September 2023: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

Happy Asana September 18, 2023 – Guided Meditation & Meditative Practices

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Upper Limbs Day. Today we will revisit Dharana, and then try a Dharana Guided Meditation or other Meditative Practice.

cool perspective epic alpine sunset in the mountains - meditation, upper limbs, calm mind Quote: Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax. - Bryant McGill
Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax. – Bryant McGill

Dharana

Nearly all meditation practices you think of are types of Dharana.

Dharana is the 6th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as concentration. This comes from the Sanskrit root “dhri” meaning to hold, carry, or maintain. I prefer to think of Dharana as intense focus, a bit stronger than “concentration”. This is typically the second step for meditation – after letting the outside world slip away, we then direct our focus inward. Most of the meditative practices we think of are therefore Dharana practices – see our full list!

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dharana-focused Meditation Practice for Upper Limbs Day. Perhaps try our traditional breath-focused meditation. Perhaps focus on your breath or body in Shavasana / Corpse Pose after an Asana practice, another meditative practice from our list, try a guided meditation below, or any other method of your own.. whatever feels right to you. We will cover mandalas and flame gazing later!

Dharana Meditative Practices

Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey!

Morning Motivational Meditation (10 minutes)

Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)

Full Night Sleep Meditation (8 hours)

Grounding Meditation (9 minutes)

Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Loving Kindness Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Self-Reflective Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Positive Affirmation Guided Meditation (12 minutes)

Celestial Visualization Guided Meditation (7 minutes)

Manifest Meditations (Power of Attraction) (10 minutes) 

yogi gold gray background

Check out our Top 5 Yoga Mats and Equipment for Newbies!

You may want to try a block, couch pillow, blanket, or bolster in order to help yourself find a comfortable seat for meditation.

Top 5 Yoga Equipment for Newbies

Top 5 Yoga Mats


Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are our own. This page contains affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn me a small commission. Read full privacy policy here.

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Dharana exercise! If you have another favorite, then please share the link! Always remember, be kind!

Asana August 2023 – National Wellness Month

Happy Asana August 1, 2023 – National Wellness Month & Asana Challenge

Good Morning Yogis! Happy August! August is also National Wellness Month.

I find challenge-focused months super helpful for my own motivation, so today we are starting another bonus challenge for the month – Daily Asanas! You do not have to participate in this or any of our particular monthly challenge themes, we will be continuing our daily Positive Practices drawn from Yoga Philosophy throughout next month. Consider getting the Daily Yogi App for reminders if you are participating – this is a great Tapas tool!

Bonus Daily Asana Challenge

We are beginning a daily Asana practice challenge for August! For today’s start of Wellness Month, I recommend a relaxing Yin or Restorative class.

I usually practice with the Yoga Studio App rather than streaming services, so I can download my favorite classes and use in areas without WiFi or phone signal. Today I am doing Intermediate Relaxation (30 minutes).

close-up cool perspective of colorful luminescent bubble art from meow wolf denver - self-care health world health day Quote: Health is a state of complete mental, social and physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. - World Health Organization
Health is a state of complete mental, social and physical well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. – World Health Organization

As we begin our bonus daily Asana challenge, I want to discuss an important common concept from Yoga Philosophy – Setting Intentions! If you have attended Yoga classes at a Yoga Studio, you likely have heard your teacher recommend setting an intention for your practice that day. We have talked about keeping Santosha or contentment in Asana practice to avoid injury. I often set Pranayama or Breath as my intention for Asana practice with a mantra of “breathe” or “just breathe”, since in more dynamic classes I forget to maintain my preferred Ocean Breath as the Asana series picks up speed. I also set Ocean as the background music in the Yoga Studio App for an extra reminder. Here is a great article with more on intentions and mantras on and off the Yoga mat.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to set a positive intention for yourself for August, keeping August’s wellness theme in mind. This can be big or small:

Part of the reason we set intentions in Asana practice is to have something positive to come back to that we want to focus on. Additionally, we will have this to return to when we meet challenges. I set “just breathe” as my intention for nearly a decade now, and I do truly breathe into difficulties on the mat, and I have improved my breath during Asana practice by keeping this in the back of my mind.

