Benefits of a Meditation Practice
We often hear about Meditation’s benefits, but why don’t you do it? What has stopped you from trying? Or if you’ve tried, what makes you put your hands up and say I’m no good at it?
These are questions I struggled with myself. From a series of bad experiences, I almost threw in the towel until I tried a different style and approach and found a practice that resonated with me.
Since practising more frequently, I have watched myself grow happier with a stronger sense of peace within.
I have witnessed myself bouncing back better and stronger the deeper I dive. The physical practice of Yoga, the asanas (yoga postures), give many health benefits. But by combining Meditation with asana, I have observed the most significant shifts in my life.
My life has significantly improved. My relationships are more wholesome, and whilst true friendships evolve, false friends fall away. My attitude towards work is more productive, and my health issues are less troublesome. My will to improve and be a better person continues to strengthen, and I can only rejoice in the opportunities coming my way. I am okay with owning my wrongs and strive to do my best to correct them. Knowing I am doing my best gives me a strong sense of peace.
I certainly have not been given a free pass from my share of challenges or avoiding traumatic situations. The current lesson I have been observing is to be more aware that some people are just hard work no matter what. I must be firm and draw a line in the sand; marking a boundary means not giving too much energy away. This awareness comes from my Meditation practice.
Like everything, the more you practice, the inevitable ups and downs become a familiar and essential part of the journey.
It is through these ups and downs that we grow stronger. My teachers have told me you do not learn from a constant state of ever-lasting peace. You are not challenged to act; our lives call us to act because we are not monks or nuns in a supported confined ashram; we live a buzzing life that requires us all to play our roles.
It has taken me years to learn when Paramahansa Yogananda says, “It is not necessary to go through every human experience to attain ultimate wisdom. You should be able to learn by studying the lives of others…”
One of our Youngest teachers, Anna-Lisa, an old soul, has a strong meditation practice and will offer a weekly meditation class on Sunday evenings after her Restorative Yoga session.
A 4 week beginner’s course – Meditation for Inner Stillness and Joy
There are many ways to begin Meditation. In this 4-week course for beginners, you will delve into a different route each week.
Patience is essential as it takes time to feel at ease sitting with yourself. The more you practice letting go of the inner critic, the inner stillness grows. “Sitting just for the delight of sitting” mediation teacher Clive Sheridan always says, simply being content to be in your own company.
Meditation is a beautiful practice that will evolve and change every time you sit. A great tool to help you slow down and breathe out the stresses from the day instead of letting those stresses get locked first into your nervous system, then locking up your muscles or putting pressure on your organs over time.
If you want to start or try something new, visit the events page for more details.
Happy exploring,
Tanya
