13. Other meditations Indira uses on occasion
There are many types and methods of meditating. The candle meditation is one. Simply focus on the flame of a lit candle.
The opening Lotus meditation:
With this meditation I have my students envision a lotus flower slowly opening at each chakra. The feet and hands each have a lotus opening simultaneously. When the lotus is fully opened we envision loving light coming into it from the universe and back out of it to the universe.
The walking meditation:
A meditation I like to do occasionally with my classes is a walking meditation. It sounds simple but it is more challenging than one would imagine. I have the class move to the circumference of the room and then we begin to walk in one direction but the challenging part comes in the way we walk. We begin by saying aloud a few times: lift, swing, step as we mindfully lift, swing each leg and carefully place each foot down. This is actually quite challenging to the balance of the body and a challenge to your ability to focus. Once the class has the hang of it we continue to say lift, swing, step interiorly so that we could stay in sync until we complete a full circle. Then I have them turn toward the center and perform an abbreviated Moon salutation ending with the hands to heart center.
Shibashi movement meditation:
Another meditation I like to do on occasion with my classes is the 18 movement meditation called Shibashi and is a simple form of Tai Chi.
It consists of slowly performing 18 movements standing with your feet hip distance apart.
1. Raise the arms awakening the chi
2. Open the chest
3. Paint a rainbow
4. Part the clouds
5. Rolling arm
6. Row the boat
7. Lift the ball
8. Look at the Moon
9. Twist waist and push with palm
10. Cloud hands
11. Scoop the sea and look at the sky
12. Push the waves
13. Flying Dove spreads its wings
14. Punching
15. Fly wild goose
16. Turn the wheel
17. Stepping and bounce the ball
18. Balance the chi and close by lowering the arms
The Satnam Chant:
Satnam is a Punjabi and Sanskrit word. It is a combination of two words: sat, meaning “truth” nam, meaning “name.” so it translates as “true name,” “true identity,” or “God's Name is Truth.”
As a mantra, it is chanted during meditation as a way of calling on the Divine truth within.
For the satnam chant we will use and Uttarabodhi Mudra and we will chant satnam 21 times.
The Uttarabodhi mudra is a gesture that identifies with a supreme power. Symbolizes perfection.
How to form the Uttarabodhi mudra: Index fingers touch one another and are extended, pointing toward the skies. Remaining fingers are crossed and folded down. Thumbs are cross or held next to each other. Clasped hands are held over the head.