More on the Power of Positive Thinking

The Law of Attraction & Power of Positive Thinking Intro

11 Ways to Boost Positive Thinking

Get the Daily Yogi App – Get quick access to
today’s practice and daily pop-up reminders!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and share how if setting positive intentions is part of your Yoga or Asana practice. Are you taking other steps to improve your mental and emotional wellness this month? Are you going to join us in our daily Asana challenge for August? Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Body Scanning Meditation

Happy June 28, 2023 – Body Scanning Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are at the end of our special Upper Limbs week and special bonus daily meditation month, and will close with special meditation practices. Next month we will have a new special feature – stay tuned!

cool perspective decordova sculpture garden shot of gray twisting abstract sculpture with background of grassy field under shade of green leafy trees - body scanning meditation Quote: The body scan is not for everybody, and it is not always the meditation of choice even for those who love it. But it is extremely useful and good to know about and practice from time to time, whatever your circumstances or condition. - Jon Kabat-Zinn
The body scan is not for everybody, and it is not always the meditation of choice even for those who love it. But it is extremely useful and good to know about and practice from time to time, whatever your circumstances or condition. – Jon Kabat-Zinn

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a body scanning meditation. You can try in Shavasana after Asana practice, or on its own. I usually start at my toes, and gradually tighten and relax each body part, then re-scan starting again at my toes.

More Body Scan Meditations

Body Scanning Guided Meditation (15 minutes)

Pratyahara Guided Meditation

Body Scan Instructions and more info

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
(2nd Insta post currently paused)

@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment to share your experience or any favorite body scan practices. Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Mantra Meditation

Happy June 27, 2023 – Mantra Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! We are ending a special bonus daily meditation month with a week of special meditation practices.

cool perspective shot looking at pine tree branch with droopy green needles and baby pine cones surrounded by branches in pine grove - mantra meditation Quote: Everyone has their own mantra. - Russell Brand
Everyone has their own mantra. – Russell Brand

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a mantra meditation. You can try some OMs, a traditional Sanskrit mantra, or some common English motivational mantras.

Mantras

25 Motivational Mantras

Learn about and practice some OMs

Intro to Sanskrit Mantras

Read and learn about Mantras in English

Morning Positive Affirmations (5 min video – English)

Want more on Meditation?
Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment to share which mantra meditation you tried or prefer. Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Trataka (Flame Gazing Meditation)

Happy June 26, 2023 – Trataka (Flame Gazing Meditation)

Good morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a special Upper Limbs week of meditative practices. Today we will focus on Flame Gazing Meditation, a Dharana practice I particularly enjoy during winter with the wood stove. A candle is usually best for summer, and traditional Trataka is practiced with the flame from a candle or oil lamp.

cool decordova sculpture garden perspective shot of black and red firey waving platform holding black rock with background of grassy field under shade of green leafy trees - fire trataka flame gazing meditation Quote: The most tangible of all visible mysteries - fire. - Leigh Hunt
The most tangible of all visible mysteries – fire. – Leigh Hunt

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a form of Flame Gazing, a Dharana Practice. There are a few different forms of this you can try!

Flame Gazing Meditation – Trataka

Want more on Meditation?
Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know what you thought of this Dharana exercise! Have you done this meditative flame-gazing before, not knowing this was a meditation practice? Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Evening Meditation

Happy June 24, 2023 – Evening Meditation

Good morning Yogis! We are continuing our special Upper Limbs week! We are in the middle of a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, but this week we will cover special meditation practices.

cool decordova sculpture garden clear glass doors with dirt path through grassy field dreamland  under cloudy blue sky - sleep meditation dream Quote: Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep. - Mesut Barazany
Your future depends on your dreams, so go to sleep. – Mesut Barazany

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Bedtime or Sleep Meditation for Upper Limbs Day. I am providing a few recommendations for this style of guided meditation based on your preferences. I find I fall asleep much easier with a sleep meditation, and I find the 6-8 hour meditations help me stay asleep through the night. I recently have been enjoying trying different Hz Solfeggio Frequency sleep music.

