To really get the most out of this beautiful yearly cycle, we must be aware and tuned into the rhythms of nature and of our own lives, and yet most of us plow through life in the same manner, no matter what month it is. If you have been pushing yourself too hard lately, this is your invitation to slow down and go within. Because if we take the time to quiet our minds and listen, winter has a bounty of wisdom to share with us.
This special meditation involves singing a certain set of syllables (kirtan in Sanskrit means song) along with a corresponding set of hand movements or “mudras” (kriya refers to specific movements) that are designed to bring about peace and healing. This unique and beautiful practice has been shown to both activate and balance parts of the brain that are linked to memory. Clinical studies have found that just 12 minutes per day of Kirtan Kriya can boost cognitive abilities, as well as overall mood.
This style of meditation focuses on growing kindness and equanimity within us- something that we can all agree is a good thing! These innate emotions and feelings of connectedness and goodwill are accessible within all of us, and when we allow them to come forth, we can change not only our brains, but also our community around us.
It’s funny how we can see things for other people and miss the obvious in ourselves. When my shoulder didn't seem to be healing up as usual, I eventually began to wonder if I wasn't being offered a chance to look at an old life pattern in a new way. Duh!, as Homer Simpson would say. So I went into meditation and thought about my original shoulder injury.
