I have been regularly meditating for almost 18 years, and it has been a powerful practice for change in my life. Consistent daily personal practice combined with the community support of group meditation has shifted my perspective, my reactions, and life for the better. Happiness and ease are daily experiences that I attribute to group meditation.
Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better; it’s about befriending who we are.
– Ani Pema Chodron
Meditation Practice Fundamental In Ayurveda And Yoga
While meditation is often not part of a regular asana class, part of the eight limbs of yoga is part of a well-rounded yoga practice. Many yoga studios offer meditation classes or workshops. Meditation is a tool to shift energy, heal the mind, and create balance in Ayurveda. Your practice creates space and awareness to take a higher view, say 50,000 feet. From that height, you see more options and how choices flow and connect.
While silence is the most sought after form of the practice, it can be a difficult place to start. There are many ways to begin. Mantra and Loving-kindness meditation are some of my favorites.
Personal meditation is now the cornerstone of my morning routine. So I rarely skip, because it connects me to my best self, and I love how it makes me feel. I also have participated in group meditation for about 15 years and still do. Meditation alone or together is a powerful tool for change.
Why meditate in a group?
I first started meditating in advanced yoga classes or meditation classes at yoga studios. The power of group practice pushed me to connect to meditation in a new way. When you meditate with others, it fosters connection and community as well as formally setting time in your schedule to sit in silence. Combined energy and common intent increase the impact of your meditation experience.
This year after 15 years, my group meditation teacher let go of our group class to care for her health. It was a surprise. Independent of my personal practice, I felt a little lost, looking at the space in my calendar.
The universe always has an answer. Two new opportunities for group meditation came into my life. So now, instead of meeting once a month for meditation, I meditate in groups twice a month. It is joyful to lean back and feel the universe supporting me with opportunities.
Online Group Meditation
One of my new meditation groups has people from at least four countries. We use teleconferencing software to get together and meditate, support, help, and heal each other. Some people claim you don’t feel the power or connection when meditating online. I am here to say that is untrue. It is surprising how much you feel when you get on the phone or teleconference with a group to meditate. Love it!
There are also paid and free professional online group meditation programs. Some are structured like a class where a teacher leads, and others are an informal group. Sally Kempton is an accessible, deeply spiritual author and teacher who uses an online format.
One of my favorites is Oprah & Deepak’s 21 day meditation challenge. Each 21-day program focuses on different growth areas in life. The structure it is full of reminders and support so I send new mediators to it all the time. It is part listening and part meditating to music. You get a mantra to fall back on if you drift into mind chatter. I call it vacation meditating, because they make it easy and fun, like when you are on vacation.
Give Group Meditation A Try
Alone or in a group find a way to sit with yourself in silence, learn, and grow from regular practice. Group meditation might be your way into a practice that will create a positive shift.
Ayurselfcare’s purpose is to educate on the benefits of Ayurveda. This blog is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice. All the material here is for learning purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.
