Basic Meditation Guidelines

*This section offers the fundamental framework for a consistent meditation practice.*

Posture Guidelines
ॐ Asana is sometimes translated as “seat” or “posture”, as it refers to the seat or prop on which a yogi sits, as well as the posture that allows one to sit comfortably, with the spine straight, in prolonged stillness and meditation. Any prop or pillow that assists to keep the spine comfortably straight should be utilized. Please refer to the asana page for basic sitting postures and stretches to assist in yoga practice ॐ
ॐ When the physical spine is straight, Kundalini Shakti has a clear path to flow through the sushumna ॐ
ॐ When a proper asana is established the chin is tilted slightly downward, locking the head and spine into alignment ॐ
Chin tilted slightly to align head and spine
ॐ The shoulders are positioned slightly back to further lock the spine into an erect position ॐ
ॐ Concentration is placed at the midpoint between the eyebrows in the direct center of the head ॐ
ॐ Placing pressure on the perineum bone with the heel, sitting on an object (such as a balled up sock), and practicing root lock stimulates energy upwards into the higher chakras ॐ
Basic Pranayama Guidelines
ॐ Ujjayi breath is recommended as the default for most practices ॐ
ॐ Unless otherwise indicated, pranayama is generally practiced through the nostrils rather than the mouth ॐ
ॐ If the urge to swallow arises during pranayama, it may be used at the top of the breath as a tool to balance the polarities of the chakras into the negative ॐ
ॐ In pranic breathing, the breath coming in will be pressurized, and used to oxygenate and energize the system. This makes the out-breath almost non-existent, as energy from the breath is extracted, and all that should be left is the excess carbon leaving the nostrils. A good way to check this is to place the finger underneath the nostrils when breathing out during pranayama. What should be felt is a faint and steady stream of hot air, as opposed to a strong current of regular temperature air. To train in this, remember at the top of the breath, to internalize the prana with the pressure system created by Ujjayi, and concentration. Swallowing at the top of the breath may also help ॐ
ॐ Leave 2 to 3 hours after a meal before pranayama practice ॐ

Khechari Mudra

• ॐWhen the tongue is rolled back, the throat opens and divine energy is magnetized upwards, arousing ecstasy in the higher chakras. There are four stages to this technique, known as Khechari Mudra ॐ
• ॐ Stage one is touching the tongue to the roof of the mouth where the soft and hard palate meet ॐ
• ॐ Stage two is pulling it back behind soft palate and into the nasal septum ॐ
• ॐ Stage three is reaching the top of the nasal pharynx and septum ॐ
• ॐ Stage four is bringing the tongue into a nasal passage and pulling it upwards to the point between the eye-brows ॐ

This mudra helps unite Ida and Pingala in the Third Eye, creating an open channel and magnet for Kundalini to stay absorbed in the higher chakras. It is healthy to practice often, during sitting meditation and while not engaged in eating or speaking. The full unfoldment of Khechari Mudra is a sensitive progression which may take some years. Tongue exercise is possible to facilitate the process, however as Love is expanded within a being, ecstasy becomes more natural; divine energy circulates and Kundalini Shakti is attracted to raise the tongue, creating a clear passage for Her ascent.

Breath of Love
All practices are based in the Breath of Love. Tuning into feelings of ecstasy, peace, bliss and other sensations of Love magnetizes all awareness in the Soul body to the frequency of One Love. Staying present with breath and Kundalini’s flow when sensations of Love are aroused, we allow them to expand as the essence of our Soul. This constant awareness is the breath of love.

Consistency
As we practice we become spiritually magnetized. When we are consistent, our life-force is constantly attracted towards any centers of consciousness that vibrate in peace and bliss. It becomes natural to practice regularly as the inclination to serve life and the experience of ecstasy continue to grow. The Soul-Consciousness we experience in meditation assumes its natural position in the center of our lives, and with the Soul as our focal point, our entire reality is organized by the highest evolutionary potential for joy, expansion, realization, and Divine Love. Consistency is therefore what allows us to express the Love we feel through meditation at all times.