Sleep Guided Meditation

Evening Sleep/Relaxation Meditation (50 minutes)

Meditative Sleep Music (8 Hours)

Delta Wave Healing Sleep Music (11 Hours)

528Hz Manifest Guided Meditation (8 Hours)

Sleep Music for Dreams (8 Hours)

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

Get today’s Daily Yogi Positive Practice in your inbox – Register for our email list!

Get easy access to our daily practices inspired by the Yoga Sutras right in your inbox

Processing…
Success! You're on the list.

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. I have been enjoying the same sleep meditation for a while, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices for me to try!! Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023 – Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Morning Meditation

Happy June 23, 2023 – Morning Meditation

Good morning Yogis, it is the start of a special Upper Limbs week to close out the month of June! We are in the middle of a special bonus daily meditation month aligning with our 8 Limb Yoga practices, so this final week we will focus on the Upper Limbs and cover special meditation practices.

cool perspective looking up at grape vine with dark green leaves covering trellis gate with sun rays peeking through the foliate - upper limbs meditation morning routine Quote: The day will be what you make it, so rise, like the sun, and burn. - William C. Hannan
The day will be what you make it, so rise, like the sun, and burn. – William C. Hannan

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Morning Meditation for Upper Limbs Day. I am providing a few recommendations for this style of guided meditation based on how much time you have available to practice. I truly find I have a much better day when I start the morning with a guided meditation!

Morning Guided Meditation

Morning Guided Meditation (5 minutes)

Morning Motivation Guided Meditation (10 minutes)

Morning Manifest Guided Meditation (20 minutes)

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

Want more on Meditation?
Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried. I switch between different morning meditations each day, so please share any favorite guided meditations or meditation practices!! Always remember, be kind!

Santosha (Contentment) – Meditation June 2023: Mindfulness

Happy June 16, 2023 – Santosha (Contentment)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Santosha / contentment Day. Today we are going to revisit Mindfulness, a concept and practice that relates to Santosha.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is fully being present or “in the moment” without distractions, and observing your inner and/or outer world without judgment. This is a practice embraced by both Eastern Philosophy and Western Psychology as key for both contentment and stress reduction. Many enjoy Yoga because it brings Mindfulness with focus on breath, moving between poses, and being present in our bodies. Mindfulness can help reduce anxiety, remain calm in stressful situations, support positive thinking, and increase the quality of our lives.

More on Mindfulness and Benefits

Psychology Today – Understanding, Practicing, and Benefits of Mindfulness

Mindful – Getting Started with Mindfulness (and Meditation)

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For our Mindfulness-focused Santosha Day today, our meditation is a  Mindfulness Guided Meditation.

cool perspective close-up of light green evergreen spruce tree needles - santosha contentment mindfulness present moment Quote - Always hold fast to the present. Every situation, indeed every moment, is of infinite value, for it is the representative of a whole eternity. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Always hold fast to the present. Every situation, indeed every moment, is of infinite value, for it is the representative of a whole eternity. – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice for Santosha Day is to try to practice Mindfulness. Like many other challenging mental practices in Yoga like Aparigraha, remember this is a journey and be patient with your progress in this difficult practice, especially if it is new for you!

PS calmly notice when your thoughts drift back to the past or forward to the future. Try to bring yourself back to the present moment by focusing on the sight, sounds, smells, taste, or feel of your surroundings.

  • Go on a walk, and perhaps literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Take a run and feel the wind on your face.
  • Being around water is especially calming, maybe head out for a walk down the beach, around a lake, or by a river.
  • Go for a hike and appreciate the beauty around you, rather than focusing on finding a perfect selfie spot.
  • Take note of your thoughts during a stressful situation, and observe them without judgment rather than getting caught up with them.
  • Bring Mindfulness to your eating by paying attention to all five senses, chewing slowly, and truly enjoying every bite!
  • Sit quietly, and go through all of your senses one by one to appreciate your surroundings.
  • Try a body scan, especially in Shavasana after Asana practice, in a comfortable chair, or before bed.
  • Check out more Mindfulness practices from Mindful.org

Please remember Mindfulness is a difficult practice, so please be gentle with yourself!

