Navel Meditation

Navel Meditation by [Madisyn Taylor]( Navel meditation can be done by a beginner as you focus your breath on your belly and your breathing. Journeys of lifelong evolution often begin simply. No matter how complex the goal or desire we have nurtured in our souls, the first steps we take are nearly always basic and uncomplicated. Navel meditation, a creation of the Taoist tradition and the oldest form of meditation recognized in China and India, is a simple practice suitable for those experienced in the art of meditation, yet it is also a wonderful introductory meditation for novices. It utilizes the natural rhythms of the breath and the regular movement of the abdomen as a means to focus awareness and rid oneself of extraneous thoughts. As you concentrate on the breath, the chaos within reveals itself, allowing you to gently train your mind to accept stillness as its natural state. To begin, assume a comfortable and natural seated position--either cross-legged on a cushion on the floor or on a chair with your legs facing forward. Maintaining an upright, balanced posture will ensure that you are physically centered and prevent fatigue. Close your eyes and relax your body gradually, starting at the toes and ending at the crown of the head. Take a moment to note any physical sensations you are feeling, such as the hardness of the floor under your legs or the weight of a piece of jewelry. When you are relaxed, breathe through the nose at your natural pace. With each inhalation, draw air deep into the abdomen, allowing the area surrounding your navel to rise and fall. Gradually focus your attention on the sensations caused by the inhalation and exhalation of breath. Feel the air flowing in and out of the nostrils as well as the expansion and contraction of the abdomen. If you find it difficult to concentrate on both sensations, concentrate only on the movement of the navel area. As you endeavor to commune with the breath, you may notice that your mind strays. When this occurs, do not attach any significance to your thoughts. Simply bring your attention back to the flow of air into and out of your body and the rise and fall of your navel. Eventually, the torrent of mental noise flooding your mind will slow to a trickle, and you will learn to control the current of your thoughts until you are no longer at the mercy of your reactions. The more you practice this meditation, daily if possible, the more you will be able to get back to this relaxed state easily throughout your day. [PRINT]( [SAVE]( [DISCUSS]( --------------------------------------------------------------- DailyOM Course Spotlight [Chair Yoga for Healing, Strength and Mobility]( by Sadie Nardini Welcome to a truly gentle way to welcome back your healthy movement, healing, strength and joint mobility. So many people believe that aging or injury means to physically decline, and they just give up. I know as much as anyone how it feels to be less mobile than one would like. When I was younger, I was partially paralyzed for 2 years. I was too weak to move, and certainly could not do any of the healthy workouts people suggested. Even what others called "Beginner Yoga" was way beyond me! It took me over a decade to strengthen to the point where I could become a yoga and anatomy expert, as well as a fitness teacher. I then traveled the world teaching people of any and all levels how to access their ability to grow in strength, flexibility, and stamina--no matter what their fitness level. By doing my 10 gentle but powerfully effective workouts in a chair or on the floor, you can regain your best body, inside and out. Your muscles can build and tone for your whole life. Each workout acts on your body as a whole, using optimal anatomy and alignment knowledge, so each 10 minute session gives you the results of doing a much longer workout. Actually enjoy exercise--at the level you truly need. [Learn More]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. [Shedding Your Menopausal Middle in 10 Days]( 2. [Go Sleeveless in 14 Days]( 3. [Fit and Fierce Over 40]( 4. [Letting Go with Forgiveness]( 5. [Write. Heal. Transform: A Magical Memoir Writing Course]( 6. [Dancer's Legs in 14 Days]( 7. [Pelvis Reset for Lower Back Pain]( 8. [No-Squat Booty Workout]( 9. [From Self-Destruction to Reconstruction]( 10. [Tone and Tighten Your Tummy]( New Courses • [Beneficial Stretches for the Inflexible]( • [Why Good Things Fall Apart]( • [You Are Not A Fake]( • [Yoga Stretches for Beginners]( > [More Courses]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Home]( | [Inspiration]( | [Courses]( | [Horoscopes]( | [Gift Shop]() [Email Settings]( | [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( | [Help/FAQ]( © 2019 DailyOM - All Rights Reserved No portion of this site can be reprinted without express permission. Subscribed as {NAME}[at]gmail.com (1276706) [1]