Meditation Walk

In these unusual times, it’s important to go outside for some fresh air. This may be a walk, run or even some Yoga in the garden if you have the space. It’s recommended to walk/ exercise for an hour a day, so whilst on your walk why not try this meditation. This practice is perfect if you have been inside or sitting still most of the day or if you have that ‘couch potato feeling’. Walking meditation is all about mindfulness, noticing our body, connecting with our senses and observing the world around us. A meditation walk is very calming and can help boost creativity. Before you do this practice please make sure you are warm enough if it’s cold outside or protected from the sun, with sun cream and sunglasses. Make sure you have comfortable shoes and water to keep hydrated. If possible, leave your phone at home or put it on silent and place it in a bag or pocket where it won’t distract you. You can walk anywhere, but if you have the option to walk in a country park or somewhere away from traffic this will be best.

When you are ready to start, walk slowly noticing every step, notice the movement in every step, the shift of body weight, how the foot leaves the ground and then connects back with the ground and how your arms move as you walk? Then notice your natural breath, does the pattern change as you walk? Notice how you feel, notice the temperature of your skin and the feeling of your clothes as you move. Start to become aware of your surroundings, if you have been there before is there anything you haven’t previously noticed, that you noticing now? Be aware of the colours around you, maybe there are trees and flowers or maybe there are buildings, notice the architecture, the colour of bricks, building materials/textures and the refections in the windows. Notice any movement around you, there might be wildlife or trees blowing in the breeze. Now listen, what can you hear, birds singing, flowing water or other people? Listen to the ground, as you take each step. What can you smell? Maybe blossom on the trees, freshly mowed grass or wood burning. As you continue your walk notice any changes to the light, shadows and how your physical body is feeling.

Once you finish your walk, again notice how you are feeling. You may want to reflect or capture this experience/ meditation, retrace your steps and observations, you may want to share this with family and friends. You can do this by writing in a diary or on social media, by drawing or painting, by movement/ dance or by sharing photographs. Remember there is no right or wrong. You may simply wish to cherish your experience in your mind.

“There’s a difference between knowing the path and walking the path”

Morpheus

Bubble Meditation

This mediation is about gratitude, love, peace and support. Letting go of energy you no longer need and being positive in this moment. I am starting this blog slightly different to normal. As we all know COVID-19 has spread across the world and most of us are fearful of catching it and worried about the financial implications to our lives. I am self-employed and went from working/teaching every day to nothing in the space of a week! This was a huge shock, suddenly in lockdown, I am no longer see my boyfriend who is a key worker, risking his life to keep people safe, I can no longer see my friends (I am a very social person), my holiday to Thailand has been cancelled (I had been planning and saving for this for over 2 years).  There are so many negatives overwhelming our minds. I know we should not think like this, if we need to be positive, if we are going to get through this.

Take a moment to ask yourself what are you grateful for? Personally, I am grateful to have food on our table, I’m grateful I live with my family, I’m grateful for the outdoor space, we are very fortunate to have a beautiful garden. I am also very grateful to be teaching 3 online classes a week, giving me a small income, just about enough to pay the essential bills (these have not stopped due to C-19).

I now have time ‘for me’ to improve my Yoga practice and enjoying a break from running around every day from class to class, venue to venue.

We can feel a sense of purpose by helping others with a phone call to those who live alone or need help to get through this time and especially those who may have lost a loved one. Now more than ever we need to communicate, share love and stay positivity.

Bubble Meditation: For this meditation sit in a comfortable position, you may sit on a chair or pillow, lift and lengthen through your spine, relax your shoulders, take a moment to connect with your breath and body.  How are you feeling? Know it’s okay to feel scared or lost. Take a deep inhale and as you exhale let go of negativity and allow yourself to be in this moment. Notice any thoughts or emotions that come up. Inhale and as you exhale imagine you are creating bubbles, every bubble is something you need to let go of, something that is no longer serving you. Create as many as you need to then exhale blow those bubbles away, watch them float away and disappear. When you feel ready allow your breath flow naturally. Follow the beauty of your breath flowing in through your nose and out through your nose, every breath is unique. Think back to everything you are grateful for. Visualise a clear bubble surrounding you, keeping you safe, blessing you with love and peace. On your next exhalation, visualise the bubble getting bigger and bigger starting to surround all the people you love, blessing them with love, good health and peace. Stay here for a moment, for as long as you feel you need to, then, when you are ready, on your inhalation start to draw that bubble and it’s blessings back into you and know you can make a another bubble whenever you need to.

“Today I place a bubble of happiness around myself and nothing negative can get in!”

Sana Saxena

Dance Meditation

We can all dance! Dance meditation is not about what we look like but how we feel, dance will bring a feel-good energy into the body. It lets us express ourselves, build confidence, let go of expectations and improves creativity. It will help you create a deeper understanding of yourself and harmonise body, mind and spirt. To do this meditation you will need music that makes you feel good and a clear space where you can move around. This meditation can be done with a group (friends or family) or on your own. If you are with others it is important there is no judgment, you must feel comfortable and able to move naturally and freely.

Stand in a relaxed Mountain pose “Tadasana”. Feet parallel, hip width apart or together. Stand tall lifting and lengthening through your body. Relax your shoulders and rest your arms at your side. In mountain pose you should feel tall and strong. Close your eyes and connect with your body, notice how you feel. Take some deeper breaths using the exhale to let go of tension and judgment. You are in a safe and comfortable space. Start with small movements to warm the body. Nod your head, roll your shoulders, shake your wrists and ankles, lift your knees to the front into a high knee march and then shake off your whole body. Start playing on your chosen music, feel yourself becoming one with the music, visualise the music surrounding you, creating a bubble. Remember it’s doesn’t matter how you look; it’s about feeling. Allow the music to take you on a journey, to tell you a story. Stay here for a few moments connecting with the sounds, then let the music begin to move your body. Allow your body feel free, let the music lead you, try not to think about how to move, but just allow it to happen. This may take a few practices. Notice how your body moves. The beauty of this practice is it will never be the same. Now change the music to a slower piece and again move with the music, gently allowing your body to cool down. When you feel it’s time to stop moving, turn off the music, stay still and notice your breath. Is there a change in your heart rate or body temperature? Enjoy the silence and stillness. Allow your mind to clear.