NIRVANA

Surrendering in meditation is not always a blissful process. To surrender in meditation is surrendering to the present moment as it is, whether we are in a state of overthinking, anger, restless, happy, joyful, peaceful, lonely, or sad. In that process, we are sitting with whatever feeling is there. Instead of resisting, we allow the feelings to be there and become conscious of what is there.

• ACCEPTANCE

When surrendering in meditation, we accept the moment as it is. If we are feeling sad, we accept the feelings of sadness but at the same time we are being very conscious and present. Yes, it might hurt and that is okay. Just be patient and compassionate with yourself. Become completely still and let yourself fully feel the moment.

• BREATH

Become aware of your breath, of your every inhale and exhale. Observe your breath coming in and out of your lungs. Take a few deep breaths and try to deepen your exhalation. Every time your thoughts take over, return back to your breath. This helps to calm the mind.

• BODY SCAN

When we do a body scan or practice yoga nidra, we take our attention to different parts of our body. We feel the restlessness or tension in some body parts. With every exhale, try to release the tension inside your body. If you feel like crying, just cry and that is okay. Our body often whispers to us if we learn to listen to it. Become aware of every part of your body and every sensation.

• The LAW OF IMPERMANENCE

Realise that nothing remains permanent in this world – our body, our emotions, our breath, our status, our posessions, our sufferings, and even our happiness. We came with nothing and we will go with nothing. No matter how much wealth someone has accumulated, one will not be able to take a cent of it after death. However, the spirit lives forever.

• The LAW OF DUALITY

Yoga encourages to embrace duality, meaning opposites – ying and yang, joy and sorrow, good and bad, which all exist in this world. Often, it is difficult to accept the actions of other people and the law of duality helps us to realise that every person will have different perspectives.

The yogic philosophy states that we experience duality through our senses. By becoming aware of this duality, we move towards a path of wholeness.

• YOU ARE PART OF A GREATER WHOLE

Become aware that you are part of a bigger universe or a bigger whole. Just like a butterfly or an ant serves a purpose, you are as important and you will serve your own purpose. Realise that there is a reason that you have been born on this planet. Picture your life beyond your existence and become aware that you form part of a larger cosmic dimension.

• BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR EXISTENCE

Be grateful that you exist in this world. That is a great prestige in itself. You came with nothing and you are getting to experience life and nature. Be grateful for the people who are always there for you and for what you have right now. Maybe another person does not have what you have.

• THE LAW OF IMPERFECTION

I believe that yoga teaches us that we are not perfect human beings. The greatest lessons happens on the yoga mat. Sometimes we are recovering from an injury or other times the body is a bit tight. On some days we can be strong, energetic while on other days we can be messy, vulnerable and that is okay. No one is perfect and nobody has it all together.

• CONSISTENCY

It is easy to do meditation when everything in your life is fine but it becomes even more important to do it on the messy days as well even when it is really hard. Consistency helps a lot in meditation because that is where emotional regulation happens. In doing so, we develop more resilience to overcome challenging and difficult situations.

My Final Reflection

Surrendering in meditation takes time and it is important to be kind and compassionate towards oneself. Meditation is not always blissful and that is okay and normal. It is a continuous process and takes a lot of patience. Be gentle and non-judgmental towards yourself.

Accepting the moment as it is, focusing on our breath, body scanning, practicing gratitude, realising that we are impermanent, imperfect, and that we are part of a greater whole can help us in our meditation journey.

Find a quiet place, be still, become the observer of your mind, and focus on your breath. Practicing meditation consistently helps us to enhance our awareness, still our mind, find clarity, increase our resilience, and reduces stress and anxiety.

How has been your experience of surrendering in meditation?

Yashna Veera, Life Coach and Yoga & Meditation Practitioner

NIRVANA