What My Mindfulness Practice Looks Like: Gabrielle Bernstein

Her fans (and that includes us) call her Gabby, and her ultimate goal is to help you become the happiest person you know. How? By tapping into your spirituality and finding your true purpose, which includes meditating when you can. Here's how she practices every day.

Where do you meditate?

In the morning in my Zen den. But really I meditate everywhere. I meditate whenever I need it. I could be on an airplane, in an Uber, on the subway. Wherever I can shut my eyes and tune in.

When?

Every morning for 30 minutes when I wake up, and 20 minutes in the afternoon. And throughout the day when I need to calm down or refocus.

What type of meditation do you practice?

Transcendental meditation and Kundalini meditation.

Props used?

Nope.

Why do you meditate?

To be happy, healthy, calm, and connected. I rely on meditation for my serenity.

Advice for first-time meditators?

Try this simple meditation to start: This technique is a fantastic Kundalini meditation that’s fast, easy, and effective. You can also do this meditation anywhere.

Gently press your thumb against your index finger, then your middle finger, then your ring finger, then your pinkie finger.

When you touch your index finger, say: PEACE.

When you touch your middle finger, say: BEGINS.

When you touch your ring finger, say: WITH.

When you touch your pinkie finger, say: ME.

Breathe deeply as you say each word. Go as slow or as fast as you’d like. Use this technique in line at the bank, under the desk in an office meeting or even in the middle of a fight with a partner or friend. This technique will get you through all kinds of crazy emotions and help you release resentment fast.

by Gabrielle Bernstein

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-23565/what-my-mindfulness-practice-looks-like-gabrielle-bernstein.html

How To Prevent Freaking Out? Free Meditation

Are you the type of person who needs to break down before you break through? For many years that was the case for me. Before I had Kundalini meditations and a greater connection to my energy, I had some epic freak-outs. Though I had many tools for managing my thoughts, I didn’t have great guidance on how to bust through the really tough times and save myself from a freak-out.

One of the best ways to prevent a freak-out is to change your energy through your breath. Every 90 to 120 breaths the dominance changes from one nostril to another. A powerful way to shift your state of mind is to actively change the dominant nostril using this Kundalini meditation. In this exercise you’re guided to notice which nostril is dominant when you’re freaking out and then switch to the other nostril. When you switch the dominance from one nostril to the other you switch the dominance from one hemisphere of the brain to the other, which will enable you to look at things from a different perspective.

If you are irritated, angry, or in a funky state, practice this Kundalini meditation that’s featured in Miracles Now. In just a few minutes you will be a different person.

In this video I breakdown the Kundalini meditation to prevent freaking out. If you’re reading Miracles Now and want further guidance on the meditations, great news: I created a video series where I break down each Kundalini meditation for you so you can do each one with confidence — even if you’re totally new to Kundalini! Check out the video course here.

Meditation to Prevent Freaking Out

Pose: Sit comfortably in Easy Pose with your spine straight.

Hands: Interlace your fingers with your right thumb on top. Place your hands at the center of your diaphragm, lightly touching your body. 

Eyes: Gently close your eyes.

Breath: Concentrate on your breath, bringing awareness to the tips of your nostrils. Notice which nostril is dominant right now. It may take a few moments to clarify the dominant nostril. Once you are aware of the dominant nostril, focus your attention on switching sides. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed. You can have pressure in your hands but none in your shoulders.

Continue changing the dominant nostril breath back and forth as long as you like.

Use this meditation whenever you need to prevent a freak-out. It’s also a great one to teach young children. This easy practice will be a powerful tool for them to carry into their future.

{This blog is an excerpt from Miracles Now}

If you’re ready to take your meditation practice to the next level, check out the Miracles Now meditation video program.

Gabrielle Bernstein

http://www.owningpink.com/blogs/owning-pink/how-to-prevent-freaking-out-free-meditation