Nowadays, the word Meditation is loosely used. Mindful exercises, psycotherapy, breathing exercises, visualization are synonymous with meditation. And this is NOT right.

Meditation is the state of simply being, just pure experiencing, with no interference from the body or mind. It’s a natural state, but one which we have forgotten how to access.

How to know if your Meditation Practice is progressing

Firstly, everyone’s meditation experience and progress is different. Don’t compare your journey to another person’s journey. And, don’t expect dramatic results like having visions, levitation or pulling an apple out of thin air.

Signs of Progress

1) Stillness

Until your body is still, your mind will keep working. With Practice, sitting still becomes easier. All the physical discomforts that distracted you, have reduced or are non existent. It is in Stillness and Silence that miracles are made! Don’t underestimate the power of sitting still.

2) Silence

After a point, the incessant chatter of the mind stops. And there is a freedom and ease in your practice. Thoughts might still visit you, but you don’t get entangled in them. Besides, you enjoy the silence.

3) Emotional calmness

As our perception broadens and the ego weakens; We worry less, get overwhelmed lesser and are more resilient. Also, it is tad easier for you to focus on the present. More importantly, you believe in your strength and compassion. Whatever, life may throw on you, you can handle it!

4) Increased Awareness

You are more sensitive to stimuli in your environment like sounds, smells, etc. And as you sink into this expanded state of awareness, the boundaries between you and everything else begin to collapse.

5) Increased time of practice

We  read about sages/yogis who sit in meditation, for years. And we wonder, how? Remember the times you sat still for 20 minutes or more, and it feels like a few moments. In meditation the experience of time and space expands, without limit!

Finally, it’s your practice. Be patient. Be honest with yourself. Every action has a reaction. It is not possible for you to meditate and not receive benefits. You may not notice those benefits now, but slowly and gradually you are storing the samskaras (impressions) in the unconscious mind, that will help you later.

Iti Jain

The post How to know if your Meditation Practice is progressing appeared first on Total Yoga is a Yoga style pivoted on Fitness Mindfulness!.