Meditation

Not sure what meditation is? Let's start with the "definition" ... at least according to Wikipedia!

'Meditation is a practice in which an individual observes the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or as an end in itself. The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices (much like the term sports) and includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.), develop qualities such as compassion, love, inner radiance, generosity, presence and forgiveness. Meditation aims at an effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration and inner merging with a specific energy or state of consciousness.   The word meditation carries different meanings in different contexts. It has been practiced since antiquity as a part of religious traditions, beliefs and mystical techniques.  Meditation takes many forms – and can be incorporated into daily life so our lives unfold with conscious, surrendered awareness.'

~ Adapted from Wikipedia ... and if you are still reading, congratulations -- a sure sign you have a longing and resonance to enter this myserious yet rewarding world! While there may not be a single, precise definition of this practice, the benefits are profound and when we dig enough, most find an undeniable craving to cultivate a more meditative state of being. Meditation provides stability, strength and clarity for the mind.

"If I ever wrote a book on this subject, I would call it, "Confessions of a Passive / Aggressive Meditator" -- that pretty much sums up my approach!  While outwardly, I am seemingly much more into the body, sensations, and experiencing the FULLNESS of life, I have spent far more time studying meditation and participating in retreats, pilgrimages and ceremonies of this nature than taking dance classes or drilling movement technique.  Having admit this, I also am the first to add, I can easily dive into a retreat atmosphere and lean in as a "hard core" practioner, but in daily life, I have been known to resist a stable, masculine approach (though I aspire to tap into a more disciplined way! And another confession -- I have no standard day.  I am either participating in a retreat, holding a seminar, traveling extensively or in the rare moments in between, in radical recovery mode!)  So, I find myself spontaneously incorporating inquiry and meditation in everyday life.  I also recently have begun a more regular, modest sitting practice, and havecome to appreciate the vast, stabilizing benefits of adopting a steady approach.  Because of this, what I share is also a more hybrid perspective .. steeped in the philosophies of yore yet updated for the modern yogini ... feminine, diversified and juicy! Both the classical and more Shakti style of meditation in tandem have transformed my awareness, and I ultimately see the practice of insight, contemplation, inquiry and meditation as key to my life's purpose despite my resistances and well-defined woman's temperament which dances around my Shiva core." ~ MN

Monika has been initiated into and has been exploring and teaching a bevy of meditation techniques since 2000.  In addition to Laya Yoga, the merging with the inner sound (nada), Monika has been initiated into Japa Yoga, the repetition of mantras through the ritual practices of Guruji RajKumar Baswar. For Information on Guruji RajKumar Baswar and this particular form of Tantric mediation, please visit www.mahatantra.com.  Monika has also studied various forms of Tibetan Buddhist meditation, receiving transmissions through HH the 14th Dalai Lama, HH the 17th Karmapa, and Namkhai Norbu Rinpoche.  She currently has begun receiving meditation instruction through the Shambhala lineage of Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. She has received certification as a mindfulness meditation teacher through Kaia Yoga in the US.

Incorporated in most of Monika's courses are various forms of meditaiton and visualization, including music meditation, mindfulness meditation, movement meditation, awareness understanding of the present moment inspired by Kashmir Shaivism, and various forms of meditative ritual invocation.  In some of the one month and longer courses, Tantric initiation in mantra meditation is a special highlight as is the aid of fire ceremony combined with mantra repetition.

In particuluar, Monika draws from her years of formal training and participating in extended retreats with masters from different disciplines, to share a very feminine form of meditation, rooted in tradition yet embracing the Shakti temperament and a woman's way of working with the emotions, mind and consciousness. Participants in her classes and retreats often share they experience deep, spontaneous and relaxed states of meditation and awareness, and more importantly, rise into love of the practice rather than finding it a struggle or a fight against their minds.  

Pranam!