Winter Solstice

Thank you so much for participating in the Challenge.  I have really enjoyed learning how to Blog and finding bits and pieces to share and I loved doing my meditation.  I appreciate you taking the time from your busy schedule to write me an email or post on the blog sharing your experiences. I hope you have all gained some inner insights and had fun as well.  At the end of a Yoga Class we always sing the Long Time Sun song and I feel it appropriate to have it here.   Wishing you all a peaceful and joyous Holiday Season. 

May the long time Sun shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light within you,
Guide your way on.
Sat Nam
Marie

Day 40 - Congratulations!

Sat Nam, and what a special day it is today.  We have finished our 40 day challenge - Congratulations to all of you whether you completed or not, whether you did a few days, I hope that you will use the experience as an opportunity for contemplation in the future and always come back to your breath and your daily practice of being quiet and nurturing the soul.
For those of you who meditated every day special congratulations for keeping up, Wahe Guru.  From the comments I've received you have found it very rewarding and I hope you will keep at it. 

What an incredible day to end our challenge.  Full Moon with an Eclipse.  The full moon always acts to 'shine light into the darkness' and with this full moon we experience a particular potent energy because of the eclipse which astrologers say can increase the power of the full moon 3 times.  Combined with this potent full moon on the darkest and longest night of the year we are being given a unique opportunity to bring awareness to our most darkest corners - not just as individuals, but as a collective consciousness on the planet.

Tonight at Bonsor we will be doing a Full Moon Meditation, but for those of you who can't be there please take a few moments of inner contemplation tonight, light a candle or listen to some beautiful music or of course meditate!

Many blessings
Marie

Comments via Email

Lucia said:

What a  wonderful experience this has been for me.  I am usually wrapped
up in holiday hoopla and very stressed by this time of the year (and
burdened by old issues also).  This "dark" season (in terms of lack of
sunlight) has been historically hard for me.  And then, comes along a
small commitment to ...in my case....read a beautiful native american
prayer each day...and meditate on it for a minute or two...(I'll send you
the exact prayer I used later)....and this small action has brought me
great peace and a new approach to my life and how I view myself.  I can
only imagine what might have happened it I'd committed to the 11
minutes!!!!!

Anyway...I want to thank you so very much for opening this window to me.
I plan to continue to practice my 3 minutes (I've tried to do it in the
mornings, but if it's just too hectic....I wait and do it right before
bed).  I may find a new prayer eventually...but for now....I'm enjoying my
prayer to the four directions!

Aboriginal Dream Time - Australia

Shine is a master of the Didgeridoo, used in ancient Australian Meditation known as Dream Time, and we are blessed to have him in Vancouver.

A taste of Egypt

Challenge Survey

Please complete the Survey to help with future Challenges and you will also have a chance to win a pair of Beeswax Meditation Candles.  Please submit by Dec 28
Click here for 40 Day Survey Form

Solstice Event Info

Re:  Lunar Eclipse
I posted about the Lunar Eclipse the other day but mis-understood the day it is happening.  It will start Monday night and end Tuesday morning Solstice.  Here is a link to more info.http://www.spacedex.com/lunar-eclipse/locations/lunar-canada-british-columbia.php

Re:  Candlelight Labyrinth
Carmen had a great suggestion regarding the Skytrain.  You can transfer at Waterfront to the new line which takes you to Yaletown near Roundhouse.  Here is the link again.
http://www.secretlantern.org/events_yt.html

Day 39 - Final Check In's

Sat Nam everyone,
I have had check in's from Raven, Faye, Cathy, Monique and Carmen this weekend.  Everyone else please check in by tomorrow.  Thanks

Carmen said:
The meditation is still going well.  This week ended up having the most 'end of the day' meditations times.

Raven said"
All is well here, although I did not meditate for 3 days this week due to a hectic schedule there for awhile, but I am back at it now!

Cathy said:
Finding it really hard this week.

Monique said:
Just to let you know that I am on track with the meditation I chose - even though I have shortened a couple of sessions. 
  
Faye said:
Have added about 30 min of silence -naming mind business as "thinking"--from UTube of Deepak Chopra--followed by the meditation that I started with. I am enjoying the UTube subjects on the blog--most helpful and interesting. I believe this meditation commitment is helping me through a dark time in my life--I am feeling more grounded and peaceful. So I am fortunate that I have that to encourage me to continue during those times when nothing seems to work!