Want more Santosha practices? Check out our Santosha Guide!

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
(2nd Insta post currently paused)

@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and share how your Santosha Day went focusing on Mindfulness. Please share any favorite practices or tricks! Always remember, be kind!

Saucha (Purity) – Meditation June 2023

Happy June 15, 2023 – Saucha (Purity)

Good Morning Yogis! We are restarting the Niyamas for our daily practices with Saucha or Purity Day.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For Saucha Day today, my meditation for the day is a Cleansing Guided Meditation.

cool perspective snow clouds over pine trees mountain snow cloud - saucha purity clean cleanliness self-care Quote: Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation. - Audre Lorde
Self-care is not self-indulgence, it is self-preservation. – Audre Lorde

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is a deep cleaning or pampering of our bodies for Saucha Day. Need some ideas?

  • Enjoy a long shower or bubble bath.
  • Maybe give yourself a pedicure, with a warm foot soak and lotion massage after, whether you paint your toes or not.
  • Perhaps try a tooth whitening treatment.
  • Relax with a face mask and cucumber slices over your eyes.
  • If you want to try a new Ayurvedic practice, maybe try oil-pulling (I recommend 2-15 minutes, not 20-30) with coconut oil.
  • If the days of social distancing are done, maybe book a last-minute facial or salon treatment of your choice.
  • Clean your insides with a clean-eating day – no junk food, or perhaps try another clean eating diet method or cleanse of your choice.
  • Whatever practice feels right for you to integrate Saucha into your day.

Want more Saucha practices? Check out our Saucha Guide!

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and share how you decided to practice Saucha today. How did it make you feel? Always remember, be kind!

Brahmacharya (Moderation) – Meditation June 2023

Happy June 13, 2023 – Brahmacharya (Moderation)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Brahmacharya or Moderation Day.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For Brahmacharya Day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Meditation on Balance.

close-up white daisy flower with fuzzy background of green grass and leaves and white lattice - bramacharya balance middle path moderation Quote: Next to love, balance is the most important thing. - John Wooden
Next to love, balance is the most important thing. – John Wooden

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to exercise moderation in a way that is meaningful for you today for Brahmacharya Day. Need some ideas?

  • Look for temptations during the day, and neither indulge nor ignore the craving, but instead make a healthy choice. Like maybe a salad instead of fast food, or fruit instead of candy, or yogurt instead of cake or ice cream. Maybe have just a couple pieces of candy instead of NOMMING the whole bag (this one is both inspired by and directed towards me!)
  • Make today the first day taking steps to minimize an unhealthy lifestyle choice. Perhaps get a nicotine gum or patch to stop smoking, or plan a reasonable cut-back schedule with small goals you can reach rather than the cold-turkey approach.
  • If you have been super busy with work and family with our current quarantine situation, ask for help and take 15 minutes minimum to spoil yourself with a bath or workout or even a nap, whatever you need!
  • Choose your own way to practice a more balanced lifestyle today that feels right to you.

Want more Brahmacharya practices? Check out our Brahmacharya Guide!

Get the Daily Yogi App – Get quick access to
today’s practice and daily pop-up reminders!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and share how you chose to practice Brahmacharya today! Always remember, be kind!

Asteya (Non-Stealing) – Meditation June 2023

Happy June 12, 2023 – Asteya (Non-Stealing)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Asteya or Non-stealing Day. So, we will be practicing Asteya with the positive of non-stealing or generosity today!

