Meditation Juice

By Samoa Observer 30 May 2016, 12:00AM

A few months back when I started writing for the Samoa Observer I wrote a piece about meditation, it was around this time that David Bowie passed away and I tried to tie my love of his music into the article, it’s amazing how two seemingly different subjects can come together to make a point – there must be a word for that... I’ll get back to you on that one.

I like looking back on the things that I’ve written, in most part so as to not rehash all the same blurb – This is something that can happen with writers, we find a familiar groove and kinda get stuck there... the same goes with thought processes, the more we ruminate something the more we carve out neural pathways and everything else can loop back into those common ruminations.

Today I’m writing about meditation again, and this may seem like a bit of a rehash but I’ve been thinking as I’ve been asked numerous times about my meditation classes, where they are?, when are they etc...

To be honest, thus far they’ve just been private sessions and I’ve not hosted classes since I was back in Australia.

But today you’re in luck, tonight I am hosting a free meditation class at the YOGA JUICE studio. 

This class was requested by a friend of mine and we came up with the idea of taking turns hosting, so anyone can join and anyone can host – like a roving meditation class each week we invite you to write out or copy and paste your own meditation to host, this way the love of meditation spreads faster and wider, and more people benefit. The old adage “the best way to learn is to teach” comes to life here. 

It’s an interesting thing to meditate in groups, there is something in the dynamic of a group that keeps you sitting still with your eyes closed longer, maybe it’s the energy but it could be the fact that you’re in a group and you simply don’t want to fidget and annoy anybody. 

There are many techniques we can use in meditation. If you’ve taken one of my yoga classes you’ll notice in savasana (the relaxation meditation at the end of the class) I usually let you just lie there and be with your thoughts, bonus if you’ve no thoughts and you remain present without nodding off (I call this sleepatation). 

With the classes (or roving mediation group) – I’m thinking we focus on guided meditations as it’s easier to get into the zone with visualisations, and sessions can last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour.

A wise sage once said “to pray is to talk to God, to meditate is to sit in the presence of God” - that person was Eckhart Tolle and his book “A New Earth” is a must read for anyone wanting to delve into the place where they can find quiet bliss. 

Meditation is not religious and anyone can practice and everyone should give it a try, because the benefits are numerous.

If your inner voice is critical and self defeating or you find yourself chewing over the same thoughts all day and night because you’ve not learned the tools to step back then meditation is what will work for you.

You can learn how to step into that magical world of the brain and reprogram however you see fit, it’s that simple, the brain is plastic. With practice you’ll learn how to overcome past traumas.

How to change your life by changing your mind  

You’ll learn how visualisations can be more beneficial than standard meditation and why. If you feel like your suffering is defining you, meditation helps here too.

Any problem you have can be viewed clearer and from a neutral point of view because in meditation we seem to cast off those restricting thoughts that are controlled by who we think we are, essentially – you’ll be able to step back and view yourself and the world with fresh open eyes as you’ll be more acutely aware of your thought patterning and will be able to choose which thoughts you follow along and allow to become fixtures in the brain.

Amplify your experience

Meditation groups often include practitioners of varying levels and that’s what our plan is here. If you’re new to meditation, you’ll find that other members of your group can help clear up any confusion you may have over different types of meditation, help you find answers addressing difficulties with practice, and provide feedback regarding experiences that arise during the meditation process.

A group can better support an individual’s inward journey. It’s inspiring and motivating to connect with others who share our intentions for world peace. It’s easier to apply Gandhi’s suggestion to “Be the change you wish to see in the world” when you are part of a collective crowd. It’s also a good way to collectively unify and add strength to our intentions with a common group goal even if the goal is just to be more relaxed and less reactive.

Eventually, as you learn more techniques of meditation you’ll find which works best for you. I prefer to stick to one (vipasana) in my own practice, but I love the dynamic in a group and love to share a collective energy with like minded friends... That’s what makes everything reverberate out... Be that change, keep tonight open, 6pm come along to the YOGA JUICE studio, bring comfy clothes and a cushion to sit on and a snack to share for after the session.

For those of you who want to come along but can’t make it, you can add yourself onto the YOGA JUICE SAMOA facebook page for updates on where sessions will be held and who will be hosting in the future. I hope to see you there. 

Namaste.

By Samoa Observer 30 May 2016, 12:00AM
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