The yoga high of wanderlust is definitely wearing off and some experiences has definitely already worn off. The golden nugget I will leave you with is the concept of meditation. I was really excited to finally take a “real” meditation class from a “real” meditation teacher. I say “real” because I have never taken a dedicated meditation class besides one that is infused in with a yoga class.
Demetri Velisarius, is a Danda Yoga Flow and a Buddhist meditation teacher. I was a little hesitant about the class because I couldn’t contemplate how I was going to “sit” for 2 hours when I could barely sit for 30 minutes. To my surprise his approach was very different from what I had expected. I enjoyed it. We asked what is considered meditation? There’s always a difference in opinion whether “real” meditation requires one to sit on a cushion for a specific amount of time while others believe a moving meditation (whether that’s yoga, gardening, walking, etc) is a “real” meditation. His response? It doesn’t matter. A successful meditation is one that brings you into full awareness of yourself whether you focus on your breath or watch your fleeting thoughts or body sensations. It’s that time when you stop talking to or listening to that monkey in your mind.
I was elated to hear that. In my experience, if I force myself to sit, it doesn’t work. The nugget I want to leave you with is this…. sitting meditation in intervals. We did this in the class and I loved it. We sat for 5-10 minutes at a time with a few moments to a minute off. During the transition time, you allow yourself to move, re-adjust your position, or simply to take the “pressure” off… you’re still in full mindful state so doing jumping jacks in between would probably not be effective. As you progress, you can increase your intervals of sitting.
I’m certainly adding this to my bag of tricks when it comes to meditating on the cushion. If you’re not a big cushion person like me, rest assured that it’s not the end of the world and you’re not doomed to never find enlightenment. I had the opportunity to talk with Toe Socks Queen, Kathryn Budig and even this celebriyogi doesn’t sit on a cushion too often. Her secret? Meditation is everywhere… in everything you do. Being at the top of the mountain certainly helps.
image from: https://www.facebook.com/Wanderlust
I love the idea of meditation intervals. I’ve had a daily meditation practice since March when I aimed to do at least 5 minutes everyday. Problem is it’s stayed at 5 minutes! I know I’m missing out not deepening the time spent in meditation but can’t commit to sitting for so long. I’m a fidgeter.
So I’ll definitely be trying the intervals, and avoid doing jumping jacks in between! Although maybe you can stay mindful doing them too?
Maybe that’s what real meditation is.. Being mindful in all that we do eh?
Nikki, have you ever heard of Isha Yoga? It’s been my first real experience with meditating and I’m hooked. Never dreamed I could sit still for more than 30 seconds and yet I now sit for 20 minutes every morning. Amazingly powerful. You should check it out. Just google Isha Yoga!
Thanks Paula.. I’ll check it out.
same as what i got from lex gillam earlier this yr during ytt (he’s been around since the 70′s) -
“A successful meditation is one that brings you into full awareness of yourself whether you focus on your breath or watch your fleeting thoughts or body sensations” -
still sounds right to me
it good we can all point out so many different folk that basically came to the same conclusions, thanks nikki!
Really nice post, and yes, exactly, the same as yoga,meditation is “Everywhere… in everything you do”