This post is gifted to us by Kewal Kaur Khalsa. She is a busy, Mom, wife, teacher, and writer of her own blog, and has written for others, including Spirit Voyage. This is more about "how do we get to class to have that experience?"
Thank you Kewal Kaur!!
Keeping Up with Yoga: Get to Class!
There are plenty of yoga poses and meditations that are challenging (stretch pose gets just about anybody if it's done long enough!) but the part of attending yoga class that is the hardest for me is actually getting myself in the door. It takes schedule planning, child care negotiations, skilled timing, overcoming the end-of-day exhaustion...and even then, something unexpected pops up at the last minute. Every single time. But if I can just get my body in the yoga room then the moment always comes. We've tuned in, I'm moving and breathing and letting go of tension, and then suddenly....ahhhh. I can't help but think, "Thank God I managed to get here."
Whether the challenges are related to work, family, or just "things to do" or as simple as a distracting bag of chips ("Well, NOW I can't go to class – I have a full belly!"), yoga is still so very worth the effort (where else can you tune up your body, mind, and spirit and bliss out in just over an hour?). Luckily, there are some helpful habits that can help integrate yoga class into life.
Put it On the Calendar
Don't just hope to make it to class. Schedule it. Put in on your calendar. Plan around it as an important appointment in your day – because it is.
Make it Known
Tell the people in your life what your yoga plans are. Give advance notice, as much as possible, so they are prepared for you to be unavailable during class times. Tell them why yoga is important to you. If possible, invite their support, which can come in handy when you need some encouragement.
Practice Little Bits Throughout the Day
Take five minutes to breath deeply. Listen to mantra in your car. Do some spinal flexing in your chair. Little experiences can be great for re-centering and reminding us of the benefits of yoga. Have a little taste and you'll be more motivated to enjoy more.
Get a Yoga Buddy
Committing to attending yoga class with another person often will provide enough push to make it happen. If the other person has arranged their life and you know they are counting on you, it is a lot harder to bail out. Plus, it is nice to have someone to talk to after class, who shares the bliss and is right there with you. You can inspire each other to keep up.
These are just a few suggestions for keeping up with yoga classes. It is easy to feel motivated after yoga class, when we are enjoying the benefits. Setting up a few methods of encouragement ensures that we make it there and can get to the enjoyment part. See you at class!
Now that you know some of her tips, contact her on FB and make a date to come to class together. I expect to see you YP. No more excuses.
We here at YP are always looking for anyone to contribute to the meditation post. If you have an experience that you want to share, or any questions or comments, please feel free to email me at raisingh108@gmail.com.
Sat Nam and Keep Up!
Showing posts with label weekly meditation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label weekly meditation. Show all posts
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Chotay Pad Mantra Full Moon Meditation - One Teacher's Experience
My commitment to this path and the experience of joyful opening, the pulling apart of old neurosis, the firm feeling of my feet on the ground and my crown in the heavens have supported me through many experiences in past years. Yet for everyone, and that includes experienced teachers, there comes bumps in the road, obstacles that one must flow around, climb over or blast out of the way. So when, a few months ago, I found myself stumbling on my path I searched for the quickest, most certain way to find stable footing again.
All that was required was an openness within and the right way back to my practice was passed to me with a woman’s wisdom. A message from the respected crone who had learned the practice from her teacher who had learned the practice from Yogi Bhajan himself. This meditation is not in any book that I am aware of and it is a real gem. It is a simple and powerful practice involving chanting, the full moon, and a short 8 day practice. Perfect!
This meditation holds the ability to remove lifetimes of darkness and negativity, and I mean lifetimes. As I sat during the second night of this meditation, I began to sense this darkness and negativity as beings with form fleeing from the brightness and vibration that I was cultivating within my energy field. One of the few requirements of this mediation is that you may not open your eyes during the process, so I cannot tell you if there was anything physical to see, but in the subtle realms these things existed. I could feel them shivering, hesitating, lurking and then leaving. With each passing night, this energetic activity would wax and wane in waves of exodus. As intimidating as that may sound, I was thrilled with the power and tangible effects of this meditation. All I needed do was chant and sit with my eyes closed.
