Yoga for the Mind.

Yesterday, my little brother came for a visit.  We ordered greasy pizza (which, yes I will admit, I wanted to sample!) and gup shup'd the night away.  I had him try something new, however. 

This is how it went:

"So Basheer, every night before bedtime, I have a little meditation session."
"A meda--what!?!? Dude, I'm not doing that with you.  Do guys seriously do that?"

Okay, this kid is gonna get a tapar.  I then continued to force meditation 101 on him.  

And he enjoyed every second of it. 

Let me ask you: When was the last time you broke from your busy day to take 10 mindful minutes?  We go about our days working, helping, cooking, cleaning, running, walking, traffic, and talking.  But when, when did you give yourself 10 minutes to simply do... well.. nothing!?  To just relax and allow thoughts to flow in and out.  To focus on the sound of your breath... inhale... exhale... inhale... exhale.

Now, as Muslims, we pray 5 times a day.  Prayer is beautiful, but I feel it is not always given the full focus it should.  The whole process of prayer may possibly take 10 minutes (ie. wudu, intention, prayer), though I agree timing is individualistic.  But for this example, suppose it takes 10 minutes overall.  If we were to truly focus our thoughts only on God, that means we are spending roughly 50 minutes a day in pure connection and meditation essentially.  I mean, Subhan'Allah!  What scientists are now realizing is so beneficial for our health, Allah (S) has prescribed for us centuries ago!  

My instagram'd photo, because yes, the iphone is the best and only camera I have :)

Think of it this way.  When we work our bodies too hard, the fatigue allows better sleep, and thus a better functioning body.  Your mind is constantly working.  But for just 10 minutes, allow your mind to relax.  Give him the rest he needs!  Sleep well, live well, be healthy, and love the person you are. 

So be it through prayer or by a simple 10 minute mental-vacation, relax that mind.  Breathe the present moment.  Feel God in the air.  He is good. 

I say- light those candles.. dim those lights.. hear the ocean... and just breathe!  

Its yoga for the mind.

Be well.