#movementvsstillness

So this week's theme is stillness (and its opposite, movement). Using the body awareness that we practised last week, we will be noting when our body can be truly still, and when it requires movement. In meditation, we want to keep the body still so that we can also keep our mind still.

I'll be doing this exercise every day this week for 10 minutes total. MEDITATION 3: Become Conscious of Stillness

(adapted from David Fontana’s Meditation Week by Week) 

This meditation is intended to help you become aware of tensions and bad posture while experiencing stillness. 

Start the practise of stillness by finding a comfortable place to sit, with the back upright and the hands held loosely in the lap or placed palms down on the knees. Sway gently from side to side three times, then come upright and remain still.

Do you feel any inclination to move? If so, focus upon it. Is it associated with some part of the body -- perhaps a feeling of discomfort, or is it a general restlessness? Why is stillness a problem? When you have decided why you want to move, gently try to let the feeling go and remain still.

Now allow your awareness to travel round the body. Start with the feet, then move upward to the crown of the head. Do this slowly. Notice what you find. Do you feel in touch with every part of your body? Are there tensions anywhere? Can you let them go?