Moving Meditation

Finding stillness in movement

- Preetisha Patodi

As someone who thrives on social energy and new experiences, my journey often feels like a whirlwind of activity. Being an extrovert and joyful presents its own set of challenges - finding balance, grounding myself, and creating space for inner stillness in a world that constantly pulls me outward. For me, yoga has been a beautiful and therapeutic way to reconnect with myself, to find a moment of calm amidst the busy-ness.

When we think of yoga, our minds often jump to the idea of meditation sitting still, closing our eyes, and focusing on our breath. It is an image we have all seen, and perhaps for many, this is a perfect way to meditate. However, I have come to realize that meditation does not always need to take the traditional form of sitting in one place. For me, the idea of stillness presents a unique challenge. My mind loves to move, just like me. And so, I began to explore other ways to experience that serene state of awareness, beyond the confines of stillness.

What I have learned is that meditation is not confined to silence or solitude; it is a state of being. It is the quietness of the mind, the sense of calm that arises when we are fully present in the moment. I discovered this in a way that surprised me in the kitchen, while cooking and baking.

A few years ago, during a particularly intense time in my life, I found myself feeling overwhelmed by the many demands of daily life. There was so much happening around me, and I craved an escape, a way to center myself.