Lesson 102 - Q&A – Importance of smooth long-term meditation routine

From: Yogani
Date: Sun Feb 1, 2004 1:52pm

New Members: It is recommended you read from the beginning of the web
archive, as previous lessons are prerequisite to this one. The first
lesson is, "Why This Discussion?"

Q: I've been struggling with the meditation and it has been about 6
weeks now. Could I just have a lot of 'cleansing' to do before I add
the breathwork? I am not really reaching 'bliss' yet at all. Still,
I've been devoted to the 2-20 minute intervals and find that I am
subtley more calm but I still have many 'episodes' during the day
were I am not that calm...

Nonetheless, I am still very appreciative that you've initiated this
group and enlightenment of many. Just 5 years ago, I felt so alone in
this world... that my spiritual beliefs were not shared by many
because there were just too many that revered the Almighty Dollar
over Spirit. I used to pray almost daily at that time to have more
like-minded earth angels (or warriors as some like to call
themselves) and happily I can say that I've started to have much more
Spirit in my life and it increases every day.

A: It sounds like good things are happening, but a more comfortable
ride would be better for you. It is uncommon for meditation to be
rough on an ongoing basis. It could be a lot of obstructions coming
out, which is good, but more smoothness in and after meditation is
necessary if you are going to be motivated to stay with it for the
long haul.

Roughness could come from forcing the mantra, coming out of
meditation too fast, or maybe meditating too long for your
constitution. Ask yourself the following:

1. Am I picking up the mantra easily, not forcing a particular
pronunciation of it? Am I fighting with thoughts to go back to the
mantra? We want to be gentle with the process, just easily favoring
the mantra when we realize we are off it. It does not have to be a
clear pronunciation. In fact, if it goes naturally to a very fuzzy
pronunciation, that is just right. That is the mind taking us
naturally to stillness.

2. Am I getting up too soon at the end of meditation? If we get up too
soon, we can lock up obstructions coming out during meditation, and
that can give rise to roughness in activity during the day. So we
always take at least a few minutes of quiet with no mantra at the end
of meditation. If meditation has been rough with a lot of thoughts
and emotions coming out, then lie down for five or ten minutes,
however long it takes for the roughness to settle down. That can make
a big difference in our experiences during the day.

If smoothness in meditation still doesn't come, try five minutes of
spinal breathing before meditation. If that does not bring some
smoothness into meditation, then back off the breathing. Try five or
ten minutes of yoga postures before meditation. That can help smooth
meditation too.

If none of the above helps smooth things out, then consider trying
fifteen minutes of meditation twice a day instead of twenty minutes.

These are just suggestions on different things to try. Experiment
with it and see if you can find a smooth rhythm. The ideal routine
will have asanas, pranayama and meditation in that order. The times
can vary a bit, but typical would be 5,10 and 20 minutes in that
order. You have to find your own balance and comfort zone, Once you
do, then you can go on with your routine for many years, adding on
additional advanced yoga practices along the way. Then much progress
is assured. You are tasting inner silence now. That is wonderful. Now
the thing is to grow steadily in That (pure bliss consciousness) over
the long haul without falling off the track of practices due to
discomfort from too much purification happening too fast. You are the
one behind the wheel, so drive smart and smooth.

I wish you all success on your journey, "earth angel." You've got
lots of company these days.

The guru is in you.

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