Ayurveda Meditation - How To Develop a Meditation Practice
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Dhyana Chikitsa or Meditation as Therapy
Meditation is very beneficial for not only the mind, but also the body. In Ayurveda we call it Dhyana Chikitsa or meditation as therapy because meditation has the power to heal us in many ways and on many levels. It calms and relaxes. It centers us. It allows us to decompress and connect to a higher state of consciousness.
How to Develop a Mediation Practice
Trying to develop a daily meditation practice can be difficult, but the benefits are worth it. Practice for 5-10 minutes each day and work up to 20 minutes or more each day. Meditation can be practiced at any time of day, but mornings and evenings are the ideal times for spiritual practice according to Ayurveda. Don’t feel hemmed in by these time suggestions. It is better to practice meditation regularly, rather than waiting to practice in the morning or evening and then forgetting to do so or losing interest. Try to keep your eyeballs still while practicing meditation. When you keep the eyes still, your thinking becomes slow. Consider wearing an eye mask or eye pillow while meditating.
“It may be hard at first to honor your promise, but soon enough you’ll experience some results, and that will reinforce your commitment.”
A Glimmer of Change
When I’ve struggled with maintaining my meditation practice, I think of a quote from Maya Tiwari’s “The Path of Practice: A Woman’s Book of Ayurvedic Healing.” It reads: “It may be hard at first to honor your promise, but soon enough you’ll experience some results, and that will reinforce your commitment.” This statement speaks of so much truth and I’ve experienced this many times in my life, yet when it comes to developing something new, I forget and it takes me more time than it needs to in order to integrate it into my life. This quote is such an important reminder that it takes time for a glimmer of change to express itself but once it does, it feels like a patch of sunlight peeking out from rain-filled clouds. All at once you feel validated which in turn strengthens your resolve, and now you’re truly committed. What an incredible thing that is! All that is needed is time and practice. Two things that intimidate most of us. But at least we know what’s needed.
If you want personalized, dosha-specific meditation practices, schedule an Ayurvedic Consultation now.