Here are some thoughts, & inspiring words to reflect on as you begin to set yourself simple meditation goals.
Ideas to he!p create focus, calm & de-stress, before, or after your Yoga practice.....
or even just to practice finding some quiet...................returning you to balance.
With practice, meditation offers huge rewards in assisting us face life's challenges.
Sometimes they seem to fly at us, becoming overwhelming!...
Learn how meditation really helps you to step back & dodge life's hurdles!
Find a favourite place to sit at home, & do so, for a few moments, each day
Begin with 10 rounds of very slow, deep breathing
Relax face, shoulders & chest, taking the breath down into the bottom of your belly
Soften, or close eyes
Place hands, palms upward into your lap, arms heavy
Fully allow yourself these moments to STOP!
If thoughts intrude, return, each time, to the rhythm & pace of the breath......
‘There is no one ‘right way’ to practice meditation. It is best to encounter each moment with freshness. We look deeply into it, and then we let go into the next moment, not holding to the last one. There is much to be seen and understood along this path; but it can’t be forced. It is best to hold to and honour one’s own direct experience, and not worry too much about whether this is what you are supposed to feel or see or think about. If you practice this kind of trust in the face of insecurity and the strong habit of wanting some authority to anoint your experience with his/her blessing, you will find that something of a deepening nature does happen along the path.’
John Kabat-Zinn
‘Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray.’ RUMI
‘Count each day as a separate life.’
Marcus Annaeus Seneca , 54 BC – c. 39 AD
‘Drink from the spring where horses drink.
Lay your bed where the dog sleeps.
Eat the fruit that has been touched by a worm.
Boldly pick the mushroom on which the insects sit.
Plant the tree where the mole digs.
Build your house where the snake sits to warm itself.
Dig your fountain where the birds hide from heat.
Sleep and wake with the birds – you will reap all of the days golden grains.
Eat green – you will have strong legs and a resistant heart, like the beings of the forest.
Swim often and you will feel on earth like the fish in the water.
Look at the sky often, your thoughts will become light and clear.
Be quiet, speak little – silence will come into your heart, and your spirit will be calm and full of peace.
Life is a journey, live free, connect, & die well’…
Native American Wisdom
'Go inside,
Observe your thoughts, feel sensations
& honour emotions without judging yourself.
Accept all that you find, in this moment,
And realise…...you are enough!’
ESMEYOGA
Peaceful Buddha in my summer garden