The most potent power of transformation for peace and success is our own awareness, our own force of attention. A scientific method to develop this power is meditation. What does meditation mean here? In Sanskrit the word "dhyana", loosely translated as meditation, means attention--sustained, laser-like, focused attention. Paying attention means being attentive to awareness and flowing effortlessly with it.
The sense-withdrawal exercises given here are simple, effective, practical prescriptions to start developing this attention to awareness. These are centuries-old methods adapted for contemporary life. Attention is drawn away from mental distractions and mind-spins, and is guided to focus on what is happening in the present moment.
The benefits of these exercises may be felt in just 10-15 minutes a day. A stressful mind is not able to focus. Objective attention relaxes the body, reduces anxiety, clears the mind, and improves concentration. A still body, clear mind is a powerful force of attention to awareness. Directed to look within it can unveil answers to our deepest questions. Grounding the attention in the silence within is a solid foundation peace and happiness. These four short exercises guide you every step of the way.
Building a regular practice becomes a routine clean-out that removes mental and emotional clutter. It prevents the build-up of mental plaque. A peaceful space is created in which the mind and body can relax. This can lead to significant improvements in sleep, management of pain and anger, and the ability to deal with problems with great insight. It becomes possible to feel the power of silence. Life becomes more even-keeled. Anyone can do these short meditations.
These meditations are based on over 30 years of teaching experience with teens, parents, students (including college students), executives, lawyers, women in domestic abuse shelters, cancer patients and caregivers, patients with chronic diseases, and seniors. Each group found benefits with these practices and a greater ability to solve a range of problems: family and professional relationships, business decisions, life decisions, math and academic problem solving, writing blocks, creative arts, to legal and policy issues.
All profits are donated to charity.
Meena Modi is the founder and host of Mahasri Yoga and the accompanying blog www.yogamedblog.wordpress.com.
Yoga and meditation have been integral to Meena Modi for over 30 years. Her teachers and mentors have been from the Satyananda Yoga (Bihar School of Yoga) tradition. As a T-500 E-500 RYT and a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, Meena taught yoga in New York and New Jersey. Over the years she has worked with teens, young adults, seniors, homemakers, women in a domestic abuse shelter, doctors, social workers, psychologists, and business executives. She has also done workshops with a student group at Harvard College and advises yoga teachers.
Meena devotes most of her time now to the website and blog to make them both well-informed online resources for yoga, meditation, and yoga therapy. Both the blog and the website have a wide global readership. She has produced two meditation CDs: "Yoga Nidra: Conscious Sleep" and "Being in Flow: Meditations for Peace, Insight, Clarity, Focus".
In her earlier life, Meena was a freelance copy editor of the Indian manuscripts for "The Encyclopedia of Religion", edited by the late Mircea Eliade, professor of religion at the University of Chicago. She went on to work at the business magazine "Chief Executive" and the "ABA Banking Journal". Having lived on three continents she has an inclusive, universal, and global approach.
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