Mindful Meditation
Mindfulness, meditation... Both?
The root of the term mindfulness is considered to be a translation of sati, a word from the Eastern Pali language of ancient India which roughly means, ‘awareness’. Jon Kabat-Zinn elaborated further and stated it is, ‘the awareness that arises through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment by moment’.
In Yoga, meditation is considered a practice, and through this practice, people can develop different skills, including mindfulness/ awareness, contemplation and absorption. Meditation helps you to live and act with these three tools and as you will experience in Sophie's classes, there are many techniques of meditative practice.
The skills of meditation have been found to prevent physical and mental disease, dis-ease in the mind and body. Learn how to develop a sense of inner resilience so that we can respond rather than react to the people, places and stressful events we have experienced and are yet to experience in the ever changing landscape of life.
Silence is a tool
In 2010, Sophie volunteered as a ChildLine volunteer and during her training it was the first time she had encountered the concept of silence being a tool. Here, it was a counselling model technique for active listening skills. In those days Sophie felt uncomfortable with silence... it felt awkward and being a naturally curious person she always felt inclined to fill every moments silence with empathic and inquisitive questions. It took some practice but she learnt that silence when applied properly, gave children the the time, opportunity and space to share aloud their thoughts and feelings that they wouldn't normally have the platform to articulate.
As Yoga became a part of her life Sophie began to learn how silence, stillness and space are the foundational Yogic concepts that allow us to tune into our own bodies; to become aware of our own mind and thoughts in order to facilitate a processing of events; presenting emotions, physical and mental symptoms in order to respond in a supportive and nurturing way. This approach she has observed personally and professionally aids restoration, function and healing at a deep cellular level. We remember that the Yoga itself is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj', meaning a union or communication or focus. Mahadev Desai describes it as a, "poise of the soul which enables one to look at life in all it's aspects evenly".
"I've tried it and I can't switch off..."
Coming to practice with a busy, full mind of the swirling, twirling What Ifs and the endless To Do's is to be expected and totally normal. Even sitting still can be a challenge, can't it? To meditate alone as a beginner or even a well seasoned meditator is incredibly challenging. What we all benefit from is a guide...
In class, Sophie often uses the breath as anchor to focus and sustain your attention on because there is a sense of calmness that comes with natural breath awareness and the expansion of the chest, ribs, lungs and even the belly. There is no denying that it takes commitment underpinned by fierce self-compassion as Dr Kristin Neff describes it. When appropriate Sophie may direct you through a systematic form of relaxation such as Yoga Nidra, which is referred to as Yogic sleep, where you are in fact not asleep but in a rested state of awareness.
You don't need a temple to meditate: All you need is a cosy, quiet corner of a room, perhaps a blanket and some snuggly socks. Take some time out of the magic and mayhem of planet Earth and of course from the relentless nature of your own mind!
What are you waiting for?