All Mediation Is

It's conscious breathing. That's it. But with a catch, which is "don't think". Or rather, don't chase thoughts. We spend a lot of our mat time not breathing and letting our minds wander, distracting us from the task at hand - anchoring to the present. Being present.

I am the world's worst meditator. Truly. I've never met a thought I wouldn't chase down like a puppy after a squirrel, but even I can breath consciously  - though maybe not for long.

The following vid presents a simply approach for the beginner that, although a bit silly, is completely accessible.

Meditation

Three years into yoga and I must shamefully admit to not having a meditation practice. During teacher training, we took time to meditate every day, but the habit didn't take root beyond what I was required to do.

I don't feel like a failure, or less of a yogi, for not meditating. Some people come to enlightenment - whatever that actually means - through the physical practice. And like all things, there is ebb and flow born of need and circumstance.

At the moment, I engage in a yin centered practice to regain mobility and strength following my illness. That's what I need right now. As a result, I probably am closer to what it means to meditate than I have ever been because yin sinks and settles and waits.

The Eco Yogini has a wonderful post on the types of meditation and her feelings about it. It's always good to know that meditation is something that takes time and needs to fit us just like our asana practice does.

My own meditation is unorthodox because I use music to "chant". The Gayatiri is my mantra of choice for the time being. I won't apologize for the slight cheat in this respect. It is my way in only, and it's simply a start that may take me somewhere or might amount to nothing much in the end. The readiness is all, as the decidedly non-yoga Hamlet once said. I am readying.