Meditation

“If people are suffering, then they must look within themselves…
Happiness is not something ready-made [Buddha] can give to you.
It comes from your own actions.”
-The Dalai Lama

Last time I took you to the top of the Eiffel Tower, for my 2nd Honeymoon, today we’re going to stay calm at home.

For those who follow me regularly, you know that your well-being is very important to me and I widely share my experience and my tips for being happy and positive on a daily basis, whether in my videos or on the blog:

• Happiness
• Thank you
• Single
• Freedom
• Music
• The 4 Elements
• Happiness Activist
• Positive Thinking
• Kind Words

And above all, reread my Healthy Routine where I gave you all the keys to my well-being and my foolproof mind, meditation being an essential element in my life.

The word meditation comes from the Latin meditari which means to think, to reflect, to contemplate. It has been translated from the Sanskrit dhyana, a method used in Eastern spiritual practices, such as Hinduism or Buddhism.
Thus, meditation exists since 1,500 years B.C.

Today, I’ll put aside the religious and spiritual aspect, to talk about meditation as a technique for achieving a calm and peaceful emotional state.
This practice usually involves focusing on an object, thought, or activity.

It’s a very effective way to relax, but not only. Meditation can reduce blood pressure, stress, anxiety disorders, depression, insomnia, and pain. It would also help to increase our grey matter, our memory and our spatial vision.

In short, it improves our concentration and in general our health and well-being. Yet too few people practice it regularly in Western countries, although nowadays it’s introduced in companies and schools (and yes, children can perfectly practice meditation).

I started practicing hatha yoga at the age of 14. Well, at the time I was an alien, no one knew what yoga was, and my group of yogis (name for people who practice yoga) who accompanied me were only elderly people, who could no longer practice sports ...

I was just 20 years ahead of the trend and when you love you just keep going. In addition, I had the chance to be trained by the Indian master Sri Mahesh Ghatradyal who introduced yoga in France in the 1950s. , he had begun his apprenticeship at the age of 5 in an Indian monastery.

Once a month, I was practicing yoga nidra, a meditation based on breathing, visualisation and concentration on different parts of the body, with the use of a sankalpa, a positive self-affirmation. These sessions provided deep relaxation and great self-confidence.
It certainly helped me develop my love for myself (although I didn't know it yet) to be prepared for My Solo Wedding in Santorini.
​

“Be a lamp for yourself. Be your own confidence.
Hold on to the truth within yourself, as the only truth.”
-Buddha

Today, I practice up to 3 meditations per day, of varying duration, mostly guided, which means that a person gives certain instructions regarding concentration, breathing, images to visualise and / or the emotions to be felt.

My morning meditation is different from the evening one, and depending on my mental or physiological needs, I’ll focus on one meditation rather than another such as boosting my energy, strengthening my self-confidence or being more grateful.

Most of the time I prefer to recline with my legs and hands apart, like in yoga nidra, a posture called shavasana, but I also do it sometimes while sitting, standing or walking!
The more you meditate, the more you’ll learn to discover the posture that is best for you, but for beginners I recommend sitting or lying down.

Lots of videos, audios and apps are available for free on the internet, try several and see what works for you. If you're just starting out, once a week is a good start, and ideally you should do it every day...
​
If you have any questions, please contact me: here.
 
My favourite method is the 6-phase meditation by Vishen Lakhiani. It lasts between 15 and 20 minutes and explores compassion, gratitude, forgiveness, future, perfect day and blessing.

Many athletes and personalities use this guided meditation.

It’s accessible to all (adults), simple, clear and reinforced by binaural music that intensifies relaxation and its effects.
​
And if you’re interested, here’s the link to learn all about this method with Vishen himself (completely free and a great program): link.

I’m a huge fan of Marisa Peer, although I mainly use her talents for hypnotherapy, as I mentioned in my article Quarantine, she also offers free guided meditations, you’ll find them on YouTube and if you want to find out more, visit her website, there are several free audios and courses available: https://marisapeer.com/

In search of more spirituality, every day I practice a meditation of Michael Beckwith, in particular the "Life Visioning". But I recommend it for people who are already used to meditation. He regularly offers courses, retreats and seminars, see his website for more information: https://michaelbeckwith.com

Besides, do not miss the Global Oneness Summit "The Power of Love", from October 17 to 24, it's online and free, register here: link.

His Holiness the Dalai Lama will be present, as well as many personalities such as Michael Beckwith and Marianne Williamson.

​
Have a great week!
 
Love & Joy,
L.