Lately I have been taking my meditation to the ocean. By the ocean I feel both the yogi and artist emerge. No part of me feels deprived or oppressed; my defense mechanisms (almost involuntarily) shut off and I allow myself to open up to stillness.
A few years ago I don't think I could have imagined myself, at my own accord, sitting for hours and listening to the whispers of the ocean. I vividly recall confessing to one of the first teachers I took class from that I didn't believe I could ever be still for more than 2 minutes, period. I always needed to be moving. I believed I was being honest with myself but in retrospect, I am not sure if I was even truly willing to explore meditation or the idea of slowing down. It's humbling to see where my practice has carried me.
If meditation is something you've struggled with, taking it to nature may help. Listen to the sounds of life and just notice what unfolds. Observe how the world feels more alive as your awareness of the present deepens. It may sound cliché (or like a cheesy infomercial line) but I genuinely feel if I can meditate, most anyone can.
At first, setting a timer also helped me. It eliminated the anxiousness. As someone who is constantly on the run, it eased my mind and made me feel like I had time for this - it was penciled in as a part of my day. I sometimes still use one, especially if I know I have something scheduled later.
Whatever happens, don't get discouraged: keep trying, keep practicing asana and be patient with yourself. Your yoga will carry you there :)
