Does Meditation Increase Flexibility?

Original Painting by JAM

While meditating the other day, thoughts of a dear friend came to me as well as an imagine. I painted the image and knew I had to give it to my friend. 

Listening to my gut over the years has proven fruitful. Answers to questions, new creative ideas and unexpected surprises as well as emotions, body sensations and things I need to do come to me while I sit.

When I first started meditating, it took all of my effort to stay seated without fidgeting. Eventually I felt comfortable and could focus for short periods. I would ask questions yet I couldn't sit long enough to receive an answer. I would receive answers in my sleep, yet not in my meditation.

Eventually I began receive answers or possible solutions to problems while sitting. I meditate with a notebook close by so that I can jot things down before I forget.

So does meditation make your mind more flexible? Yes. Those of us who have been stuck in our thinking find we can see other's points of view and different ways to do things over time.
Does meditation have a multitude of benefits? Yes. So many they have their own post.
Has it been show to change the brain and ward off aging? Yes. There are also many studies that show how the brain changes in long-time meditators.

Often I am asked about how to meditate regularly. As with any habit, it is a practice. There is no perfect way to meditate. You need to find what works for you and do it. There are many resources available on the internet. How do you know if they're good? Well, try out some of the free ones. I have found working with a teacher to be the most effective way for me to develop a regular practice. 

There are a lot of things that meditation is NOT--watching TV, listening to music, etc. The idea is to have a single focus and to eventually become one with what we are focusing on.

Salt Lake City folks, I offer meditation the first Wednesday of each month at MyBusinessBar, 4535 S 2300 E. Register.

If you'd like to hear about what's up with me, sign up here. I offer local meditation classes and will be offering an online meditation course in November of this year.

If you're interested in working with me further, grab a complimentary call.
Let me know how it's working for you.
#meditationworks

How to Use Sankalpa Mudra

Anjali mudra

I first heard the word sankalpa when I was practicing yoga nidra (a deep meditation practice similar to sleep) in a group. The teacher told us to set an intention, make a commitment to change something, or a resolve.  The statement is set in present tense in the form of a positive affirmation. i.e. I move through life with joy and ease.

I may have heard the word prior to this, but I don't recall. It wasn't until many years later that I realized I had been setting a resolve in all my practices when I set my intention.

A mudra [a gesture or seal made with the body, i.e. anjali mudra (prayer hands)] can be used along with our resolve. 

Sankalpa mudra
www.arunachala-ramana.org

Using a mudra enhances our vow because energy stored in our body is released when the seal is placed.
 
Do you need to use mudra? No. Does it help? Absolutely. 

Why? In sankalpa mudra the left hand crosses the midline (heart energy center) and rests palm open (receptive mode) on the right thigh. The right hand goes over the left with the right palm facing down in a grounding mode.

When we bring our hands together with the palms facing one another, it connects both hemispheres of the brain. All aspects of us--body, mind and spirit hear the commitment and can work together to make our resolve happen.

When? We can use sankalpa mudra whenever we are making a commitment to bring something into our lives or to let some thing go. It's not to be used lightly on a whim or for every little thing we want.

Does it mean that everything we want will come to fruition? Not at all. The Universe is not Santa Claus and there are many things that come into play when we are manifesting and releasing--so much so that for centuries books have been written about it. People spend their lives attempting to manifest.

I typically use sankalpa mudra when doing a seated-meditation practice.

I will share a meditation practice with you next week so you can see where we use the sankalpa mudra. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or any information to add.