Marie said
I am also finding it hard this week as I have had a cold and one day lost my voice.  I have had to change the meditation. 

Day 38 - Almost there

Thanks Faye for your comment. This time of year can be difficult and I have had other comments that this last week especially has been a challenge to keep up the spirits and keep up the meditation. There are different reasons for this, emotions come up at this time of year, there is more conflict within us as our natural body rhythm is wanting us to be quiet and introspective but tradition requires that we attend parties and be festive. But probably most of all, it is the dark days and not getting enough sunlight. The Pineal Gland gets sluggish as it is influenced by light.
Here are a couple of things that can help.
Breathing through the right nostril brings in the Sun Energy. Block off left nostril, inhale to 5 counts through the right nostril, hold for 5 and exhale for 5. Continue for 3 minutes.

Breath of Fire with Lions Paws.  (Email me if you would like instructions - I can't seem to link it to the Blog)

Lunar eclipse at Solstice

According to today's Vancouver Sun, solstice will coincide with a full lunar eclipse for the first time in 456 years so how special is that!
The eclipse will start at 10.30pm Tuesday night and last until 2.30am when the moon will reappear.
Yet another way to celebrate the end of the challenge. 'The Solstice is seen as a time of rebirth or renewal because, astrologically, it's a time when the light comes back'

Day 35 - Next Year

Wow, we are getting close now to the end of the challenge! I have been thinking about 2011 and continuing our wonderful group. Faye suggested a get together after the challenge and offered up her apartment, thank you Faye. This has given me another idea as we have meditated by ourselves so why not plan some meditating in different group settings for next year - maybe once a month. Here are a few suggestions and please feel free to add any.
1) Going out to Richmond to the Buddhist Temple and hearing the Monks Chant
2) Visiting the Abby in Mission (you can stay there as a retreat)
3) Walking the Labyrinth at Bowen Island or in the West End, or Surrey
4) Sufi Meditating
5) Aldergrove have a Buddhist retreat centre
6) In the summer going out to Robyn's Lavender Farm for Sunset Meditation
7) Morning Sadhana at Yoga West
8) Yoga and Meditation weekend on one of the Gulf Islands

What ideas do you have?

Day 34 - Labyrinth Meditation

Day 33 - Sa Ta Na Ma Walking Meditation

This week we are in what is called Mercury Retrograde. Mercury is the planet that rules communication, so during this week we may experience computer and technology problems, delays and errors in contracts, and postponed or forgotten appointments. Athough communication may be challenged, there are also benefits during this period. It is a splendid time for clearing and reorganizing. It is a good time to collect debts and finish things especially before the New Year, and it is important to get out and walk!
“Sa Ta Na Ma” is a great meditation to include when walking especially this week, staying mindful of the finger mudra associated with each syllable. Doing so will help re-wire brain structure in the midst of this Mercury Retrogade, while you diffuse some of that Mars energy in a healthy manner during your long brisk walks.
Mudra:
Sa - touch the thumb and first (Jupiter) finger - Knowledge
Ta - touch the thumb and second (Saturn) finger - Wisdom, patience
Na - touch the thumb and third (Sun) finger - vitality, energy of life
Ma - touch the thumb and fourth (Mercury) finger - Ability to communicate

Day 32

'Go inside and listen to your inner voice.
Every question has an answer.
Your soul is full of wisdom and knows the way.'
Yogi Bhajan

Sufi Meditation

Day 31

Thank you for checking in yesterday.  It was great to read your comments and I had fun putting everyone's names in a hat - got my hubby to pick the name and JOYOUS is the winner of the Lavender Eye Pillow.  Congratulations!  Joyous I will email you and arrange how to get it to you.
There will be more opportunities for treats so stay tuned.

I celebrated the 30th Day last night attending a Sufi Meditation.  I didn't whirl as I am concerned with  Vertigo, but I enjoyed watching and imagining myself whirling.  It is so beautiful to watch and the music and chanting was incredibly uplifting.  It is held every Friday night near Metrotown so perhaps in the New Year if anyone would like to experience it we can organize to go together. 

Check In's via Email

From Carmen
Meditation going well. Some days I don'gt get till end of the night however I'm glad I've done it. I always feel better afterwards, calmer, centered, peaceful. As well some times the time is longer than 11 minutes.

