Trataka meditation is a powerful technique that can help you focus, improve concentration, and reduce anxiety. With so many things going on in the world, it can offer a respite and that’s something we could all use. This potent practice rooted in the ancient traditions of yoga can calm the mind and enhance mental clarity. This technique can not only sharpen your focus and concentration but also aid in alleviating stress and anxiety by promoting a sense of inner stillness. In a fast-paced world filled with distractions, trataka meditation provides a much-needed sanctuary for individuals seeking mental tranquility and a break from the chaos of daily life.

Our minds have a natural tendency to meander, jumping from one thought to another, often leaving us feeling scatterbrained and unable to sustain our focus for more than a fleeting moment. However, it's important to realize that this wandering mind is not a sign of doom or an inherent flaw. In fact, it's a common experience for many of us. Rather than viewing this tendency with harsh judgment or frustration, it's more helpful to approach it with compassion and understanding. Our minds wander, especially when they are burdened by fear, anxiety, or excessive thoughts. This is where meditation comes in as a valuable practice. Through meditation, we can train our minds to rein in their wandering tendencies and cultivate the ability to focus on one thing at a time. It's a gentle and transformative process that empowers us to harness the potential of our minds, ultimately leading to greater clarity and peace.

The intersection of cannabis and meditation remains a topic of intrigue and debate. While some individuals may find that using cannabis in moderation enhances their meditation experience, others may discover that it detracts from their practice. Ultimately, the relationship between cannabis and meditation is a personal one, and the key is to use it mindfully, in alignment with your meditation goals, and with respect for local laws and regulations.

Brother Thay, as he was known, asked us to use all our senses when eating the tangerine, to let each bite hit the tongue and to notice the juice washing over it – the acidity, the sweetness, the tinge of sourness. He said, “Each time you look at a tangerine, you can see deeply into it. You can see everything in the universe in one tangerine. When you peel it and smell it, it’s wonderful. You can take your time eating a tangerine and be very happy.” There is true and pure happiness in each and every tangerine if you just be with it.

When you hear “meditation,” what comes to mind? Do you imagine sitting cross-legged with your palms up, resting on your knees, fingers in a mudra? That’s certainly one kind of meditation but it’s not the only one. As we mentioned in our blog on how to cultivate a spiritual practice, sitting completely still is not recommended for those with trauma histories, panic, and anxiety because it may not feel safe enough for those folx to sit quietly with their eyes closed. Their nervous systems associate that with “danger” so it can be hard to meditate in that way.