Moving Into Stillness

Our worlds are constantly in motion, and it is common for our minds and physical bodies to follow along. We often get so caught up in the bustle and business of our everyday lives that chaos almost begins to feel normal. In yoga, we have powerful tools to help us find our center into quietude.

 

One of these powerful tools is bringing awareness to our breath, and this is not restricted to moments of quiet. Learning to find stillness amongst movement is key to achieving balance in your life. Even in silence, energetic movement is present, and achieving mindful awareness can help us to operate within our fast-paced society.  

 

Think of yourself and your surroundings as a spinning wedge of clay on a potter’s wheel. Despite how fast the clay is moving, at its very center is the still point. It is only at this point that a potter can begin to dig their finger in to expand the clay. The potter does not fight the motion of the pot, but rather uses its point of stillness to achieve equilibrium within movement. It is through this balance that beauty is created. And by moving into this stillness ourselves, we too can find expansion. 

 

In yoga philosophy, Dharana is focused mindful awareness. We use this practice to let go of what clouds our ability to concentrate, so that we can tune into the fluctuations around us and drop into our inner stillness. Here is a breathing exercise to achieve this mindful awareness:

 

In meditation, repeat to yourself the following phrases in line with your breath…

 

Breathing in, 

I am aware of my mind. 

Breathing out, 

I am aware of my mind. 

 

Breathing in, 

I am aware of the volume around me. 

Breathing out, 

I am aware of the volume around me. 

 

Breathing in , 

I am aware of the volume within me. 

Breathing out, 

I am aware of the volume within me. 

 

Breathing in, 

I am aware of my stillness. 

Breathing out, 

I am aware of my stillness.