From Rhonda
I hit a bit of a wall yesterday with my meditation. For some reason I had trouble relaxing my mind. Up until that day I have been enjoying my mediation very much. So I will keep on going.

From Joyous
Sorry I haven't reported in for awhile but things are hectic this time of year!!! I do enjoy the tips you have on your blog. I recognize the Jack Kornfield quote about meditation being like training a puppy haha, so true!! I am sure Raven has told you that she and I attended a meditation class for 3 consecutive Wednesdays. One thing I first noticed was feeling more calm and also my dreams became more vivid and I seemed to remember more of them than before. Then a few weeks later I felt like I was not progressing and going backwards. However, our meditation teacher told us this was very common and actually meant that you are making progress. I say "One step at a time" and try not to beat myself up on the days I'm having trouble concentrating.

I think I am definitely going to change my time for meditating to early mornings as I find it difficult some nights to do it before bedtime so lately I have been doing it at different times of the day but I agree it's a good idea to try to meditate at or around the same time every day.

Day 30 - You could win a Lavender Eye Pillow!

We are 3/4 done with the challenge and for those on the 20 day challenge you are half way through, good going.
As an incentive for checking in TODAY - Day 30 you will be entered into a draw to win a Lavender Eye Pillow. You can use it for relaxation or it could make a great stocking stuffer.
You can comment right here on this post, email or facebook.
Good luck!

Day 29

It is time for a check in folks. How are you all doing? Are you feeling a bit frazzled these days, or standing in a line up getting impatient?
Here is a simple breath meditation that will help you to overcome any animosity, and turn these emotions into compassion instead.
The Gratitude Exercise
1. Inhale through the nose
2. Exhale completely through the mouth
3. Inhale deeply and smoothly through the mouth
4. Exhale complete through the nose
5. Continue, inhaling the mantra 'Sat' and exhaling the mantra 'Nam'

Day 28

'When you don't go within, you go without'
Yogi Bhajan

Day 27

Day 26

As we get busier toward the end of the year I've had a few comments about it being harder to fit in the meditation. A couple of you have done it late at night before bed and found it a bit tough going and have decided it is better to try earlier. Good for you for keeping up! This is when we need the meditation the most - when we are very busy. Another comment was the thought of a nice glass of wine after meditating (much better than having wine before) and a nice incentive.
There was an article today in the Sun about Meditation and in there they said 'if you don't have 30 minutes to meditate you probably need an hour.'
I also liked the part where Jack Kornfield said 'The mind is like training a puppy - You say stay but after a few breaths the puppy wanders away. You go back and gently pick it up and bring it back.'

Day 25 - Deepak Chopra

Day 24 - More treat ideas!

Good morning and what a beautiful morning it is! I am feeling a bit stiff today since I decided in addition to my 11 minute Fire Kriya, I would do Pittra Kriya which has to be done for 33 minutes, lots of moving the shoulders and is fantastic for releasing stress - that's when my shoulders get over it, ha ha.

Here is an idea for a great treat if you want to get away this month:
Winter Wonderland Package at Sparkling Hill near Kelowna. $395
Includes 2 night stay, 2 hot breakfasts for 2, 2 dinners for 2, 2 Spa Treatments, Access to the 7 uniquely themed steam and sauna rooms, indoor pool complete with underwater music, starry Swarovski crystal sky, hot pool, Kneipp water therapy, keiser-equipped fitness studio....Email me if you decide to indulge.
http://www.sparklinghill.com/


Closer to home the Lavender Farm near Aldergrove is open Saturday and Sundays right now which is a peaceful way to do some Christmas Shopping and of course treat yourself to the Lavender Scrub or Lavender Body Lotion and try some Lavender Tea!
 http://www.fullbloomfarm.ca/

What time of Day do YOU meditate?

I have been meditating at different times because I am chanting and have to work around other people in my house. It is better to try and meditate at the same time of day but whenever you can fit it in is good.
The very best time to meditate is before sunrise 4 am - 6.30am because of the angle of the sun to the Earth, also it is quieter and the body rhythms are more set to support physical cleansing than during the rest of the day.
You may prefer to meditate when you come home from work - late afternoon is also a good time and it is a nice transition into the evening.

Day 23 and its Friday!

Welcome to Ann, Annette, Spiritsay and Simone joining us. Ann and Annette are new to meditation, my Wellness Colleage Spiritsay is definitely not new and Simone is my wonderful Kundalini Yoga teaching partner in Burnaby. Simone's website Meditation Village also has lots of neat tips on Meditation so check it out - link is at the right.
Hope you are all having a wonderful day.

