This is last of the series on the 4 Pillars of Seed Yoga Therapy, and today we will focus on the fourth pillar: practicing mindfulness and meditation.
Both mindfulness and meditation work with steadying the mind, but when the nervous system is honored, a discipline is cultivated and the breath and body are attuned to the mind naturally begins to stabilize without needing to “do” anything specific with the mind. In this process meditation becomes even more effective.
When we fight the mind to change the mind it can become a state of near constant internal battle. For example, if the nervous systems is in a fear state, but the mind is trying to convince ourselves there is nothing to be afraid this leads to a conflict. We can’t convince ourselves we are safe if the nervous system and/or body feel threatened because the nervous system and body will always will that battle. It can be powerful to work with the nervous system and body first because not only will this shift the bodily experience, but also can shift the mental/emotional experience because they are connected.
What is the difference between the mindfulness and meditation?
Mindfulness can be done anywhere and anytime. Pause and notice what you see, hear, feel, taste or smell right now by becoming mindful of your surroundings through the senses.
Meditation is a formal practice setting aside time to be in practice with the mind intentionally. There are countless forms of meditation, and sticking with one can bring powerful results. Finding a meditation that works for you is in itself a process. If you find awareness-based meditations (body scan or breath awareness) useful that can be your meditation. Lovingkindness is another form of meditation that can be useful for a judging or critical mind in order to foster compassion. Yoga Nidra is a powerful meditation that can calm the nervous system and has been effectively utilized in the treatment of trauma.
Typically the mind is pulled into the past or future and is rarely fully present. Stop and notice what you are thinking about even as you read this. Are you internalizing the words or thinking about what meditation you like, how you can or can’t meditate or about a conversation you had last week? By training the mind to come back to an anchor (i.e. breath, mantra, body sensations, etc.) it helps the mind step out of the constant push and pull of past and future into the presence of this moment.
Being present doesn’t mean we don’t plan for the future nor forget about our past. Meditation can support doing those things intentionally rather than being at the whim of the mind. Practicing mindfulness can support being more present to our needs, wants and relationships in order to care for ourselves and those we love even more. Working with mind along with our bodies, nervous systems, breath and physiology is a powerful way to rewire the whole system so that it is vibrant, attuned, aware and able to honor and integrate the varied experiences we go through in our lives.
If you are new to meditation my suggestion is to pick one meditation and try it for the next 30 days. See what you learn about yourself and your mind.
There is also a wonderful free meditation course taught by my teacher, Saundaryambika, where she gives meditation guidance as well as additional meditations. I have also created video on Tips and Tools to Starting and Sustaining a Meditation Practice to give some practical guidance for maintaining a meditation practice.
If you have applied these pillars into your life I’d love to hear what you are observing. How has your life been impacted? Your ability to honor and understand your nervous system? Your relationship with your body? Your mind? Your relationships?
If you have read or watched the 4 videos on the pillars of Seed Yoga Therapy and are curious how to apply them to your unique life experiences, but need some additional support sign up for a free 20 minute consultation. In our consultation you can tell me about your current struggles, what you are longing for and I can share you how yoga therapy may be an ideal next step in your healing journey.