Meditation

Meditation brings many benefits to those who practice.  Experience stillness, navigate and release stress and stressors, process emotions, build self-awareness and a connection to the present moment.

Meditation has many forms and can be practiced in a variety of methods.  The most known and practiced method of meditation is one in which we sit in stillness, give the mind a rest, and feel a sense of peace.  Sounds easy enough!  There are many tools and considerations that can be considered when practicing meditation.  Continue reading for more information! 
Create + strengthen your meditation practice by enrolling for the 12 hour online course!

Meditation, or Dhyana, is the 7th Limb of Yoga

The practice of meditation, in its purest form, is encompassed in the seventh limb of yoga.  Dhyana, the seventh limb of yoga, translates to “meditative absorption”.  Within meditative absorption, the practice expands beyond holding focus/concentration (sixth limb) and feeling honed in and void of distraction (fifth limb).  Within a pure meditative practice, all that exists is space, light, and love…. which summarizes as being in this very moment. 

The essential factor in experiencing this meditation state relies upon familiarizing ourselves with, practicing, and ultimately connecting with refined mastery in limbs one through six: Yamas (restraints), Niyamas (observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), and Dhyana (meditative absorption).  This journey within yoga as a complete system guides us to the eighth limb, Samadhi, which is that of all-embracing peace and enlightenment. 

So what is meditation?  Meditation is fleeting moments of nothingness.  Meditation is opening ourselves to expansive removal of boundaries and expectations.  Meditation is connecting with the simplicity of now.  In our meditative flow, we are brought to our higher levels of consciousness.  In which, our awareness is amplified, our energy is pure, and we are in essence ‘plugged in’ to our true Self.

Meditation Tips & How-To:

  • Build a comfortable seat.  Your seat can be on a chair, against a wall, on the floor, or wherever works for you.  Meditating while lying down is possible though much more likely that you will end up falling asleep.
  • Understand that the end goal is not to turn the mind off or be void of thought.  We are human and can anticipate thoughts to enter the experience.
  • Stay still.  The more you fidget, the more challenging the sit will be.  The mind likes to play tricks and create discomfort.  Acknowledge this as mental discomfort and remain still.  Generally the sensations of discomfort ebb and flow.  If you are in pain or needing to move, certainly adjust.  
  • Stay warm.  Have a blanket or warm wrap.  The body will generally feel more cool when remaining in stillness for extended periods of time.
  • There are many methods of meditation.  Find one that works for you (and this will vary day to day)!

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation, the 7th limb of yoga, holds tremendous benefits, is free to practice, and supports a happier and healthier life.  

WHY Meditate?
  • Improves mental clarity
  • Improves sleep
  • Improves steadiness
  • Improves focus
  • Improves productivity
  • Ease in decision making
  • Elevates mood
  • Reduces stress levels
  • Nourishes intuition
  • Heightens calm and peace

The What, Why, & How of Meditation

A podcast episode offered by Amy Erickson, E-RYT500 and founder of Latitude 44 Yoga Studio.

Guided Meditations

Guided meditations are helpful in creating a sense of structure and support around your meditation practice.  Especially in times of feeling scattered or stressed, guided meditations allow for more focus and presence with a spoken word.  Enjoy these guided meditations and perhaps in the future you practice the technique solo and see how the experience varies.

Types of Meditation

There are many types of meditation that can be explored in your practice.  Though zen meditation it the most widely known, perhaps another type is better serving for you.
Create + support a strong foundation for your meditation practice by
​enrolling for the 12 hour online course!