I enjoyed the process of this meditation, and all of the auric housecleaning involved. I am honored to pass it on and willbe repeating it beginning this Sunday, July 18th; perhaps you should join me. ;)
Chotay Pad Mantra Full Moon Meditation
Location & Time Specified - Outdoors on the earth, after sunset and when the waxing moon is in the sky. It is only done for the 7 days preceding the full moon and for the night of the full moon. As this time of year, in Phoenix the moon is visible from about 8pm-12am, but the time will change according to season and location.
Preparation – Be ready to sit in a safe place outdoors. It is always nice to precede any meditation with some stretching or Kundalini yoga set so that you can relax the body. Also, consider your yoga mat or sheepskin, any pillows you need to prop your body into a comfy position, and a meditation shawl or blanket to keep warm. Begin with a prayer for protection.
Position and Mudra – none specified. Simply that you sit on the earth and stay on your mat chanting no matter what. Here is the trick, if you get up you have to start all over again! So that means come bugs, rain, wind, heat, neighbors asking what the heck you are up to in the front yard, you just stay put.
Dhrist (eye focus) – none specified, but the eyes must remain closed the entire time no matter what, so it is nice to have a trusted person nearby to be your watcher. If you open your eyes, you must begin again.
Length - Unlike many other meditations, this meditation requires that the times not be adjusted. This is an 8 day meditation, begun a full week prior to the full moon. For the first 7 nights, the length is 31 minutes. For the 8th night, the night of the full moon, the length is 2 ½ hours.
Mantra - SAT NARAYAN
(CHOTAY PAD MANTRA)
Sat naarayan wha-hay guroo, haree naaraayan sat naam.
(this mantra is on many great CDs if you are unsure about chanting it solo)
From the Level 1 Teacher Training manual page 87, “Chanting this mantra gives inner peace, happiness, and good fortune. It makes you intuitively clear and pure in your consciousness. Even a person with low self-esteem can become majestic by chanting it. The words invoke the various names of God to help bring prosperity, peace of mind, and the capacity to look beyond this world to realize the Infinite.”
That is it. Sit and chant with your eyes closed, outdoors with the growing moon, and don’t budge. 31 minutes a day leading up to the full moon and 2 ½ hours on the night of the full moon. Enjoy this simple and powerful meditation experience.
Sarah Nirmal Kaur Butterfly
Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Midwife, Mother and Spouse
All that was required was an openness within and the right way back to my practice was passed to me with a woman’s wisdom. A message from the respected crone who had learned the practice from her teacher who had learned the practice from Yogi Bhajan himself. This meditation is not in any book that I am aware of and it is a real gem. It is a simple and powerful practice involving chanting, the full moon, and a short 8 day practice. Perfect!
This meditation holds the ability to remove lifetimes of darkness and negativity, and I mean lifetimes. As I sat during the second night of this meditation, I began to sense this darkness and negativity as beings with form fleeing from the brightness and vibration that I was cultivating within my energy field. One of the few requirements of this mediation is that you may not open your eyes during the process, so I cannot tell you if there was anything physical to see, but in the subtle realms these things existed. I could feel them shivering, hesitating, lurking and then leaving. With each passing night, this energetic activity would wax and wane in waves of exodus. As intimidating as that may sound, I was thrilled with the power and tangible effects of this meditation. All I needed do was chant and sit with my eyes closed.
I enjoyed the process of this meditation, and all of the auric housecleaning involved. I am honored to pass it on and willbe repeating it beginning this Sunday, July 18th; perhaps you should join me. ;)
Chotay Pad Mantra Full Moon Meditation
Location & Time Specified - Outdoors on the earth, after sunset and when the waxing moon is in the sky. It is only done for the 7 days preceding the full moon and for the night of the full moon. As this time of year, in Phoenix the moon is visible from about 8pm-12am, but the time will change according to season and location.
Preparation – Be ready to sit in a safe place outdoors. It is always nice to precede any meditation with some stretching or Kundalini yoga set so that you can relax the body. Also, consider your yoga mat or sheepskin, any pillows you need to prop your body into a comfy position, and a meditation shawl or blanket to keep warm. Begin with a prayer for protection.
Position and Mudra – none specified. Simply that you sit on the earth and stay on your mat chanting no matter what. Here is the trick, if you get up you have to start all over again! So that means come bugs, rain, wind, heat, neighbors asking what the heck you are up to in the front yard, you just stay put.
