WRITTEN BY SHABAKA AZIBO | PUBLISHED MAY 11, 2021 

There are many approaches to meditation and meditation practice. In our class we look at mediation as when the mind and body are still, and the heart is open. It is in this place our awareness opens to the aspects of our high self.

What is your higher self? In the scores of classes I’ve taught, when asking students to describe their higher self, the highest version of themselves they imagine, responses include words or phrases like:

·       Free

·       Happy

·       Peaceful

·       Confident

·       Intelligent

·       Wise

·       Open

·       Honest

·       Aware

·       Buoyant

The common theme with all these descriptions is they describe “being” not “having”. No one describes the highest version of themselves as something physical or material. It’s not about being taller, thinner, prettier, more handsome, better house or car or even being with this person or that group.

Innately we know the best version of ourselves has nothing do to with material things. Our authentic self is how we show up, our state of presence!

In Lao Tzu’s classic work, Tao Te Ching or the Book of the Way (translation below by Stephen Mitchell) we find:

Meditation is a powerful and effective tool to tap into our higher self-presence, that we may experience and show up in our life more completely.

In meditation, when the mind and body are calm and the heart is open, we experience the aspects of our higher self: sound, light, peace, calm, love, joy, wisdom and power.

Crafting a habit of meditation, a daily practice, starts with having a clear and powerful why. This why allows us to be willing to do something that at first is different. Change is a door that opens from the inside. Change takes energy and the greater the will or willingness the greater the flow of energy!

So, what is your why to dedicate time, daily, to spend communing, exploring and discovering your higher self, using the practice of meditation?

Let me share some “whys” from my students! Feel free to adopt them as your own and create a powerful and exciting motivational force to meditate daily.

·       Increases sense of freedom and joy

·       Improved health by lowering blood pressure and anxiety

·       Deepens my experience of prayer

·       Greater confidence in expressing my authenticity, insights, and unique gifts

·       Feel more loving and lovable which is a gift I can give to family, friends, my community and the world

·       Experience more expansiveness in my life

·       Deeper awareness of inner peace throughout my day

·       I see things more clearly, what I must do, manage and become

·       More patient, understanding and compassionate in my relationships and dealings with others as I respond from a sense of pervading peace and love

·       Face life challenges with greater sense of grace and ease

How does one start a practice? See the link below to introduction to Hong Sau, the beginning technique of the science of Kriya Yoga, brought to America by Paramhansa Yogananda, part of a lineage of proven teachings dating back thousands of years.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3mVjsWtPL0

As you begin your practice you may wonder about the time, place, and duration of meditating.

What time should I meditate?

·       The best time to meditate starting off is when you can! Work with your schedule and experiment. Many find first thing in the morning, upon arising, is best because it creates a peaceful, confident and joyful expectation for their day. Others prefer evening, before bed. You may find both morning and evening or maybe midday work well. Experiment and see what is a fit for you.

Where should I meditate?

·       Pick a location in your home or apartment where you won’t be disturbed, preferably not in the bedroom since we’ve created a habit of sleep in this space. Meditation is a dynamic process of expanding awareness toward superconscious and not the unconscious state, which is what is experienced in sleep. With regular practice you’ll be amazed at how your meditation space draws you to it as time progresses.

How long should I meditate?

·       Practice meditation for as long as it is joyful! We don’t want to come to our practice with anything but energy, enthusiasm, and joy for it is a habit we are creating which should be uplifting and not dreadful with the thought of a task we have to do. We GET to meditate! What a blessing to experience, more deeply, our authentic self.

Contact us, come to our classes or read our meditation blog for tips and insights to help you in your journey.

Always with love and gratitude for your presence, interest, and light, may peace and blessings be with you!

Namaste,

Shabaka

To find out more about Shabaka and his teachings, please come to meditation class each Sunday at 11am or visit his website:  http://www.time2aum.com, you can also access digital downloads below:

 Free Digital Download-Deepening Your Hong-Sau