Sitting Meditation
Meditation-in-motion: a Kripalu Yoga Experience
Meditation-In-Motion is a unique aspect of the Kripalu Yoga tradition. It is an exercise for awakening prana at its very roots, and allowing it to flow freely through the body. This liberation of prana can bring deep and lasting changes on emotional and physiological levels.
Kripalu Yoga comes from the lineage of Kundalini yoga and so it is all about cultivating, releasing and harnessing prana, which is energy, or life force. The idea is that as we practice the different components of yoga, like asanas (postures), prana is strengthened and focused. This in turn has great and far-reaching effects in every area of our lives.
Meditation is often an elusive term for most people conjuring pictures of yogis cross-legged in full lotus for hours, but really it is a mental, physical, and biological event that occurs quite naturally when the conditions are right. Creating the right conditions is key.
If you have ever been so totally absorbed in work that hours passed without realizing; have felt the absorption of oneness with a beloved; walked in the forest and had a sense of oneness with all things; participated in an ecstatic dance class, or just danced with reckless abandon by yourself (one of my favorite things to do!) then you have experienced a form of meditative absorption, or Dhyana.
Spontaneous posture flows are something that can occur as prana is released during these deep states of meditative absorption. In fact, this is how yoga asanas were developed. 5000 years ago, yogis living in seclusion, spending hour upon hour in meditative absorption began to have spontaneous movements as a result of their increased prana. They began recording some of the most common movements, and I would speculate the ones that seemed most effective in harnessing prana and helping the body to deal with excruciating hours spent in sitting meditation. These were eventually refined into common sets of postures and practices that moved forward with the evolving yogic tradition.
Meditation-In-Motion is simply allowing yourself to come into a relaxed, meditative state and then letting your prana move you.
Not you doing yoga…yoga doing you.
Try Meditation-in-Motion for yourself, and remember, there is no wrong way to do this. Let your spirit be your guide.
To begin…
Find a space where you have room to move around, and lay out a yoga mat (if you have one-it’s not required for this experience.) You can use music if you like, BIJA by Todd Norian is a favorite of mine for MIM. Begin on your back in Corpse Pose. Inhale and exhale deeply through your nose.
Feel the breath as it moves into your body and imagine it swirling in a spiraling motion in the center of your body. With each new breath, let this spiral expand, moving out into your limbs. Let the energy flow and grow with the breath as you inhale and exhale. Keep expanding until the energy is moving out through your fingertips, toes, and the crown of your head.
Now let the breath and the energy begin to guide your movements. Forget what you know of yoga postures, or dance movements; follow the waves of sensation and energy. There is no wrong way to proceed.
You may find yourself moving a lot, or a little, staying on the floor, or transitioning to standing movements. You may sway, arc, make shapes, find yourself in long, holding positions – anything is possible, everything is good.
Notice your breathing, and feel free to release any sighs or vocalizations that may come through. Continue this way, riding the wave of sensation, allowing your prana to awaken and flow, for as long as you like. When you feel complete, make your way back down to the floor and end with a five to ten minute Sivasana (relaxation and integration time), in Corpse Pose.
About the Author
Blissful Body Yoga is located in Gastonia, North Carolina, and gives instruction to students all over the world. Owner/Instructor Teal Marie Chimblo, RYT, is a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher who has been teaching yoga since 1998, and loves it more everyday! Blissful Body Yoga was developed in the spirit of Kripalu Yoga and is a conscious practice of physical yoga postures, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques for integrating body, mind and spirit. Teal believes that yoga resides in the heart, and helps her students to find a personal yoga of their own. She teaches from the heart with love and compassion, and is constantly astounded by the love she receives in return from her beautiful students.
