Who knew that relatively simple breathing exercises, properly taught, could unveil so many inner mysteries.
The notion of meditation is frequent tinged by expectations of seriousness and brooding intensity but a quick visit with international meditation teacher Mukta (Pip) Jarden quickly fixes that theory.
Meditation she says is about living in a space of freedom, peace and happiness.
I’m a bit sceptical but I am in a packed hall at Reikorangi and the teacher, back on home turf for a two month visit from India, leads off with a soft mantra which is quietly chanted by the large group, many of whom are well experienced at meditation.
I am easily distracted and am slow to pick up the pace but the soft peaceful voice continues on and slowly the ticking of the clock fades out, as do the farmyard sounds of this peaceful valley.
And just like that time has flown and the mediation ends. There is talk of the process and its benefits and personal anecdotes from some who have experienced this before.
The second session focuses on meditating with control of the breath. This works for me and the rest of the room. Now I get what they talk about. Relax, breathe, relax, breathe.
Time seems to pass very quickly and soon we are back in the conscious world of clocks and chooks and rustling trees and I have gone from sceptical to disappointed that the session is ending.
Pip Jarden has been studying and teaching meditation and ancient scriptures, such as: Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yoga Sutras, and Vedant Philosophy at the International Meditation Institute (IMI) Himalayas, India, since 1985.
She was awarded a Doctor of Meditation from Vishwa Unnyayan Samsad, New Delhi, India, and is certified as an advanced Meditation Instructor from the IMI as well as from the Transformation Meditation Institute.
And the brooding intensity well there is none of that. What you get instead are sparkling blue eyes, soft voice and a ready smile.
Ms Jarden will be holding further meditation sessions before returning to India. The sessions will be each Thursday evening 7.30 to 9pm from January 25 to February 22 at the Lotus Yoga Centre, 91 Ruapehu Street, Paraparaumu.
See attached poster for details and the website:
https://www.facebook.com/MuktaMeditation/
