Shiva Rea – Breathing Peace – New Moon-Full Moon with Ten Days of Mantra

Salepage : Shiva Rea – Breathing Peace – New Moon-Full Moon with Ten Days of Mantra
Archive : Shiva Rea – Breathing Peace – New Moon-Full Moon with Ten Days of Mantra Digital Download
Delivery : Digital Download Immediately

It only seems right to offer an evening meditation inspired by the power of the recent super moon. It’s a lovely way to go from a brilliantly illuminated, fast-paced world to a tranquil nap between the sheets.

2014-09-10-fullmoon.jpg

I began an evening meditation practice a few weeks ago, thanks to yoga visionary and teacher Shiva Rea, whose Meditations DVD provides a matrix of practices based on the time of day and the intended energy changes. She demonstrates two moon meditations, one of which combines Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, or alternate nostril breathing, and the other of which celebrates the setting sun while gazing inside and breathing to the mantra, Hum-Sa. I do both meditations in succession before finishing with a final Savasana on my back (also a guided meditation on the DVD). These three practices take a total of 20 minutes.

I’ve included a step-by-step guide to the Lunar #1 practice so you can try it at home. If, like me, you maintain time with a watch, having someone take you through a timed exercise allows you to meditate profoundly without tension. All you need is a spot on the floor of a dimly lit room, a candle (I enjoy The Sage Lifestyle’s clarifying Garnet candle), and a DVD player*, since the images of Santorini drenched in a setting sun are just breathtaking.
Lunar #1 (5 minutes)

Begin in a comfortable sitting position. You can either sit in a traditional cross-legged asana or enter Half Lotus.

Sweep your hands in front of you, and as you exhale, allow your hands wash over you like a flow of calming energy, not only soaking any stress from your body, but also blessing yourself. Repeat six times.

Feel your body transition into the lunar qualities of relaxation, a smooth and elegant movement, while you appreciate this practice.

To begin Nadi Shodhana Pranayama, place your hands on your knees. Make a peace sign with one hand, balancing it on your brow. Now, using Ujjayi, seal your right nostril with your thumb and inhale slowly through your left nostril. That is, breathing from the throat’s base.

Pause, balance at the top, seal your left nostril with your fourth finger, and gently exhale through your right nose. Inhale completely via the right nostril, stop, and expel completely through the left nostril.

Continue a few more rounds on your own, breathing from left to right and right to left to create internal harmony between your active and receptive nerve systems.

When you have finished exhaling via your left nostril, bring your hand back down in Gyan mudra, thumb contacting index finger – the mudra of inner wisdom.

Feel your breath rise like a terrified wave from the base of your spine towards the fullness of your heart. Concentrate entirely on the rhythm of your breathing. Receiving and experiencing the terrified flow of your life energy while releasing, clutching, and clinging.

Exhale and let go of everything you’re hanging onto that isn’t present in this time.

Go into the elegance of your flowing breath as you inhale… Feel the flow of your precious breath as you inhale.

Slowly collect that serenity and inner tranquility between your palms when you are ready. You may listen with your full body here as you make a commitment to fill your life with the energy of your practice.

So, pay attention, and make that commitment right now: What are you bringing to your life? What is your personal inner prayer?

As you finish this meditation, gather your energy and offer it to the next moment.

More from Categories : Health & Fitness