The Soul Is The Truth We Are!

It feels nice to come full circle on the Body, Mind and Soul connection. I discussed the former two in my earlier articles and will talk about Soul in this section. 

So, what exactly is the Soul?

Let's imagine a light bulb. Unless this light bulb has electricity in it, it may not be of any relevance. To me, the soul is like that spark of electricity for the light bulb, a.k.a the body. A formless, shapeless, free-spirited self. Or ‘I’.

Soul guides us into who we eventually become as individuals. It navigates this body and mind through all kinds of emotions, challenges and pleasures of life. Even in the yogic philosophies, the feeling of oneness of the body and soul is the highest attainment, or nirvana. But, it is not that easy to attain nirvana. However, we can start the journey any time, or just continue to walk the path of connecting with the I or the Soul.

In this feature, I will particularly highlight the power of meditation as a medium to connect with the Soul. Often, in my own wellness programmes and elsewhere too, I hear a very common concern: 'How To meditate' or ' It is not possible for me to meditate'.

In reality, we don't go to meditation--it comes to us!

There are hundreds of meditation techniques available to us. From dynamic to silent and guided to musical to art, the methods are endless; but which one to follow?

This is a very personal choice, in my opinion. You may find that connect in loud chants or in group silence. A dance meditation may just open the gateway to bonding with self, or a mere observation of the slow breathing process may help you discover more about your inner self. But what works for you has to come through you, with an effort to devote a few seconds to a few hours towards the practice of meditation daily / weekly / monthly / occasionally.

Below is a simple form of meditation that can be practiced easily. Personally, it helps me restore the calmness in my mind and connect with my own self.

Mindful Breathing:

Consciously slowing down respirations from 15 to 6 per minute slows down the entire physiology.  Mindful breathing is the mind regulating the breath. In your mind, as you breathe, visualize--and then actually feel--every breath reaching each and every part of the body, inside the smallest of cells in the body. Try to be fully aware of each element in the breathing process, and be conscious of the diaphragm as it moves.

How to do mindful Breathing:

• This form of meditation can be done sitting as well as lying down.

• In sitting posture, the spine should be aligned straight.

• Always prepare yourself with two-three natural breaths before starting the practice.

• Then, start taking slow, deep breaths.

• While inhaling, imagine your abdomen is like a balloon, slowly inflating.

• As you inhale, feel the air filling your body from the toes, moving slowly upward to the head.

• With exhalation, imagine the balloon deflating as you imagine the air going out in reverse direction from head to toes.

• Do not strain your body while making the breaths longer; this is an effortless process.

• When you complete an exhalation, suspend breathing for a while and put your total awareness into the body. It is in this moment that you will experience true relaxation.

• Start with 11 cycles of this practice and gradually increase the number depending upon the comfort ability.

A simple therapy for the soul--think about trying it.

Stay Joyful!

image not our own