Dhrist (eye focus) – none specified, but the eyes must remain closed the entire time no matter what, so it is nice to have a trusted person nearby to be your watcher. If you open your eyes, you must begin again.
Length - Unlike many other meditations, this meditation requires that the times not be adjusted. This is an 8 day meditation, begun a full week prior to the full moon. For the first 7 nights, the length is 31 minutes. For the 8th night, the night of the full moon, the length is 2 ½ hours.
Mantra - SAT NARAYAN
(CHOTAY PAD MANTRA)
Sat naarayan wha-hay guroo, haree naaraayan sat naam.
(this mantra is on many great CDs if you are unsure about chanting it solo)
From the Level 1 Teacher Training manual page 87, “Chanting this mantra gives inner peace, happiness, and good fortune. It makes you intuitively clear and pure in your consciousness. Even a person with low self-esteem can become majestic by chanting it. The words invoke the various names of God to help bring prosperity, peace of mind, and the capacity to look beyond this world to realize the Infinite.”
That is it. Sit and chant with your eyes closed, outdoors with the growing moon, and don’t budge. 31 minutes a day leading up to the full moon and 2 ½ hours on the night of the full moon. Enjoy this simple and powerful meditation experience.
Sarah Nirmal Kaur Butterfly
Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Midwife, Mother and Spouse
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Weekly Meditation Experience
Sat Nam all,
This week's experience is given by Akal Dev Kaur. This one is a whole class experience. Thank you Akal Dev Kaur
Kriya for New Lungs and Circulation ~
Wahe Guru Kriya ~
Kirtan Kriya ~
Amazing gong layout ~
These are the treats I was rewarded with this evening. Although my heart sank a little when I realized we were doing the same kriya as last night, I committed myself to pushing my way through it. It's a great kriya, New Lungs and Circulation, albeit a strenuous one and my body was not ready for it so soon. The teacher was kind by shortening the times. Next came Wahe Guru Kriya which was a blessing because just this morning I was thinking my Fifth Chakra needed some work. The Universe has a way of providing what one needs and with this kriya it took care of me.
During Kirtan Kriya a vision began to formulate. At first a mass of brilliant red and orange, circular and inviting. I focused my mind sharply to make out the blurry shape and to my delight it was a Peony bloom. These are one of my favorite flowers and normally they are a softer color, however in this vision it was a flaming mass of red and orange. A quick Google search upon my return home turned up a Chinese painting of a red peony.
Deeper into the meditation the vision became sharper and now I could make out a small figure perched on one of the Peony petals. This tiny figure turned out to be a single Mandarin Duck. I could feel my spirit in this tiny duck, it was me in the form of this tiny duck. It was smiling and happy. From the right corner another figure emerged...slowly, tentatively making it's way towards the little Mandarin Duck. It was a male Mandarin Duck, strong and virile. I could not tell by looking at it that it's male, but I could sense it in the vision. He came right up to the "me" Mandarin Duck and sat down next to me, nuzzling my neck, smiling. I felt an overwhelming sense of being loved, protected and cherished.
The image begins to fade out as we enter the silent portion of Kirtan Kriya. It's Ok, I am smiling in meditation, content and peaceful with the lovely image I just witnessed. I could feel my body completely relaxed, like a willow branch, bending gently in the wind. No pressure, no conflict, just peace.
Back to whispering Sa Ta Na Ma and here comes the vision once again. Slowly fading back into my consciousness. A bigger smiles emerges on my face as I recognize the comforting image of a pair of Mandarin Ducks perched on the Peony bloom. They are still sitting there, nuzzling, happy, loving.
Louder now, Sa Ta Na Ma..pressing the pads of my fingers in synchronicity with the sound. Firmly cementing the image in my mind...it's brilliant again....fiery red petals sprinkled with an earthy orange and still those two little Mandarin ducks are enveloped within.
Corpse pose....the amazing gong...a soft smile covers my face as my body melts into the floor. The vision is still brilliant and etched forever in my mind. Waves of sound wash over my body, pushing it deeper into relaxation....the image begins to change. Ever so slightly the pair of ducks glide towards the center of the Peony..side by side...they enter the center, peeking their little faces out, smiling. As the gong reaches its crescendo the Peony blooms begin to fold in, enveloping the pair of Mandarin ducks. Those blooms form a safe, protective circle around them.
