The Encyclopedia of Crystals, Herbs, and New Age Elements: An A to Z Guide to New Age Elements and How to Use Them - Adams Media 2016

Active Meditation
The Power of Movement

Lest you think this book is all about sitting still and quietly meditating, in this chapter we’re going to talk about an important aspect of the New Age lifestyle: movement! Humans are active beings. We run, jump, swim, stretch, dance, play, and perform, all using our unique, amazing bodies. Not only is movement crucial for our physical health; it’s also essential for our mental and emotional well-being. These days it’s more important than ever to take some time each day to put down our phones, step away from our computers, and get moving.

The topics covered in this chapter include all types of movement, from the subtle but vital act of breathing to the intricate gestures and postures found in practices like Qi Gong and yoga. Some of these, such as dance, may already be very familiar to you, while others, like mudras, may be mysteries. All the more reason to dive in and learn more about the power of movement, and who knows, by the end of the chapter you may find yourself with a new hobby.

Active Meditation

ORIGINS

Meditation is discussed throughout this book as a spiritual practice that involves sitting or standing quietly and focusing your attention inward to achieve a state of calm or to perform deep personal exploration. However, that’s not the only form meditation can take. Active meditation is a style of meditation that includes physical movements, such as jumping or dancing, followed by silence. The movements allow for both physical and emotional release, while giving the mind a break from thought and worry.

HISTORY/LORE

The Indian mystic, guru, and spiritual teacher Osho (1931—1990) created a number of active meditation techniques, which he believed were more applicable to modern life than traditional meditation practices. One such technique is called “dynamic meditation,” which involves four stages of movement with music and one stage of silent reflection. Osho’s other active meditation methods include kundalini “shaking” meditation, which involves shaking the body and dancing, and nadabrahma “humming” meditation, which involves humming and hand movements. Osho also believed these active meditation techniques served as helpful preparation for more traditional meditation.

USES

Active meditation has many of the same benefits as standard meditation, plus a few bonus perks. In addition to calming the mind, you also get to invigorate the body by using your muscles, getting your heart rate up, and boosting blood circulation. You can practice active meditation alone or in a group setting. There are many online tutorials and videos that can help you practice at home, or you can attend a class, workshop, or retreat in your area. There is also a wide variety of active meditation music available for download or streaming online. As with any type of meditation, it’s helpful to set an intention for your session before you begin. You can focus on this intention mentally or announce it out loud as a chant or a mantra (see entries in Chapter 6).