Meditation
Meditation for Children
It’s a well-known fact that meditation helps adults, but for some reason we rarely think of children when we think of meditation. Perhaps it’s because children love to play, laugh and have fun, making it hard for us to imagine them sitting still for any length of time. Anyone with children can relate to how hard it can be to get a young child to calm down at bedtime. Often they will strenuously resist going to bed, right up to the very last minute, no matter how tired they are!
Here is one story of how a friend of mine was introduced to meditation by her daughter:
“When my daughter was 7 years old she was extremely active, not unlike a lot of kids – always running, jumping and talking a mile a minute! A new family moved into the neighborhood, right next door to us. They had 4 children and my daughter often played with them in the afternoons. One day they invited her to come along to a meditation gathering with them. They were very nice people so I allowed her to go.
She was genuinely happy when she came back that evening and told me that she wanted to go again, so I allowed her to go with them on a regular basis. I started to notice the positive effects it was having on her. She was becoming a calmer and more satisfied person. This pricked my curiosity and I decided to find out what this meditation was all about. They invited me to come along with them.
The meditation was very different from how I imagined it would be. There were people of all ages (including children) playing musical instruments and singing mantras. This is known as kirtan. Sometimes the kids would joyfully join in and then run off and play for a while then come back and chant again. It was very appealing to them. They weren’t expected to try to sit quietly, nor were they forced to participate. They were chanting because it was fun.
The meditation was a refreshing surprise to me that evening. Since then it has taken on a significant role in my life and I am always amazed at the wonderful effects it has - on both of us.”
- Anna M.
Mantra Meditation - Gauranga Breathing
Mantra: GAURANGA
Here is a simple meditation technique that you can practice alone or with friends. Gauranga breathing allows you to rest your mind in spiritual sound and draws it away from material stresses and worries that cause us anxiety. By practicing this for 5-10 minutes on a regular basis, ideally before you begin your day, your mind will naturally become peaceful and satisfied. By adding this mantra to your life you will develop more tolerance and love for others. It is the primary means of clearing away ignorance or illusion and discovering your true identity as an eternal spirit soul, a part and parcel of the Supreme Soul.
• Sit down comfortably.
• Let your breathing become slow and deep. Relax your body and mind with each exhalation.
• When your breathing is more relaxed begin the meditation by saying Gauranga in your mind as you inhale.
• When you exhale say Gauranga out loud. Stretch out the sound so that it takes up the whole exhalation.
• Practice for 5-10 minutes to reduce body and mind tension.
We have regular ongoing meditation classes where you will learn Gauranga breathing as well as two other effective meditation techniques. We also have regular gatherings where we practice Gauranga breathing as a group. All of our meditation classes are free of charge. Please contact us if you would like more information.
Exercise While Meditating – Walking Meditation
Another wonderful way to exercise is walking meditation or 'japa walking'. In Japa meditation we repeat mantras using beads as counters. Japa meditation benefits us in so many ways— we start feeling more at peace and relaxed as we develop greater tolerance, compassion and spiritual understanding.
You can practice Japa meditation almost anywhere and all you need are your Japa beads. Japa walking is a great way to take advantage of the beautiful weather and get exercise. This year’s fall colors are spectacular and the autumn air is fresh and crisp. It’s the perfect time for putting on your warm clothes and taking a leisurely walk through the park. Taking your beads with you and practicing Japa as you walk brings these two worlds together- the inner peace you feel from hearing and repeating spiritual sounds and the exhilarated feeling and positive glow you get when you take a nice walk. Enjoy!
If you are interested in finding out more about Japa meditation or other techniques please contact us for a class in your area.
