Almost every week, I along with many of my good friends volunteer in the Sacramento area for a free guided meditation and pranayamas (breathing exercises) session. These weekly sessions are facilitated by very experienced meditation teachers who themselves volunteer their time for the greater good of the community. Stress from work, health, family, finances and fear / anxiety of the future seems to be main reasons most people choose to come for these sessions. Having volunteered for such sessions for over 5 years and having interacted with hundred's of people, I see first-hand how much stress, anxiety and emotional roller-coaster ride these folks go through on daily basis. Even though many of these folks are highly educated and very successful in their field of work, yet they are carrying staggering amount of stress. Often the signs of deep seated stress is clearly visible on their faces. Such is the level of stress and anxiety that it's quite hard for many participants to even smile.
After just few minutes of teacher led breathe-work and a powerful guided meditation, I see an amazing glow in most of the participant's faces as if a huge load is lifted from their shoulders. Almost everyone experiences a feeling of deep rest, relaxation and serenity that is hard to miss. There is always a genuine smile on everyone's lips after the session is over. Over the years, I have heard many people who have attended these sessions say that this was by far the most restful they have felt for a very long time. Imagine if just one session of breathe-work and meditation can bring so much peace and profound restfulness, what can a regular practice of meditation and breathing exercises do for one's physical and mental health?
Just to see this beautiful phenomenon unfold motivates me to continue volunteering every week. If most of us were to experience such deep rest and calmness every single day, the world would be such a peaceful and happy place.
Personally, I consider myself very lucky and blessed to have a regular Pranayama and meditation practice that allows me to be in that space of deep rest and peace for much part of the day. I daily practice powerful breathing technique (Sudharshan Kriya or SKY taught in Happiness Program by Art of Living Foundation) and meditation (Sahaj Samadhi). Because of these powerful techniques, I am able to effortlessly remove the daily stress from the body and mind.
Unfortunately, It's the nature of the mind to hang on to even smallest negativity. I have notice that people who have an analytical mindset specially find it a bit harder in the beginning to have faith in effectiveness of such tools and techniques. However, once they overcome this tendency of their mind, they benefit the most from these tools. Than there are some folks who unnecessarily worry more about which organization is offering these tools, how they are promoted, does it belong to my faith or how much they cost than the long lasting effectiveness of these powerful meditation and breathing techniques. My humble suggestion to these folks is to keep their doubts aside and just learn and practice these tools and techniques for few weeks and see for themselves. We spend so much money on things that give joy for just short amount of time. Why can't we invest in skills that will help us become less stressed and better able to manage our emotions is a good question to ask ourselves. Meditation and breathing exercises has many physical benefits as well. It helps us heal and also keeps us safe from many types of serious diseases and ailments.
Lastly, life is very short, and though we are all very blessed, sometimes it can become quite hard to see it because of all the stress in our life. Using tools like meditation and breathing techniques help change our perspective about the world that we live in a very positive way. We begin to realize that the real source of joy that is present within all of us and not in the material things or even the relationships that we hold dear.
Much Love and Blessings to All :)
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