I write this with total reluctance, some fear, and mostly dread.
Reluctance = Because it’s hard
Fear = Because it is intensely transformative
Dread = combination of reluctance + fear
All that having been calculated, I’m still going to do. It’s the 120-day Cleanse. I’ve never taken you on this spiritual journey and I never will, but I’m happy to share my experience along the way.
What is it? It’s a total commitment to physical, emotional, and spiritual evolution.
What does it look like? It looks like meditating 31 – 62 minutes every day. It looks like personal yoga daily and gorging on yoga classes. It looks like eating only a Yogic diet (no crazy shakes or pills or anything non-Ayurvedic). It looks like applying the 8 limbs of yoga and immersing in self study and peeling back the proverbial layers.
Why do it? This is a great questions especially when posed to me as there is a generalized assumption that I have it all together. Well, I don’t. The last few months have been insane and the hours devoted to working have been intense. (thank you to the SBA for the small biz loan, but I would like the last year of my life back.) My meditations have turned into 10 minutes a day, my yoga is crap, and my head, while oddly incredibly clear, only wants to think about work and it’s much happier when it is creating and having fun.
Why else do it? I went to the Dream training with Guru Dharam in the fall. You might have noticed I didn’t blog about it or come home and put together a workshop for you. It was so mind-blowing that my mind is still blown. I’ve been hesitant to apply the practices we learned only because I haven’t wanted to “go there.” I think I’m ready to go there now.
If you want to play along:
Well the practices are tailored for the individual (me), but I’ll tell you want I’m doing to begin:
Week 1 & 2
Rejuvenate. This means sleeping in (no more getting up at 4 am to work) and recovering my lost hours of the last 3 months. Last week’s snow was a jump start on resting and getting bored. (Boredom is a critical step in the creative process).
Catch up: This meant going back to my old scheduling system. Cleaning up all loose ends (okay so the accounting still isn’t done). And refusing to take on anything new that wasn’t creative or done for joy.
Habits: (these are mine) Coffee = 1/2 cup day. Eating out 1 – 2 times/week. Stop buying hummus and making guacamole. And of course all the other things we do. Elimination of TV, media, etc. etc. Re-establish myself in writing is critical. Hugging trees is a must. Call me if you want to hike. Other habits you may have…smoking, drinking, pot, retail therapy, meat, processed food, excessive dairy, sugar, etc.
Break the mind…again: Here is the meditation I’m doing. I dove in with 31 minutes and will quickly take it to 62. It’s the Sarab Gyan Kriya. Why this one? Yogi Bhajan gave it to me, but that’s another weird story.
Sitting: easy pose, spine straight, neck lock.
Mudra: Gyan Mudra (both hands), but the tips of the thumb and index fingers touch. right hand over left. arms are relaxed. hands at the heart center. it should fee sweet. Here is a link to the meditation on Youtube. At minute 1:38 she shows you the mudra. DO NOT sing with music, however, follow the directions below. Stick with the monotone and do it as directed in the 21 Stages of meditation. LINK
Mantra is Siri Mantra: Ek Ong Kaar, Sat Gurprasaad, Sat Gurprasaad, Ek Ong Kaar. Chant slowly, consciously, and in monotone. It should take 15 seconds for two rounds of the mantra so practice with a timer to get the pace right. The Ong is in the brow point.
Ending: Inhale and extend the arms straight up, bring the palms together to touch, press and tighten the whole body, exhale powerfully. Do it 3 times.
Yogi Bhajan on this mantra: (From “21 Stages of Meditation”)
“The Siri Guru will sit in your heart. It can stop anything negative. It is so strong that it elevates the Self beyond duality and establishes the flow of spirit. This mantra makes the mind so powerful that it removes all obstacles. “
innocent.conscious.sacred
Have fun. I’ll be sharing lots of tips. Email me if you want to come along for this journey with me. I’ll be adding some cool stuff at the studio to support us. Peace, Pamela
*The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease. If you have any serious acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. Check with your doctor before taking herbs or using essential oils when pregnant or nursing.