Fluid Meditation

About two years ago I came across a wonderful meditation called "fluid meditation" by Swami Satananda, it's a wonderful practice if your feeling overwhelmed, overstimulated or creatively blocked.

We begin by creating a very simple altar on a low table if you have one, if not that's fine, you can use a desk, or a kitchen table, or even a window sill. On this altar place things that remind you of water energetically, things like sea shells, or coral, or stones that you picked-up along the beach.  You might even want to include a small bowl full of water, that may help you dredge up some things that might be buried in your subconscious.

Next, in preparation for meditation, take a nice shower or warm bath and really focus on what it feels like to be in the water - to be covered, submerged, and safe in the bath. Allow yourself fifteen minutes or more to just soak and contemplate on what it feels like to be in the water.

When you get out of the bath I suggest drinking a large glass of water, just before starting to meditate and really witness and focus on what it feels like to have that water flowing through your body. Then come back and settle in front of your altar. I recommend sitting on the floor with your legs crossed and your back straight, or if that's not comfortable for you, you can sit in a chair with your feet firmly planted on the floor and again with your back straight and your head held high, resting the backs of your hands on your knees or your thighs.

Close your eyes and think of the qualities of water, feel as though you are as fluid as water, and mentally repeat an affirmation such as: "I release ideas that are no longer useful" or "I trust myself to follow my dreams". You can create your own affirmation if you want to.

I suggest spending thirty minutes or more on this exercise. If you don't have thirty minutes it's OK, even five minutes makes a difference, ten or fifteen is just fine - whatever works for you.

Then after your time is up open your eyes and stretch your legs and breath in the fluidity of a new day.

photo by Glamhag