~ ~ ~  I find great joy and inspiration from Sally Kempton, who writes a monthly column in the Yoga Journal magazine. (www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2607)

  

In the September 2013 issue, Sally answers questions she is frequently asked by meditation students.  With this as my inspiration, I thought I'd write a series of articles for the next 5 weeks and I'd love your feedback.

  

  

Having a routine for your practice helps in many ways:

  

• You become familiar and comfortable with a breathing technique or mindfulness, which is continuously and gently returning awareness to the breath.
• Coming back to the same technique over and over again creates a habit so that you easily slip into meditation with less effort.  Ahhhh...
• It can be helpful to meditate in the same place, at the same time of day, to support your practice.
• A brief sequence may help to begin with stretching, yoga postures or a walk, then a breathing practice, such as counting the inhalation and exhalation and settling into observing the breath.
• All of these techniques will eventually fall away, naturally as you "catch the natural current of meditation," as Sally Kempton describes it.
• All the various techniques, such as pranayama breathing, mantra repeated phrases or chanting are designed to help you focus and turn your attention inward - they are the path to meditation.
• Once you have devoted some time - perhaps days, weeks or months - to a particular technique, you may be drawn to try something new for fun or variety.  Give the new technique some dedicated time to sink in to your awareness.
• Yoga postures or asanas are designed to be preparation for meditation to bring the body into alignment and allow for comfort in seated meditation.  You might also try practicing yoga as a moving meditation - turning your attention inward and observing the flow of prana or life force energy.
• When you feel the desire to deepen your practice, sticking with the same techniques and moving through whatever restlessness or impatience you are feeling, may bring you to a new depth of connection with yourself and your spirit.
• Each time you meditate, you might ask for guidance within about which technique will best serve you today.
• If you have a meditation teacher and/or a practice group, it may be helpful to share what you are experiencing and ask for guidance and support.

~ ~ ~ Please share with me what techniques you find helpful in your meditation practice.

 

Whether you are meditating daily, weekly or occasionally, remember that the benefits of meditation for clarity, relaxation and stress relief are amazing.

 

~ ~ ~ Open yourself to the techniques that appeal to you and continue to let go of the habitual chatter that fills your consciousness and distracts you from the deep peace and calm that is available within.