This is a powerful exercise to shake off your stress! Meditation doesn't have to be still and silent. Shaking is an old type of meditation that has been used for thousands of years to wind down, become more present and awaken the body. It's an active form of meditation, perfect for when the thoughts are spinning. Shaking is a natural behaviour, something kids and animals sometimes do after stressful situations.
You'll look quite crazy...
So start by finding a private place if it makes you feel more comfortable. I tried shaking for the first time one year ago at a yoga and meditation retreat in India. We began every morning with 10 minutes of shaking. At first it was hard to let go of the tensions, but after a while it felt amazing!
How to shake it:
There is no right or wrong, shaking can look in many ways. The main thing is that we shake the body and totally let go. But here are some guidelines:
- Stand up with your feet hip wide apart, bend your legs slightly and relax.
- Close your eyes.
- Put on some nice music, such as shaking music like this one by OshO (Spotify).
- Relax your jaws and breathe through your mouth.
- Start shaking your body from your knees, hips, stomach, buttocks, chest, arms, face. Make the entire body from the inside and out to vibrate.
- Shake exactly how you like it. Maybe with your arms over your head, fast, slow, leaning forward or backwards...
- Let go of thoughts about the past and the future. When you notice them (they will probably come and go), kindly return and focus on the present.
After shaking it is nice to stand still for a little while, pay attention to what is happening in the body and then rest a few minutes.
How do you feel about meditation? And is this way of practice presence something you want to try?
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