Instructional &
Informational Posts
Those people in the yoga advertisements looking perfectly zen sitting in lotus position next to a lotus flower? Good for them, but that’s not your life, is it? You have a cell phone, you have kids, you have noise in your life. But you also (we swear) have time to meditate. Join us for a meditation you can incorporate into your life, anytime, anywhere.
You feel tired. You go to bed, turn off the light and suddenly it’s as if the light has been turned on in your head. Every thought and every worry suddenly matters. You may feel that you need to plan for your next vacation, for your next baby, or for whatever may happen tomorrow. Sound familiar?
The question “what if?” can be a big insomnia problem.
It’s not a question that can ever be answered. It’s not a present question. This is how meditation can help, and it’s when your yoga and meditation experience can be used to draw yourself out of your “monkey mind.”
In meditations, the goal is to become physically relaxed like sleep. This means that even if you get less, you don’t feel as stressed within your mind or body. Theravadan Buddhist Monks meditate for much of the day and are said to get by on five hours of sleep.
Rather than escaping your problems by turning to television or work, while you lie in bed, let yourself imagine your problems. Don’t get carried away, but address what are the biggest problems facing you at this time.
Since in the dark and in bed is not the ideal time to solve these dilemmas, imagine placing them in a box. Really take some time to imagine the shape and the dimensions of this box.
Imagine yourself closing the box securely, trapping your problems and worries inside.
Your mind will probably wander at first. Try again, until you have convinced yourself that for now, you can set aside your problems and dedicate yourself to rest.
Know that if you wish, you can open that box and deal with the obstacles inside…tomorrow.
--
Courtney Sunday has two cats and a boyfriend who are very patient with her health and wellness obsessions. She teaches yoga, Pilates and indoor cycling and gives Thai massages through her Toronto business Om at Home Yoga. When she is tuckered out, she takes up the sport of sleeping.
