Meditation: Exploring The Universe Within

Silence. 

When you read that word, what comes to mind? For some, it may come as a respite from a chaotic life. For others, the thought may bring about anxious thoughts or a negative connotation such as silence in a conversation. And for many, who have never quite experienced total silence, bewilderment. 

I often ask the following question to new meditators, “Have you ever, in your life, sat in silence with yourself?” The most frequent answer is “no”. 

Since the moment of our birth, we are called to the outside world. And even before we are born, we are hearing sounds and responding to stimuli from the outside. Our entire existence here on earth calls us to explore everything outside of us. When we are young, we take cues from our parents and siblings, then teachers, then friends, then the media, then co-workers and bosses, then doctors or other professionals. We are constantly looking for advice, education, approval and answers from others. Even when we pray, we are often asking God for advice. Aren’t we? 

Although we have such a vast amount of resources at our disposal, in the world we live in today, we are often left more confused and divided than ever. Should we consult the iPhone or the Blackberry, search it on the Internet or turn on the TV? Should we ask our doctor or do a google search? Should we turn to our pastor or priest or go to the school for that answer? 

Did you know that you actually have all the answers within you? 

According to the teachings of Ayurveda, as vast as the universe out there is the universe within. Through meditation we learn to explore that universe that most of us have never touched. 

Can you imagine that we have only really begun to touch on the our universe, the one we live in, over thousands of years? In order for us to discover our universe, we need money and a lot of sophisticated scientific equipment. Even then, only a handful of scientists are able to discover the universe then report that information back to us. And we have barely scratched the tip of the iceberg. 

But you can explore the whole universe within you by simply getting silent, closing your eyes, and embracing the state of being. When we honor this call to silence, the universe within unfolds and the miraculous happens. Your life will start to transform and so will you. By getting silent, the answers to your questions will emerge without searching, asking advice or google. 

Even if you have no idea how to meditate you can find a place where you can sit in silence for 5 to 10 minutes, close your eyes and observe your breath. Notice what happens. Is your breath calmer, is your mind calmer? 

Try finding 15 minutes in your day to unplug. Turn off the TV, radio, cell phone, home phone or any other device that creates noise. Sit in silence in non-doing. See what comes up. 

Wishing you peace, harmony, laughter and love and moments of silence,

Michelle

Founder of The Ayurvedic Path in Herndon, VA

www.theayurvedicpath.com

http://www.theayurvedicpath.com/primordial-sound-meditation/

Why Prenatal Yoga is Optimal Preparation for Labor and Childbirth

So you've just found out you're pregnant. Congratulations! It's such an exciting time of life. If this is your first baby, you're most likely in the "pregnancy bubble" where you only see pregnant women on the street, in stores or at the office. You fanticize about what it will be like to see your baby for the first time. You worry about your baby's health or your pregnancy. Or you're just plain tired and nauseated all the time. All of these feelings are normal and part of the excitement.

One thing you may find is that your significant other is not quite as excited as you are. He may not understand what's going on in your body or your facination with every change. He may not share your affinity to reading every single baby book or posting that's out there. As the weeks go on, you may begin to feel a bit disappointed with his lack of enthusiasm. After all, you both wanted a baby right? So, what's wrong?

For a Dad, the pregnancy is not as real as it is for you. You are feeling the changes from the very beginning. The surge of hormones give you the mothering instincts from the get go.

That's where a pregnancy class comes in.

What your prenatal yoga class will give you first and foremost is a chance to meet and share with other expectant Moms. This is a safe environment where women really care and understand first hand what you're experiencing. They can sympathize, listen and offer advice.

The second advantage is learning how to breathe. Labor and delivery is like running a full marathon. Runners never go into running 26 K without preparation, they would collapse or give up after the first few miles. Giving birth is the same way. It will require breathing properly to allow the muscles to relax and do their job. It will keep you calm, centered and prepared for welcoming your baby into this world.

Thirdly, pregnancy doesn't come without aches, pains and muscle discomfort. Your body is changing at an incredible rate. Growing pains are normal. Yoga poses help you assist your muscles in lengthening, strengthening and releasing tension to allow you to feel more comfortable.

And finally, you are taking time once or twice a week to truly focus on this miracle that's taking place inside of you. You're giving yourself permission to let everything else go for 75 minutes to create a memory and enjoy the process.

At The Ayurvedic Path, we offer Prenatal Yoga twice per week in Herndon, VA. Our students often come on both days Monday and Saturday. But we keep our classes small, under 12 students, to allow each Mom to share and learn optimally.

If you are in the Northern Virginia area, check us out: http://www.theayurvedicpath.com

If you are outside of the DC area, look up a Prenatal Yoga class in your area.

Wishing you a beautiful pregnancy,

Michelle