Last week we worked with the breath and a simple saying (mantra) “I am at peace.”

Photo by Nathan Fertig on Unsplash

This week I would like to introduce another favorite meditation called “Still Lake of the Mind” which I learned during my yoga teacher training at Devanadi Yoga. This is a simplified version.

Begin by finding a comfortable seated position.

Gently close your eyes and notice your breath flowing in and out of your nostrils. Observe any imbalances in the flow of the breath through the nostrils. Continue with this allowing the flow of the breath to become balanced (4 count in, 4 count out).

Now bring your awareness to your mind. Picture the mind as the still surface of a calm lake.

It is completely normal to have thoughts arise. With each thought picture a ripple moving across the lake, eventually moving back into stillness.

Once you have spent time (maybe 3-5 minutes) observing the still lake along with the ripples begin to see a full moon rising. Notice the moonlight reflect across the still lake continuing to allow ripples to move across the lake as thoughts arise.

Photo by Guzmán Barquín on Unsplash

Begin feeling the cooling nature of the moonlight and let it bring you peace and tranquility as you observe the lake. Continue this for maybe another 3-5 minutes.

End by coming back to the breath, placing your hands on the earth and feeling gratitude for the peace and tranquility that you have experienced. Knowing that you can return to this place at anytime throughout your day.