Sushumna meditation: For busy days
When the mind flows in one stream, it is called meditation. During meditation, the mind is trained to focus on one point. Why do we need meditation and yoga? Often times, we get caught up in our daily routines and forget to set aside time to reflect and analyze our current condition. We tend to either live in a constant cat mouse race with the future, or dwelling on worries and mistakes of the past.
The reality and the present lie in between the future and the past. It exits, but it is not often lived. It is a passing shadow or a snapchat update. Our aspirations and goals shape our present. Meditation allows the practitioner to become more aware of the present moment. Goals and routines are great. However, like any machine, our behavior too needs a bit of maintenance
The asanas (yoga poses) trains the mind through physical practice. In yoga, the body is considered to be the temple of God. The body is for one to search within. Meditation enables one to create more awareness in the body first and extend that awareness into every aspect of their lives. There are many meditation techniques. In yoga, pranayama (breathing techniques) are used to build internal strength and establish a mind-body connection.
Sushumna meditation is a technique that anyone can practice. It focuses your attention to the nostrils in order to prepare the body and mind for meditation. This is a great practice for those who are suffering from anxiety or stress. It can bring awareness to your present and bring calmness to your mind. This technique also helps to strengthen and fine tune how you breathe. Often times we forget to take deep breaths. Deep breaths can help us calm down during high stress situations.
To begin Sushumna meditation, sit in a comfortable cross-legged pose and close your eyes. First, stillness in the body must be achieved. Once you settle down, start observing your body. Now start to become aware of the various body parts. Take a few moments to really create your body awareness.
After you bring awareness to your body, bring your awareness to the breath. The aim is to bring the breath awareness to your navel center. You need to pay attention to the nostrils and make the connection all the way to the navel.
Once you have established awareness from the navel to the nostrils, bring your awareness to the left nostril. After you focus a few minutes on the left nostril, switch to the right one and repeat. After you have engaged both nostrils, pay attention to the center of your nostril. You will start to feel the breath entering from the center of the nostrils to the eyebrow center. If you are able to bring awareness to this process, perhaps you can pay attention to the spine.
Sushumna meditation is a good practice to start your day-off with calmness. It will also bring awareness to your breath so you can practice mindful breathing as you navigate through your day.