Winter Solstice - Labyrinth of Light

Here is a great way to finish our challenge on Winter Solstice.  It is a walking meditative path of 600 beeswax candles in a Labyrinth at the Roundhouse Community Centre, Yaletown.  There will also be a crystal bowl toner playing music.  Tuesday 7-10PM Dec 21
Who is interested?

http://www.secretlantern.org/events_yt.html

Day 22 - Perseverance

Here are some recent comments about Perseverance and Consistency. Thank you all!

Posted by Sherry
When I first started my meditation, I must admit it was quite challenging for me. Now I look foward to it! The last 4 days something happened where I enjoy doing the meditation, I am more focused/present and feel great after. This challenge has been helpful to keep me going. Thank you Marie!

Posted by Raven
I haven't missed a day and loving it!

Posted by Robyn
Really enjoying the meditation, and find that being consistent is the key. I am using a new technique where I go into my higher mind and am thrilled at how quiet and clear my meditations are. In the last few days I am focusing on going to my higher mind throughout the day to get out of the drama.

Day 21 - Inspiration

I just want to re-post a comment from the other day in case you didn't see it.  Just lovely - thanks Faye!

'Good to hear about how meditation is going for others. One of my favorite chants is Ra Ma Da Sa. Did it every morning at sun rise for a year(missed a couple mornings). It was at a time when my son was struggling and I felt so helpless. Gave me something to do other than worry!! Guru Mukh said it was a healing meditation. At her workshop we chanted Ra Ma Da Sa in a group of about 100 + people. The energy in the room was palpable and so healing!. Thanks Marie! for posting that chant with the beautiful pictures. Had a sudden breakthrough this morning during meditation. It was a deep knowing of how I look outside myself for reasons for my behavoir and despondency. Tears of gratitude flooded my being! Then my brother-in-law called in complete despair--just discovered he had advanced bladder cancer. I was able to cry with him and offer support without any of my usual roles --nurse, sister, caretaker, advisor. Felt good to be purely human! So we reap the rewards of meditation with gratitude!!

Tratakum Meditation

The use of Tratakum to increase concentration ability is well known. One of the traditional practices for this is to gaze at a candle. Here is how:
Sit in easy pose.
Position a candle about 7 feet away. The flame should be at the height of the root of the nose. Focus your eyes on the flame and see the corona of light around the flame. See the area just under the hottest tip of the flame where there is a dark spot; light and dark co-exist at this point.
Meditate at the Brow point with fixed concentration. This will stimulate the frontal lobes of the brain. When looking at the flame, simply see the radiance and meditate with as little blinking as possible.
To End: Inhale deeply, close the eyelids, and put the image of the radiant light at the Third Eye Point.

Day 20 - Overcoming Obstacles

If you haven't checked in this week please do so. Perhaps you're quietly doing your meditation and doing well or maybe you are struggling - we need to hear about that too. Reach out and ask for help. You may have given up - if so I encourage you to start up again especially now as we have others joining us for the next 20 days. Work through your obstacles and find a way. There is a way through every block. At the start of the challenge one of the participants had a few obstacles to overcome - she had recently moved, still not unpacked, and her husband was ill. Here is what she said.
'Yes i am participating in the meditation group with 3 minutes of silence and deep breathing. I am doing it first thing in the morning but at the moment the loft where I do my Yoga warm up is occupied with a live in nurse who is helping my husband so I am trying to improvise without a CD player. Things will improve - meanwhile the silent meditation.'
What are YOUR blocks? Time, Finding Space, Resistance, Mind?

What gives you strength? Your thoughts
What weakens you? Your thoughts
What destroys you? Your thoughts
In reality, thoughts are given to expand you, so you'll realize
'I am All'
Yogi Bhajan

Ra Ma Da Sa

Day 19

Comments via Email

Sherry said 'I've been doing my meditation daily but one day I forgot until I was in bed so I did the Sa Ta Na Ma and it helped me fall asleep!'

Dianne said 'It's been going good.  I'm in the habit now of meditating first thing in the morning.  I'm doing 11 minutes and the time seems to fly by.  Thanks for getting me started.'

