WHEN my teacher used to guide us in class to go into this state of mind while I was in my savasana, I remember being all judgmental and pinching myself when she started using sentences such as, ‘imagine walking into the jungle and meeting a white horse beneath beautiful stars’. I didn’t need to hear this because I knew how to relax. What I needed was to remember where I parked my car and what I was going to have for dinner that night.
Obviously, I couldn’t follow through with my guided meditation because I didn’t like the idea of letting my guard down and being controlled. I also couldn’t understand how some yogis can wake up super early in the morning, only to sit quietly and listen to podcasts or people talking about positive and beautiful things; I’d rather sleep.
All this changed three weeks ago when I met Marina Danker online. She messaged me for some online teaching tips and it led to us having a weekly guided meditation class on Zoom.
It started off with just a few friends but within the fourth week, we had doubled up in numbers. I really didn’t know what I said yes to when we first started but, thanks to a time-lapse video of my first session, I noticed how fidgety I was during class.
Like a wiggly worm, I slowly began to let go and allowed Marina to lead me. Somehow, I felt free; I was the passenger in this journey and for a short while, I didn’t have to be in the driver’s seat.
I had the most refreshing feeling after class. As a result, I started to ask Marina a whole host of questions, such as why she started meditating, how does one prepare or what to expect during a session. In turn, she offered this meditation newbie some useful tips:
1. Designate a time and space to meditate.
Time may be a bit difficult, but space is important because it is where we absorb and release energy, emotions and thoughts. Consider plants, suitable temperature, scents (not too strong) and comfortable clothing, as clothes are also a creation of space.
2. Don’t get straight into it.
Take your time to relax and wind down, even in the mornings, especially if you wake up with a cluttered mind. Have some tea, settle yourself and then start; breathing can be a good way to neutralise.
3. Be kind to yourself.
Every session will be different and that’s the beauty of it. A lot of things can affect your meditation experience ─ from the amount of rest you’ve had the night before to the amount of stress you are under during the day.
4. Start with some guided meditation.
It will help you figure out your preferred style of meditation. For beginners, this will allow you to focus on meditating as opposed to merely guiding yourself. Similar to your time at the gym, once you know the workouts, the repetitions and the appropriate form needed, it will come naturally to you once you’re used to it.
5. Don’t be tempted to meditate a certain way.
Some of us sit on the sofa with a backrest while others lie on the floor, sit in a lotus position or even, have a slightly-relaxed jaw and their mouth open. There is no set ‘look’. Make the meditation space and experience all yours.
When talking about her personal challenges regarding meditation, Marina says that her personal challenge is showing up to meditate on days when she does not feel like it, when she is tired or lazy. Sometimes, she meditates only to fall asleep but it’s okay as she wakes up and just laughs it off; showing up is the key and staying on point throughout is a bonus!
When it came to why she started meditating, I could connect with Marina’s answer because meditation used to be an escape for her; a way to avoid her problems and to tune out any unnecessary noise.
But soon after, she realised that escapism wasn’t the answer. She didn’t want to be ‘addicted’ to anything. She started to develop a healthy relationship with meditation, yoga and self-care.
Now, it’s become more organic and easier for her to do it every day. It’s still a journey for her as meditation is a continuously evolving experience.
This week, I would like to invite you on a guided meditation journey. Get into your most comfortable pose (lying down or sitting down), close your eyes, focus on your breath, hear my voice and join me on this trip.
If you end up sleeping, don’t worry about it ─ the most important thing here is to try. ─ The Vibes, 24 February 2021
