Meditation Magic

Jessica Smigels
Jun 2
2 min read

Don’t think Meditation is for you? Let’s talk about that!

One of my first yoga teachers would ask her new students, “What is the purpose of yoga? Why do we do it?” Typical answers would be: strength, flexibility, balance. These are true but that is not the answer she was looking for. “The purpose of yoga,” she said, “is to prepare us for meditation!”

Meditation is like brushing your teeth or taking out the trash. It is best when done regularly! The mental garbage we accumulate is greater, faster and more frequent than ever before. No wonder everyone is collectively more on edge and overwhelmed these days. And don’t even get me started on the news and rage bate online.

“What is Meditation? When you empty yourself and let the Universe come to you.” -YB

When our minds are cluttered with fear, anger, to-do lists, anxiety, social media, doom scrolling etc., we cannot expect to have the energy and intuition to live our best lives.

Oftentimes when people conjure the image of meditation it is one of struggle, discomfort and failure. Meditation doesn’t have to be sitting in an uncomfortable position on the floor with your eyes closed desperately trying to empty your mind! There are thousands of ways to meditate. This is one of the reasons I love Kundalini Yoga. It is full of countless opportunities to explore the vastness of experiencing a clean, clear mind.

Let’s talk about the many ways to meditate. There are passive and active forms, simple and complex forms, quiet and loud forms, still and high energy forms. I see passive as something that happens outside of you, examples include: sound baths, guided meditations, and mindfulness exercises. Active meditations are when you are participating more fully in the practice, examples include: breathing techniques, specific hand positions, eye focuses, repeating mantras/chanting etc. With so many options there is bound to be one that works for you. There is no “one size fits all” in life, so why should we assume there is one way or a best way to meditate?

Another consideration is location. Is it easier or more difficult for you to meditate at home alone, in a studio/ gym with peers or perhaps outside in a garden, woods or by the water? There are walking & dancing meditations, writing & drawing meditations, gardening & cooking meditations, group & individual meditations and so many more.

The common goals of meditating are to bring us into the present moment, shed the subconscious trash we carry and enhance our intuition, inner strength and wisdom.

Are you ready to give it a try or jump back in after a long break? Below are my current classes, workshops and series.