Cathy said 'It's weird but every time I look at the clock now its exactly 6 minutes'

Lin said 'Still doing my meditation 3 minutes twice a day'

Thanks for checking in

Day 18 Who is Who?

Have you wondered who is doing the meditation with you?  Just thought I'd write a bit about us.
Carmen,  Dianne, Dorothy, Faye, Lisa, Maureen, Monique,Rhonda, Sherry,Vivian,Wei Min all come to Kundalini Yoga Classes in Burnaby, Langley and White Rock 1-3 times a week - now that is commitment!
Lucia lives in San Francisco and is meditating with us.  She and I experienced meditating in the Kings Chamber of the Great Pyramid together.
Cathy and Lindy work with me - Lindy is new to meditation, Cathy is a long time Kundalini Yogi
Mark is meditating with us in Alberta!
Lin a new mother, finding time to meditate with us,
Raven is learning Vipassana Meditation right now.
Joyous is studying Reiki and is new to meditating
Marilyn is new to Meditation - will be finishing her last couple of weeks in Hawaii
Lynda also meditating while travelling, now finishing back home.
Denise is currently on a road trip down to California and Arizona
Robyn makes the most amazing Lavender Scrub and Lotion - now that would be a great treat!
Kelly, Christine, Jenn, Tammy, Stephanie - My incredible Wellness Colleagues.
We also have others joining us for the last 20 days. 

Day 17 - Staying Motivated

One way to help stay motivated is small rewards and thinking about a treat at the end.  Here are some ideas:
-  beautiful CD of relaxing music
-  an inspiring book
- How about a candle or two?
- A new meditation cushion/mat or sheepskin rug
- Going for tea or chai with a friend
- Trying some new tea - great tea shop on 4th avenue
- Going to Van Dusan Gardens to see the Christmas Lights
- Going for a manicure or pedicure
- Maybe a Massage!
What else can we add to this list?  Also Cathy was wondering about events that are being held on Winter Solstice - Tuesday.  Does anyone know of any?

Comments via Email

Thanks for the recent comments:
'At the beginning I set my alarm for 6am, now I am waking without an alarm - once I slept till 7am.  I notice that I am taking about 30-40 minutes.  My mind is racing at times.  Not getting irritated with myself.  Feeling grateful for this opportunity and I sense it is changing in depth.  Even though I don't see comments other than yours Marie, I am encouraged to keep my commitment because I know others are participating.  Loved the Kundalini Yoga video!'    Faye

'I appreciate the email.  I've been treating myself very well almost daily and I will think of a way of treating myself for finish of the 40 day challenge.'    Wei Min

'Loving the Meditation and have been very very consistent with it'    Robyn

Day 16 - Some Meditation Humour

Day 15 - Snow!

I hope everyone got home safe and sound and what a great night to meditate! I've changed the posting comments so the word for security doesn't come up so hopefully it is a bit easier to post.
It seems a few of you have now extended your meditation time and are adjusting the time of day and your space to suit your needs.

Day 14 - Kundalini Yoga

Day 12 - Meditation Minutes

Yoga Science says that there are specific lengths of time need for certain desired effects during meditation.
3 minutes of meditation affects the electromagnetic field, the circulation and stability of the blood.
11 minutes of meditation begins to change the nerves and the glandular system
22 minutes of meditation balanced the three minds - and they begin to work together
31 minutes of meditation allows the glands, breath and concentration to affect all the cells and rhythms of the body.

Day 11 Wow

I am so enjoying my meditation. I think it is motivating me to get stuff done that I've been putting off. That would make sense since I am doing the Fire Kriya. Very powerful. Before my meditation I've been singing one of the Aquarian Songs and I finish off with the 1 minute breath so my meditation time has increased to 20 minutes.

Day 10

Thanks Raven, Carmen, Lin and Cathy for checking in. Glad the meditation is going well.

Day 9 - Why Meditate?

How are you getting on with your Meditation? What have you learned about yourself? Are you noticing any changes? Remember they may be subtle. Some of you have already experienced aha moments, and new awareness, for others it may take longer. Be patient.
So what does meditation do?
Promotes a sense of well-being, inner peace, stability and calm.
Develops your intuition
Releases reactions and unconscious habits, subconscious fears and blocks, and builds the spontaneous and intuitive link to awareness of self.
Promotes the ability to focus energy, enhancing effectiveness and efficiency.
Promotes clarity of mind, mental awareness, and the ability to be present.
Resolves core issues of stress-producing patterns
Develops the frontal lobe of the forehead, which controls your personality.
What does meditation do for you??

