“Everything else can wait, but your search for God cannot wait.” -Paramahansa Yogananda

Patanjalim defines yoga as: “yogas citta vrtti nirodaha”, yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind.  Notice he does not say, “He who does handstand best is the most enlightened!”  However, instead of adopting a regular meditation practice, we spend hours on the mat doing more asana, in search of clarity, self -acceptance, and a deeper meaning to our lives. Because the ego mind, which is full of fear, worry, and doubt, is threatened by meditation, it therefore encourages us to do MORE physical activity, whether it be asana, jogging, or cleaning our house, anything to distract us from our meditation practice.

As yogis, many times we forget that being strong and flexible isn’t the cure all to a happy and peaceful life.  In fact, sometimes we feel even more lost and confused after an asana practice, because all kinds of questions begin to surface from our being.

My first yoga teacher once said, that her greatest goal in life was to know God better.  I remember thinking what she said was very commendable, but I definitely didn’t understand the magnitude of what she was saying at the time. However, fourteen years later, I think I am beginning to understand what she was seeking in her relationship with God.

When we cease the chatter of the mind thru meditation, we create space for the Divine to connect with us. God is always trying to communicate with us, but are we listening, or are we too busy trying to get somewhere on the mat, or in our lives?

Many times we are reluctant to sit down to meditate, due to a perceived lack of time, or maybe the fear of the unknown; the fear that maybe God has something to tell us that we aren’t ready to face, like the end of a relationship or a career that is not aligned with our highest good anymore?   So in turn, we resist being still and miss an opportunity to change our lives for the better.  We would rather stay feeling confused, frustrated, and physically “fit,” instead of seeking personal growth thru a quiet mind.

The habit of jumping out of bed in the morning, turning on the radio, tv, coffee maker, and reading the newspaper, only creates more vrttis (chatter) in the mind.  I suggest doing your meditation practice first thing upon waking up, and spending some quality quiet time deepening your connection with God.

Quiet time in the morning, before you leave your house, will help you be kinder to yourself and everyone you come into contact with throughout your day. In turn, every time you meditate you are helping to align your mind with Divine mind, which are thoughts based on love, patience, forgiveness, gratitude and service to the planet.

Meditation, like asana, just takes PRACTICE and dedication.  The effects are accumulative, so even 5 minutes daily, can help you to have a more peaceful and purposeful life.  I suggest doing your meditation practice before you leave your house in the morning, so your thoughts are aligned with Divine Mind throughout your day.  You will have a greater ability to make more conscious choices in your life, with less stress and drama, and more kindness and patience, towards yourself and others.

The use of mantra in meditation can be very helpful as well. The Sanskrit word “mantra”, means “instrument of the mind,” and the mantra I have found to be the most effective for my meditation practice is: ”Be Still and Know.”

This mantra comes from Psalm 46, “Be still and know that I am God.”

On the inhalation, say internally, “Be still,” and on the exhalation say, “And know.”

It is as if God is saying to our minds, “Be still and know that I AM GOD, and that I am taking care of all the details of you life, if you would just be willing to release them to me.”

In turn, our life’s challenges always work themselves out, maybe not the way we planned, but they always work out for the highest good of our soul’s journey, and for the highest good of all involved. We must remember this during times of deep despair and crisis-God ALWAYS has a plan.

I encourage you to make time daily for the most important relationship in your life, the one with God, and experience the unconditional love, acceptance and guidance that resides within you, in every moment.

Meditate for yourself and as an offering for all beings everywhere.

“In the final analysis, it is all between you and God.” -Mother Teresa.

Kathleen Kastner teaches yoga at Maha Yoga and Mark Blanchard’s Power Yoga, in Brentwood, CA.  She is also the Owner of Maya Yoga, in Kansas City, MO.

www.kathleenkastner.com
www.mayayoga.com

Peace to you,
Kathleen Kastner