Believe it or not, I have been imagining this post for a few days now, and if you’re cool you will go look up the 90’s classic – “Regulate” by Warren G ft. Nate Dogg and play it while you read this post…replacing the lyric “regulate” with the word “meditate”!
So you may have noticed that all the yogis, new-agers, holistic practitioners, and healers are out in full force on FB, IG & YouTube since this whole quarantine started. While the rest of the world seems to be in a tailspin they are holding space and coming up with ways to provide you online classes, workshops, workouts, singling bowl ceremonies, etc. all from their homes or studios. They seem to possess a sense of calm in the storm. This mastery of the self is not gifted – it is an intentional practice.
Many of these practitioners have practiced the art of non-attachment or as we call it in the yoga world – aparigraha. Want more info on aparigraha? Click here
This is probably one of the most difficult Yamas to teach and practice. We live in a society that literally teaches us attachment to ideas, people, cultures, countries, and things as a form of creating and maintaining our identities.
How do you tell a scholar not to be attached to their books, degrees, and studies? How do you tell a creative to not be attached to his art, creations, and show exhibitions? How does one even begin to tell a lover not to be attached to her beloved because this will ultimately cause suffering? We are so attached to our “stories” that we repeat them over and over until we are caught in continuous loops of pain, fear, and/or suffering.
As you can see, it gets complicated immediately and the only answer I have for you,dear reader, is aparigraha comes with PRACTICE. So much practice.
Right now, the collective is literally being forced to face itself and shed layer after layer of what we used to be attached to. Therefore, many of us are experiencing a collective letting go and a deep surrender to the universe/creator/source – and it is not by choice!
It is scary. Many don’t have jobs or income right now and are having to rely on merely faith that somehow this will all work out. Many are ill or stranded abroad/at home away from loved ones and friends. It is our collective attachments that prolong and perpetuate our suffering.
A perfect example of this was the toilet paper hoarding that occurred a few weeks ago here in the United States. People are literally attached to the idea that somehow coveting a flimsy paper product that cleans one’s arse will make them feel safe and secure. It is all a false sense of security though. It is maya or illusion.
I keep thinking of the “what ifs” as I experience this new norm of being isolated and alone. Then I have to bring myself back and commit to the idea that the only thing I can do is focus on the present and let go of pre-existing norms or attachments I may have had before this global pandemic. There were so many aspects of my “normal life” that were not serving me well at all.
And honestly, the more I speak to family and friends, it seems like we all needed this time away from our “day-to-day” lives to figure out who we are and what the hell is happening on this planet. So many people’s lives have been plagued with struggles and suffering that seem to just compound from one year to the next – as if humanity were standing at the bottom of a mountain watching one avalanche after the other fall relentlessly upon us all.
This is where meditation and aparigraha comes in. It does not have to be complicated. You do not need anything other than a place to sit, stand, or lie down. You can use a pillow or blanket or not. The amazing thing about meditation is that you probably already do it and do not even realize it. For example – you can probably spend 5-20 minutes swiping through an app and “zoning” out or “decompressing” – correct? This is a form of meditation albeit not the healthiest form (depending on what you are taking in and putting out). Nevertheless, you are already a pro.
What most people need is a meditation that provides breath, focus, and energy work/renewal. I begin most of my mornings with just a 5-10 minute meditation and I try NOT to look at my phone or any other electronics before doing so. And if I don’t succeed, I do not beat myself up about it. It’s a practice, so there is no use in getting attached to the outcome or goal! I also love love love guided meditations at night to help me sleep. No matter how you do it, or when you do it – the time is now. You have no business being bored right now – instead start this practice and do the work! See what you can let go of and release – use your breath. Your breath is life.
All the love and light dear one.
***
Here are some of my favorite people out there bringing you meditations of all shapes and sizes:
1. If you have never meditated or are a beginner, guided meditations can be a great place to start. Try the Headspace App or Pacifica App or for a list of more click here
I have actually used the following clip with new students to get them comfortable with the idea of meditation. It’s only two minutes – YOU HAVE THE TIME! Try it with the self/family/quarantine buddies:
2. Do you need a healing soundbath? IG: @amarisland These are short and sweet on IG right now but she is getting ready to launch a platform with more healing sound meditations!
3. If you are needing just background music with pretty much any category of meditation music you can think of: Nu Meditation Music channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYy9EGb3fvmUSgMVfJ7KXJw
4. If you are needing esoteric/energy work/targeted practices: Steve Nobel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9pPBB3LyiB1aTeHCabcMlw
5. If you want meditation music, mantras, and chakra alignment:
https://www.youtube.com/user/TheMeditativeMind
6. Meditation can be a great break from homeschooling for the kiddos (and you)! Here is a great starter for kids:
7. Yes, I even make my dogs meditate. You can share this gem with any of your pets. My pups love it. Sometimes I just leave it on in the background for them while I take care of stuff, other times I’ve actually done this with them. #dogmomoftheyear
violetflamepress 