Day 08 - Keeping UP

What to do if you have missed a day of your meditation? Don't give up! Start back as soon as possible. Don't miss the second day as the longer you leave it the harder it is to start again. Don't get angry with yourself, instead take a few minutes and determine what it was that prevented you from meditating that day? Did you procrastinate, are you getting bored with it, did you forget, what happened? Then determine what steps you need to get back on track. Observe with a neutral mind. Be nice to yourself!

'Keep Up and you will be kept up' Yogi Bhajan

Day 07 - Keeping a Journal

Some of you have already felt the need to journal your Meditation experiences which is great, others are wondering what to write about so here are some tips:
Journal about whatever you notice. When you bring your attention to the contents of your consciousness, you will notice sensations in your body, thoughts and emotions.
Some examples of things you may notice would be how fast or slow did the time seem to go while you meditated, how is your body today, what did you notice about the state of awareness produced by the meditation.
Notice your process around doing the meditation. For instance, did part of you resist doing the meditation? Did you procrastinate? Did you make excuses as to why you couldn't do it? When you pushed through the resistance how did you feel? Did you experience any anger and frustration at committing to the Challenge? If you missed a day, what went on in your psyche?
What awareness bubbled up about yourself as a result of the process of meditating? How do these insights connect to other aspects of your life?
Journal also about the unanswered questions that reside in your soul and the synchronicities that unfold as you ponder them.
Enjoy!

Day 06 - Eye Focus

There are several different places to focus the eyes while meditating, depending on which meridians and parts of the brain are to be stimulated.
At the Third Eye PointThe Brow Point. Here the attention is on the brow and the eyes are gently raised. This stimulates the pituitary and intuition is developed.
At the Tip of the Nosereferred to as Lotus Point Meditation. This controls the mind, which is locked in a triangle. This stimulates the pineal gland and the frontal lobe of the brain. New energy pathways are created in the brain patterns.
At the Moon CentreThis is the tip of the chin, with the eyes closed and rolled down. this is cooling, calming and you see yourself clearly.
At the Crown ChakraThe Tenth Gate, the top of the head. Eyes are closed and rolled upwards, as if looking at the top of your head. Stimulated the pineal and the crown energy centre.
1/10th openThe eyelids are light and relaxed. This stimulates the optic nerve slightly, makes you calm and develops intuition. In Kundalini Yoga this may also be referred to as 9/10th's shut. Same thing.

Bound Lotus

If you think your Meditation is a Challenge - check this one out!!!

Day 05 - Timing

I've had a couple of people ask me 'How do I know when the time is up'. I usually have a clock handy and tend to open up an eye and take a peak now and then. After a while you get to sense the time, although some days it could drag and other days it seems to go faster.
Here are some tips you could use.
a) If you are listening to music you could choose a song or music that is same length as your desired meditation. Enya songs for example are 3-4 minutes. If you are doing a Kundalini Yoga Chant you can download music that is 11 minutes and sing along with it. That is what I am doing right now so when the music stops, I know I'm done.
b) Use a timer - I haven't done this personally but you might like it. This would be good if you are doing a silent or breathing meditation.
c) If you are doing Kirtan Kriya which involves Chanting out loud, whispering and being silent I found it really helpful to tape myself first and then when I was doing the meditation I followed along so I didn't have to worry about the timing at all. You could also do this with other meditations - tape yourself at the beginning - maybe with an affirmation, then let the tape play for 3 minutes and then speak back into the tape, thanking yourself for doing your meditation. Something like that - then you have your own gentle voice at the end.

Note: Some meditations that require a certain focus may not be suitable to have music in the background - it might distract you. e.g. Sat Kriya, or counting your breath etc.

Day 04 - Check In

Sat Nam and Welcome to the participants that have recently joined us. I've updated the List (at the right) - please check that you are on it.
Some of you are 'checking in' daily or every few days and I encourage you to keep doing so. I am also getting emails and messages via facebook so I will relate those on the blog. For those who don't comment regularly I would greatly appreciate that you check in at least once a week either:
a) Posting on the Blog
b) Sending me an email
c) Message via Facebook
d) After class for those attending my Kundalini Yoga classes
Have a beautiful day!