The image fades away as the gong reaches its end. I am told to move my hands, feet, stretch but my mind cannot comprehend the words. Slowly my consciousness returns, circling my wrists, cat stretch, spinal rolls. I have returned from my peaceful slumber...refreshed and excited at the possibilities presented in my vision.
Sat Nam and Blessings
Akal Dev Kaur
(Akal Dev Kaur teaches at Yoga Phoenix on Monday nights at 7pm)
Remember, this is available for anyone to post. Whether it's a blissful experience like this one, or it's the full realm of emotions that makes up a 40, 90, or 120 day sadhana. The goal is to share your experience.
If you're interested in posting, please email raisingh108@gmail.com
Sat Nam
This week's experience is given by Akal Dev Kaur. This one is a whole class experience. Thank you Akal Dev Kaur
Kriya for New Lungs and Circulation ~
Wahe Guru Kriya ~
Kirtan Kriya ~
Amazing gong layout ~
These are the treats I was rewarded with this evening. Although my heart sank a little when I realized we were doing the same kriya as last night, I committed myself to pushing my way through it. It's a great kriya, New Lungs and Circulation, albeit a strenuous one and my body was not ready for it so soon. The teacher was kind by shortening the times. Next came Wahe Guru Kriya which was a blessing because just this morning I was thinking my Fifth Chakra needed some work. The Universe has a way of providing what one needs and with this kriya it took care of me.
During Kirtan Kriya a vision began to formulate. At first a mass of brilliant red and orange, circular and inviting. I focused my mind sharply to make out the blurry shape and to my delight it was a Peony bloom. These are one of my favorite flowers and normally they are a softer color, however in this vision it was a flaming mass of red and orange. A quick Google search upon my return home turned up a Chinese painting of a red peony.
Deeper into the meditation the vision became sharper and now I could make out a small figure perched on one of the Peony petals. This tiny figure turned out to be a single Mandarin Duck. I could feel my spirit in this tiny duck, it was me in the form of this tiny duck. It was smiling and happy. From the right corner another figure emerged...slowly, tentatively making it's way towards the little Mandarin Duck. It was a male Mandarin Duck, strong and virile. I could not tell by looking at it that it's male, but I could sense it in the vision. He came right up to the "me" Mandarin Duck and sat down next to me, nuzzling my neck, smiling. I felt an overwhelming sense of being loved, protected and cherished.
The image begins to fade out as we enter the silent portion of Kirtan Kriya. It's Ok, I am smiling in meditation, content and peaceful with the lovely image I just witnessed. I could feel my body completely relaxed, like a willow branch, bending gently in the wind. No pressure, no conflict, just peace.
Back to whispering Sa Ta Na Ma and here comes the vision once again. Slowly fading back into my consciousness. A bigger smiles emerges on my face as I recognize the comforting image of a pair of Mandarin Ducks perched on the Peony bloom. They are still sitting there, nuzzling, happy, loving.
Louder now, Sa Ta Na Ma..pressing the pads of my fingers in synchronicity with the sound. Firmly cementing the image in my mind...it's brilliant again....fiery red petals sprinkled with an earthy orange and still those two little Mandarin ducks are enveloped within.
Corpse pose....the amazing gong...a soft smile covers my face as my body melts into the floor. The vision is still brilliant and etched forever in my mind. Waves of sound wash over my body, pushing it deeper into relaxation....the image begins to change. Ever so slightly the pair of ducks glide towards the center of the Peony..side by side...they enter the center, peeking their little faces out, smiling. As the gong reaches its crescendo the Peony blooms begin to fold in, enveloping the pair of Mandarin ducks. Those blooms form a safe, protective circle around them.
The image fades away as the gong reaches its end. I am told to move my hands, feet, stretch but my mind cannot comprehend the words. Slowly my consciousness returns, circling my wrists, cat stretch, spinal rolls. I have returned from my peaceful slumber...refreshed and excited at the possibilities presented in my vision.
Sat Nam and Blessings
Akal Dev Kaur
(Akal Dev Kaur teaches at Yoga Phoenix on Monday nights at 7pm)
Remember, this is available for anyone to post. Whether it's a blissful experience like this one, or it's the full realm of emotions that makes up a 40, 90, or 120 day sadhana. The goal is to share your experience.
If you're interested in posting, please email raisingh108@gmail.com
Sat Nam
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