Meditation- What is it?

When I first sat down to meditate- I thought okay here we go-

All I have to do is sit here for X amount of time and
not go crazy then I'll be more calm and enlightened like.
I sat.

I kept myself from going crazy.
Sort of...
I followed the thoughts about dinner, about conversations,
about random things that really made no sense but
since I was "meditating" I thought
all the thoughts that flooded my mind sitting there day in and day out
was just me toughing it out.
Come to find out- that's not meditation.

Meditation is not easy.
Meditation is simply a one pointed focus-
bringing that focus back to it's place over and over
and over...

and over... 

You can meditate on many things- your breath, a candle flicker or
a quality you'd like to increase in your life (joy, compassion, etc).
There's many types of meditation but what you are doing is simply-
bringing your awareness to something-
every time your mind strays-
make no judgment and
come back to that place of awareness.
A constant tending to the mind and of bringing it back with loving kindness.
It's not easy.
Meditation is work.

For some the practice of sitting and bringing your thoughts back
over and over is infuriating.
Honestly- sometimes it's been infuriating to me but
I've noticed with time
(with a cumulative and consistent practice)
my reactivity has lessened,
my mind isn't so overwhelmed with thoughts- especially negative thoughts
and it's really not so infuriating anymore.
And not just when I meditate - but throughout the day I notice these things.

I've begun to look forward to and even need that meditation each day.

Wanna give it a go?!
Find a comfortable seated position
(it's hard to focus if you're not comfortable).

You can meditate lying down but unless you're 

after sleep or seated isn't an option right now then 

begin seated for now.
Try meditating on your breath.
Just bring your awareness to watching your inhale and exhale.
When your mind wanders- bring your focus back to your breath.
Repeat repeat repeat.
or try...
Lighting a candle and meditating on the flame
(this is my favorite)
Just look at the flame- watch it- study it-
when your mind wanders- gently bring your awareness
back to the dancing flame.
Repeat repeat repeat.
Start with 5 minutes a day- then add 5 more...

Meditation is what you put into it.
There's no quick fix.
There are many different meditation techniques but
all you are doing in any meditation
is really
bringing your focus to a one pointed place.

In our asana practice-
we link the breath and movement giving it a meditative quality.
Start there if you like- encourage the meditative quality in your practice
by really focusing on linking your breath and movement
then try sitting and meditating.

Any questions- lemme know!
Rock Your Practice!
Xo- Suz

Developing YOUR Practice- Ask Yourself

Change always finds me.

It finds my practice and I've learned to let it guide my practice.

Everyday is different- why shouldn't your practice reflect that.
Tried and true has a place but something different has a place too.
In your home practice- it will not look the same everyday.
Some poses will be more beneficial to you that day & as the days differ.
As your mood differs.
As your body differs.
Finding a practice (even one routine) that works for you is awesome.
But finding a multitude of practices

is even more awesome!

Learn to listen to your body then decide what it needs.
If you're tired-
Ask yourself if
an energizing practice

would suit you or
a more relaxing one?
Will you be going out needing focus for tasks at work or
will you be going to sleep?
If you're anxious- ask yourself the same questions.
If you're achy & sick- ask yourself the same questions.
If you're sick & tired- ask yourself the same questions.
Where is your body now- where would you like it to be?
There is no black/white answer-
the idea is to learn where you are and how to get yourself body, mind & spirit
on a path to where you'd like to be.
Everyday is different- your practice should reflect that.

In developing YOUR practice-
above all listen to your breath then ask yourself
before each practice or at least once a day
What is the quality of my body & state of mind?
(My body's tired/mind is racing- body's anxious/ mind is dull etc.)
and
What does my body need to get to the body/mind state I'd like to be in?
(Start simple by thinking relaxed or energized for now)

Try asking yourself- if anything's unclear
please comment below so I can help!
Developing YOUR practice relys on YOU.
The work, the cumulative efforts are made by YOU.
See what you find...
Rock YOUR practice!
Xo- Suz