Day 03 - Tuning In

Before starting your meditation it is helpful to spend a few moments to 'tune in'. If you are a Kundalini Yogi you can tune in with chanting Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo - 3 times.
For others it might be sitting up tall with a straight spine, hands in Prayer Position and spending a few moments tuning in to your energy and how you feel physically and mentally. Or you could chant the universal sound of Om, set an intention for the Meditation, or just enjoy a few long deep breaths.
This acts as a transition from one activity to the other. Likewise at the end of the Meditation it is important to spend a few moments just be-ing, observing anything that came up, acknowledging the time you have spent, honouring yourself and feeling gratefulfor the time for you. Enjoy!

Day 02

Thank you to those who shared your comments on your first day. Also received comments by email and it seems a few of you went over your intended time which is just fine. I felt the time went fast today - I was just getting into it.
I am still co-ordinating the Participant List and will have it updated on the weekend so if you don't see your name yet that is the reason. I am getting pledges via facebook, email and my website so we have more people joining us.

Day 01

Sat Nam everyone,
I decided to do my meditation at 11am this morning in honour of Remembrance Day. I haven't done Fire Kriya before so I had to work through some things like the hand position - it was a bit uncomfortable as my fingers were interlaced opposite to what I'd normally do. Chanting Sat naam, sat naam, sat naam, sat naam, sat naam, sat naam, whaa hay guroo 4 times on the breath took some getting used to as well! The last round sounded really interesting - sort of all run together! But by the end I was getting the hang of it and it FELT TERRIFIC!
How did you get on!

4 Part Breath Meditation

Still not sure what Meditation or Breath to use? Check this one out. This is a powerful breath that takes only 3 minutes to do.

Fire Kriya

I've decided I will do the Fire Kriya which is the Kundalini Yoga Meditation for 2010 featured at both the Summer Solstice and again during the Winter Solstice Retreats. The Kriya elevates, purifies and empowers!
Have you organized your Meditation? Look over to the right and check that your name is on the Participation List.

Getting Ready

Only 2 days to the Start of the Challenge!  Here are some tips to help you plan ahead.
1)  Where are you going to do your Meditation?  Decide on a place that is quiet and away from other people in your home.  You might want to sit on your favourite chair or cushion, or create an area where you can light a candle.
2)  What time of the day?   Whenever is the most convenient for you.  I find morning is good but after work can be relaxing and act as a transition into the evening.  Some may find before bed a good time but I have tried this before and some days I've been too tired at the end of the day.  
3)  Are you going to Journal what comes up?  If so you you'll need a notebook and pen ready.
4)  Do you want to meditate to music? You will need to organize that before as well. 
5)  Do you have other people in your home to consider?  If you are going to chant and decide your best time is 5.00am that might not go well with your room mates.
6)  Have you decided on your Meditation?  Gazing at a Candle is meditation, long deep breathing - it doesn't have to be complicated.
To Post Comments click the Comments Box below.  Thanks for participating!

Meditation Suggestions

I've been asked for suggestions on Meditations so here are a few ideas.  If you like the sound of a particular one let me know and I'll give you the detailed instructions.
Breathing Meditations: 
Concentration in Action (great for beginners)  here you feel your pulse and on each beat of the heart mentally vibrate the words Sat Nam.
Calm Heart Meditation (also great for beginners)  One hand on the heart centre and the other is up in a pledge and you hold the breath in for as long as possible and then out for as long as possible. 
Inner Conflict Meditation - here you Inhale to a count of 5, exhale completely to a count of 5 and hold the breath out for 15 seconds.
Chanting: 
Projection & Protection from the Heart - helps give you a magnetic personality.
Kirtan Kriya - for busy minds - chanting Sa Ta Na Ma out loud, whispering, silent, whisper, out loud again.

Welcome

Welcome to the 40 Day Meditation Challenge Blog!  I thought it would be good to create the blog to serve as a Community  during the Meditation Challenge, to share our experiences, inspire and encourage each other.  By connecting to others it will help motivate us to stay committed during the Challenge.
Here are the intended goals:
1)  Choose your favourite meditation and commit to 3 or 11 minutes each day during the Challenge
2)  Stay with the same meditation throughout.
3)  Try to do the meditation at the same time each day which creates a habit.
4)  Journalling after the meditation is helpful, I'll write more about that later.
5)  Challenge begins this Thursday Nov 11 and ends at Winter Solstice!
6)  Don't forget to Post and share your experiences
Enjoy!