How To Meditate II – Sitting Meditation
|
|
Bronze Sitting Buddha Meditation Pose Religion Statue $99.99 |
|
|
Bronze Sitting Buddha Meditation Pose Religion Statue $29.99 |
|
|
Pewter sitting Buddha Pendant in silver, small – Buddhist, meditation, pagan $7.99 |
|
|
Buddha Statue 16″ Meditation Sitting Wood Carved $87.99 |
|
|
VISHNU BRONZE SITTING MEDITATION *NICE STATUE FIGURINE $26.50 |
|
|
Meditation/Seiza Bench for Sitting and Zazen Practice $10.95 |
|
|
Leland Holiday Navajo Artist Folk Art Painting Lady Sitting in Deep Meditation $12.50 |
|
|
Sitting: Guide to Good Meditation P…, Dharmachari Kam $2.04 |
|
|
Zabuton Zafu Set Meditation Yoga Exercise Floor Sitting Kneeling Cushions White $54.00 |
|
|
Zabuton Zafu Set Meditation Yoga Exercise Floor Sitting Kneeling Cushions Royal $54.00 |
|
|
Zabuton Zafu Set Meditation Yoga Exercise Floor Sitting Kneeling Cushions Pink $54.00 |
|
|
TARA BRONZE *NICE SITTING MEDITATION STATUE FIGURINE $26.50 |
|
|
TARE BRONZE SITTING MEDITATION *NICE STATUE FIGURINE $26.50 |
|
|
Buddha Statue in a Meditation State Sitting Over a Two Stepped Round Base $58.79 |
|
|
Gautama Buddha Statue 16″ Meditation Sitting Wood Carved $89.99 |
|
|
Buddha Statue 16″ Meditation Sitting Wood Carved $94.99 |
|
|
Buddha Statue 16″ Meditation Sitting Carved Mahogany Wood $94.99 |
|
|
Buddha Statue in a Meditation State Sitting Over a Flower Base Decor Accent $65.18 |
|
|
Mantak Chia Guided Sitting Meditation DVD Chi Kung V9 $7.99 |
|
|
Chinese Oriental Green Jade Sitting Meditation Kwan Yin Buddha Figurine Statue $9.99 |
|
|
KUAN-YIN BRONZE SITTING MEDITATION STATUE FIGURINE NICE $26.50 |
|
|
Ceramic Bisque* Frog Sitting Meditation Style* Ready to Paint $2.50 |
|
|
SITTING BUDDHA SHAKYAMUNI MEDITATION FIGURINE/STATUE $105.00 |
|
|
THE ACCIDENTAL BUDDHIST: MEDITATION, SITTING STILL, ZEN, by DINTY W. MOORE MINT $0.99 |
|
|
Old Jade Hand Carved Goddess Kwan-yin Sitting in Meditation Louts Seats Pendant $5.86 |
|
|
Chinese Old Jade HandCarved Goddess Kwan-yin Ruyiasia Sitting Meditation Pendant $5.98 |
|
|
Chinese Old Jade HandCarved Goddess Kwan-yin Ruyiasia Sitting Meditation Pendant $5.98 |
|
|
Old Jade Hand Carved Goddess Kwan-yin Sitting in Meditation Louts Seats Pendant $5.99 |
|
|
Old Jade Hand Carved Goddess Kwan-yin Sitting in Meditation Louts Seats Pendant $5.89 |
|
|
Chinese Old Jade HandCarved Goddess Kwan-yin Ruyiasia Sitting Meditation Pendant $5.98 |
|
|
Chinese Old Jade HandCarved Goddess Kwan-yin Ruyiasia Sitting Meditation Pendant $5.98 |
|
|
Bronze Buddha Sitting Meditation Chinese Statue $79.00 |
|
|
Sitting Ganesha Brass Statue Meditation Idol Hindu Sculpture 9 Inch $167.50 |
|
|
Vintage Lord Ganesh sitting meditation hindu god statue $19.99 |
|
|
Chinese Old Jade HandCarved Goddess Kwan-yin Ruyiasia Sitting Meditation Pendant $5.98 |
|
|
Old Jade Hand Carved Goddess Kwan-yin Sitting in Meditation Louts Seats Pendant $5.99 |
|
|
Old Jade Hand Carved Goddess Kwan-yin Sitting in Meditation Louts Seats Pendant $5.99 |
|
|
Mantak Chia Guided Sitting Meditation DVD Chi Kung V9 (1 DVD) $7.99 |
|
|
Thai Buddha Sitting Meditation “Chiangsaen Buddha” Bronze $35.99 |
|
|
Thai Buddha Sitting Meditation ” U-Thong Buddha” Bronze $15.99 |
|
|
Thai Buddha Sitting Meditation Bronze $15.99 |
|
|
Thai Buddha Sitting Meditation Bronze $9.99 |
|
|
WHITE SITTING BUDDHA MEDITATION TEA CANDLE STATUE PEACE AND HARMONY PRAYER $19.95 |
|
|
New Meditation Brass Sitting Buddha Figurine Statue #1 $24.99 |
|
|
Sitting: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation by Diana St. Ruth (1998, Paperback) $4.89 |
|
|
BUDDHA BRONZE *NICE SITTING MEDITATION EASTERN FIGURINE $26.50 |
|
|
Bronze Sitting Buddha Meditation Pose Religion Statue $29.99 |
|
|
India Hindu God SHIVA Sitting Meditation Wall Hanging $14.99 |
|
|
India Hindu God SHIVA Sitting Meditation Wall Hanging $11.99 |
|
|
ZEN Practice Book Zen meditation How to sitting cross-legged $54.99 |
|
|
Sitting Buddha in a Meditation Pose Made of Poly Stone Bookend Pair $48.38 |
|
|
Chinese Oriental Feng Shui GOLD Sitting Kwan Yin Buddha Meditation Protection V2 $14.99 |
|
|
