Many peoples’ minds are zig-zagged, over-multitasked, anxious and fried. The mind requires silence and meditation for optimum health, and this fact is epidemically neglected in our hyper-linked lifestyle.
Why do we resist silence, resist sitting in the company of our own selves? For one thing, we are afraid. We are also addicted to over-stimulation. And in our minds, we “don’t have time” and thus, we don’t have time. Yet somehow we find an hour or two everyday to clutter up our minds on Facebook.
I’ll admit meditation can be like combing out the knots of fine hair attached to a tender scalp. It can feel annoying and sometimes even hurt. But you’ve got to find those gnarled up places and focus and comb through, because the longer you leave the knots, the more built up and buried they become.
If you will just sit, commit to spending a few minutes in silence everyday, you will find that time starts to lengthen and the moments between restlessness stretch out. And for those who can’t stand to get off the grid, there are apps for meditation like this one from the Mayo Clinic called simply, Mayo Clinic Meditation.
While you sit, it is not necessary to examine every thought and story that arises and find the “answers,” just like you don’t need to examine each knot when combing your hair, asking “How did that get there?” “Where did this knot come from?”
If we can leave room for silence, for taking care of our minds and ultimately spirits, we will be clear, more aware, and able to make informed decisions based on our deepest knowing of ourselves.
Here is an easy meditation you can practice anytime:
Rolled Tongue Breath (Sitali Pranayama)– for calming, cooling, re-energizing
- Sit with feet flat on floor or cross legged on the floor
- Sit up straight, pull shoulders back and down, lengthen spine
- Close the eyes
- Stick the tongue out slightly
- Roll the tongue into a “U” shape
- Inhale through the rolled tongue
- Exhale through the nose
- Repeat 5 to 10 times
crystal image credit: http://morguefile.com/archive/display/12344
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Another great post, Alyson. As a bald man, I’ve only recently been able to relate to the hair-tangle analogy, courtesy of my out-of-control winter beard.
Clayton Grow´s last blog post ..A Magic Rabbit on a Chalkboard
Clayton, I meant to put in a clause for bald and / or bearded folks. Thanks for reading!
Alyson Khan´s last blog post ..Fall 2011
… love this … I’m going to have to check out Android apps now ….
Jennifer Stinnett´s last blog post ..Broken (hot pink) flower