ago, waves of panic would flow through my body. It would begin as a racing heart then travel to the stomach, to the back and finally the legs and arms. Occasionally, I would feel ill…most times though, just worried and not really sure about what.
Julianna Pennings Photography
A standard yoga class usually includes a short meditation period (shavasana) at the end. When searching for resources that were beneficial for mental health, I started to practice yoga more frequently. Over time, I started to notice that during this final shavasana, I was able to rest without becoming overwhelmed physically, emotionally or mentally. It was possible for me to find a few moments of stillness and calmness.
Practicing yoga regularly was greatly helpful in improving meditation techniques, even if for only a few minutes at a time. In addition, the movements, postures and breath work involved in sessions prepare us for relaxation, as well as train the body and brain to be able to slow down. It works with the neuroplasticity of the brain and the body’s nervous system (for all the science and health care people).
Today, I have the ability to sit peacefully with myself both in body and mind, even often during times of heightened stress. Through meditation and turning our awareness inward, we take a break from the external world and connect with the senses, our internal selves and the present moment. When softening the gaze or closing the eyes for a meditation, during this time, a slower pace and more focused concentration is adopted. As a result, when the eyes are opened again, the world may become clearer and one’s outlook and disposition more content.
Below are some of my favourite quotes about the practice of meditation:
Meditation and concentration are the way to a life of serenity ~ Ram Dass
Meditation means the recognition or discovery of one’s own true self ~ Sri Chinmoy
Your goal is not to battle with the mind, but to witness the mind ~ Swami Muktananda
Meditation means dissolving the invisible walls that unawareness has built ~ Sadhguru
Meditation is the ultimate mobile device; you can use it anywhere, anytime, unobtrusively ~ Sharon Salzberg
Meditation is a vital way to purify and quiet the mind, thus rejuvenating the body ~ Deepak Chopra
The real meditation practice is how we live our lives from moment to moment to moment ~ Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditation is a vital practice to access conscious contact with your highest self ~ Wayne Dyer
The purpose of meditation is personal transformation ~ Henepola Gunaratana