SAMURAI SITTING IN MEDITATION POSE ARNART IMPORTS 1985 $29.99 |
|
|
1949 Press Photo Buddhist Monk Sitting – Deep Meditation $27.88 |
|
|
White Buddha Cosmic Meditation Statue in a Sitting Position $100.46 |
|
|
Sitting Buddha Bronze Figurine Statue Art Amulet Buddhist Meditation $9.99 |
|
|
Sitting Shiva Meditation Hindu Gods Religious Gifts Brass Statue $32.19 |
|
|
Sitting in Oblivion: The Heart of Daoist Meditation, Livia Kohn, Good Book $101.01 |
|
|
*9ft LARGE CARVED MEDITATION SITTING BUDDHA STATUE #357 $215,000.00 |
|
|
Sitting: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation (Compass), Diana St. Ruth, Good Book $7.20 |
|
|
THINKING SKELETON MEDITATION SITTING STATUE FIGURINE $30.45 |
|
|
Tibetan Oriental Brass Tone Sitting Meditation Praying Buddha Figurine Statue #W $14.99 |
|
|
Silver Coating Sitting Buddha Meditation Statue fs360 $420.00 |
|
|
GANESH STATUE Ganesha Hindu Elephant God White Resin Sitting NEW Meditation $39.88 |
|
|
Sitting: A Guide to Buddhist Meditation by Diana St. Ruth (1998, Paperback) $9.99 |
|
|
The Sutra on the Concentration of Sitting Meditation (2010, Hardcover) $29.95 |
|
|
Moomintroll Money Bank~Snufkin Sitting Meditation Money Bank (approx 14cm) JAPAN $39.99 |
|
|
Chinese Oriental Red Wood Sitting Meditation Kwan Guan Yin God Buddha Figurine - $5.99 |
|
|
Close-up of hands during meditation Photo Mugs Close-up of hands during meditation…. |
|
|
Meditation, Moulin de Chaves Buddhist temple, Cubjac, Dordogne, France, Europe Photo Mugs Meditation, Moulin de Chaves Buddhist temple, Cubjac, Dordogne, France, Europe…. |
|
|
Sunset meditation in the desert, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Middle East Photo Mugs Sunset meditation in the desert, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, Middle East…. |
|
|
Songs From an English Garden $16.98 David Lanz’s Songs from an English Garden is, like a garden stroll, a pleasant experience. While one really can’t say that “Sitting in an English Garden” or even “Bus Stop” are exciting, they are exemplary of Lanz’s skills as a performer and arranger. There are even hints of jazz here and there, as on “Tuesday Afternoon,” but the emphasis here is on the piano, and on the expressiveness of the inst… |
|
|
Spring Forest Qigong: Level 1 for Health- Sitting Meditations $17.09 Sitting Meditations: Small Universe Track 1 Self Concentration Track 2…. |
|
|
Sitting in the Light, Guided Meditations for Relaxation & Self-balancing $9.99 … |
|
|
Gentle Tai Chi – Meditation in Motion [VHS] $19.95 Enthusiastic instructor Dagmar Munn guides viewers through a series of fun, easy movements adapted from traditional tai chi. Although Munn’s routine could offer health benefits to anyone, it seems clear that her target audience is those who find strenuous exercise difficult, as she performs a few stretches and a short workout while seated. The warm-up section begins with a series of self-massages … |
|
|
Awaken Healing Light: Guided Sitting Meditation [VHS] Through consistent use of this half-hour video, you will begin to experience more vital health, a more balanced emotional life and a deeper feeling of connection with everything around you. Guided sitting meditation is an energy-enhancing half-hour meditation in which you orbit the healing light (your life-force energy or “chi”) up your spine and down the front of your body through specific energy… |
|
|
Critbuns Kneeling and Sitting Pad $19.99 CritBuns are made from a soft, comfortable foam. The result is a firm, yet soft cushion intended for hard surfaces. It is portable, fun, and easy to clean. Uses include: Back and tailbone relief, Art studios, Gardening, Deck seating, Sporting events, Yoga / meditation, Kneeling pad, Picnics / park, Outdoor concerts, Camping/hunting, Pool-side seating… |
|
|
A Mature Woman Meditating at the Sea Shore – 48H x 43W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $93.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
|
|
The Three Pillars of Zen $10.44 As with A BUDDHIST BIBLE, this introduction to the Buddhist practice of Zazen or sitting meditation has served many Western read |
