A Meditation Moment

As you read these words, you are breathing – yet are probably unaware of whether you are inhaling or exhaling. Maybe you have other thoughts on your mind – thinking about a person in your life, wondering about the state of the world, planning an appointment you have today or remembering a conversation you had yesterday.

Meditation is an opportunity to disconnect from the mind’s constant musings and experience the sweetness of present moment awareness . . . the here and now so delicately sandwiched between your past experiences and future dreams. With this special issue of Meditation Moment, we invite you to take a few minutes to disconnect from your own busy thoughts and activities and celebrate the gift of meditation.

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Nadi Shodhana - Channel Clearing Breath

Nadi Shodhana, or “alternate nostril breathing,” is a simple but powerful technique that deeply relaxes the mind and body. Use it to quiet your mind before beginning a meditation session – or to calm racing thoughts and anxiety if you are having trouble falling asleep.

There are several different styles of Nadi Shodhana, but they all serve the purpose of regulating the flow of air through your nasal passages. Here is a practice you can try right now:

1. Hold your right thumb over your right nostril and inhale deeply through your left nostril.
2. At the peak of your inhalation, close off your left nostril with your third and fourth fingers, then exhale smoothly through your right nostril.
3. After a full exhalation, inhale through the right nostril, closing it off with your right thumb at the peak of your inhalation.
4. Continue performing Nadi Shodhana for the next few breaths, following the same pattern. Your breathing should be effortless, with your mind gently observing the inflow and outflow of breath.

The Chopra Center Meditation Resources

Chopra Center On-Line Library. Read about meditation, mantras, and more at our online library.

Free Intro to Meditation Class. Learn about our free introduction to meditation class, offered each week at the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California.

Spend a week at the Chopra Center, learning meditation and other powerful practices for mind-body healing and peace of mind.

Locate a Primordial Sound Meditation instructor in my hometown.

Meditation Retreat. Find out about our meditation retreat, Seduction of Spirit, where you will spend 6 days meditating with Deepak Chopra & David Simon. Watch what people are saying about Seduction of Spirit here

Speak with a program consultant at 888.736.6895 or ask your question here.

Meditate Right Now!

Close your door, turn off your phone, and follow this guided ten minute meditation today. Please allow a few moments to download.
Sound by Benjamin Iobst, Seven Metals Singing Bowls of Tibet

Mudras

Mudras are hand positions used to regulate and balance the flow of subtle energy throughout the body. Joining the fingers or touching them to another part of the body creates a circuit that allows the energy, or prana, to flow. Here is one to try in your next meditation:

Shuni Mudra
Known as “the seal of patience,” the Shuni mudra is formed by placing the tip of the middle finger on the tip of the thumb.

The Shuni mudra is said to promote patience and discernment, as well as the courage to fulfill one’s dharma or life purpose.

Meditation Cushions and DVDs

This Buckwheat Zafu Sitting Cushion conforms to your body and supports you.
Order yours here

Soul of Healing DVD, Volume 2
Deepak Chopra offers a framework for the healing process, as well as instructions on meditation, stress relief, and how to invoke your inner pharmacy. Order yours here