A Journey Into Yin Yoga

208 A JOURNEY INTO YIN YOGA

“When the power of love overcomes the love of

power, the world will know peace.” —Jimi Hendrix

Meditation Practice Tips

To start, find a quiet, clean, comfortable place in your home devoted solely to

your meditation practice. It can be a room or even just a corner, but this will

be your spot for finding stillness. For some people, practicing at home may

not be possible. Other options are finding a place at work or even meditating

in your car. (Just make sure you are not driving and meditating at the same

time!) Select a time when you will be uninterrupted. For many of us, early in

the morning is ideal, but find the time that works for you.

Once you have found your meditation posture, keep a few things in mind.

Each of the following suggestions will provide greater clarity for your prac-

tice, which is especially helpful for beginners. The more you practice these

simple tips, the more natural and effortless they will feel. Eventually they will

become second nature.

Spine, Head, and Neck

Keep the chin parallel to the floor. You can even tilt the chin slightly down,

creating more length and space in the neck. Keep the spine tall in a relaxed

and noble manner. Some students benefit from supporting their back by sitting

in a chair or against a wall. In certain situations, reclining may be necessary.

In this case, placing a pillow under the knees and padding under the head

or neck can be helpful. Just like when you are seated, keep the neck open

by leveling the forehead with the chin. In most situations, it is advisable to

choose seated over reclining. In meditation, we want to remain awake and

alert. Reclining onto the floor can often make you drowsy and sleepy.

Gaze

In meditation, we often close the eyes. If sleepiness or past trauma is an issue,

then the eyes may stay open. In this situation, you want to relax and soften

the gaze. Look at a single, unmoving point and proceed with the meditation

practice.

Arms and Hands

When seated, allow the hands to rest comfortably in the lap or on top of the

thighs. Allow the shoulders to relax and the elbows to have a comfortable

bend. Typically, the palms face up, with the intention of allowing and receiv-

ing. In certain situations, turning the palms downward can invoke an energy

of grounding. When reclining, the arms can rest effortlessly along the body,

or the hands may be placed wherever it feels right.