Taking time everyday to tune in is one of the most important things you can do for your health.
When we take time to listen to our bodies, to quiet our chattering minds, we start to hear the subtle signals our bodies send us.
Often times we wait too long and only recognize imbalance when it’s too late.
By slowing down and tuning in (it’s as easy as noticing your breath) we begin to notice our health at baseline. If we practice this daily, it’s easier to notice when our energies begin to shift off balance.
The following is a 5-10 minute meditation to help you develop a daily practice
- Start: find a comfortable seated position where your spine feels erect and supported.
- Begin by closing your eyes and observing your natural breath.
- As you settle into your breath, begin to notice any sensations in your physical body.
- are you feeling tired, overwhelmed or depleted? Do not try to change this.
- Spend several minutes (or as long as you like) observing your body and begin to consciously release any physical, mental or emotional tension that you carry.
- The mind may begin to wander, this is normal. Just return to the breath.
- Continue to tune-in to your body and notice the subtle shifting in your energy.
- Allow the breath the gradually deepen, feel yourself becoming more open and receptive.
- Continue this mindfulness meditation daily for a minimum of 5-10 minutes.
You may notice yourself shifting through various layers of the body in your meditation practice. Here is a quick snapshot of the different Koshas (layers) in the body according to Ayurvedic traditions.
- Annamaya Kosha: Physical Layer (food body)
- Pranamaya Kosha: Pranic Layer (breath body)
- Manomaya Kosha: Mental Layer (sensory body)
- Vijnanamaya Kosha: Cognitive Layer (intellectual body)
- Anandamaya Kosha: Bliss Layer (enlightened body)
“Through meditation, the Higher Self is experienced” -The Bhagavad Gita