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We are in the middle of a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For Asteya Day today, my meditation for the day is a brief Generosity Guided Meditation.

cool perspective purple flowers with green leaves in background - asteya non-stealing generosity Quote: Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness. - 14th Dalai Lama
Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness. – 14th Dalai Lama

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to practice a random act of generosity for today’s Asteya / Non-stealing Day. Need some ideas?

  • Ask someone you care about who is having a tough time if you can help with household chores, or yard work, or anything else to make their lives easier and take something off their plate.
  • If you have old luggage you no longer use, please consider donating to a foster care agency, since many foster children are forced to move with garbage bags.
  • Purge toys, books, kitchen gadgets, and/or electronics you no longer use, and consider donating as appropriate to a local organization for the elderly, women and/or children.
  • Consider making a cash donation to your local food bank, hospital, or another nonprofit or charity that is meaningful to you.
  • Do a closet clean-out and donate clothes you do not wear any more… or consider starting a wardrobe tracking method to help identify what you do not wear and could donate. PS consider making the extra effort donating directly to local organizations for the homeless, women, or children rather than the easy dropboxes for Goodwill.

Want more Asteya practices? Check out our Asteya Guide!

Want to See more like this?

Follow DailyYogi on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment if you would like to share how you practiced Asteya today! Always remember, be kind!

Satya (Truthfulness) – Meditation June 2023

Happy June 12, 2023 – Satya (Truthfulness)

Good Morning Yogis! Today is Satya or Truthfulness Day. Today’s Satya practice is focused on the “benevolent truth” translation of Satya from Sanskrit.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have just started a bonus Daily Meditation Challenge for June! For Satya Day today, my meditation for the day is a Guided Meditation – Seeing Your True Self about loving yourself and seeing your true potential.

close-up white daisy flower with fuzzy background of green grass and leaves and white lattice - satya truth truthfulness Quote: Those who have failed to work toward the truth  have missed the purpose of living. - Buddha
Those who have failed to work toward the truth have missed the purpose of living. – Buddha

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is sharing a kind truth with someone you care about. Let’s make it big today… these are hard times and we could all use a big pick me up! Do not compliment someone about something that changes every day, like their hair or outfit. Need some ideas?

  • Contact your best friend just to say how much you admire their drive, or loyalty or the ability to always make you laugh.
  • Tell your significant other how much you appreciate the thing you love most about them.
  • Call a friend or family member who had a significant positive impact on your life, and let them know how thankful you are.
  • Message an old colleague or boss who helped you on your path, and thank them for their mentoring.
  • Reach out to someone you love and/or someone you know could use a pick-me-up.

Want more Satya practices? Check out our Satya Guide!

Follow us on Instagram – easy access to our daily positive practices
Plus second daily reminder photo /edit On INSTAGRAM Only
(2nd Insta post currently paused)

@dailyyogi.world
tag us with your Asana pics!
enable notifications for pop-up reminders!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment if you would like to share how your Satya practice went today! Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Samadhi (Enlightenment / Integration)

Happy June 9, 2023 – Samadhi (Enlightenment / Integration)

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a month focused on meditation for June. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one.

We already covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses , Dharana or Intense Focus, and Dhyana or Full Meditation.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have a bonus daily meditation challenge for March. Learn about Samadhi and try today’s positive practice suggestion or a meditation of your choice!

yogi blue gray background


Samadhi (Enlightenment / Integration)

As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the previous limbs, and sequentially upon each other. These practices are all meditation focused and must truly be attained on your own. The last three limbs – Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are often referred to as the “innermost quest” and studied together.

Samadhi is the 8th and final Limb of Yoga, and is literally translated as “integration”. Many consider Samadhi to be enlightenment. This is typically the final goal of meditation in some Eastern religions and philosophies – enlightenment. I consider Samadhi to be not only the final Limb of Yoga, but a synonym for Yoga. Samadhi is “integration” and yoga is “union” so I feel these are two words for the same goal. As we have discussed, this is a journey.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Meditation Practice of your choice for Upper Limbs Day. You can try our breath-focused meditation, another Dharana focused meditation, or another guided meditation of your choice.

Want more on Meditation?
Check our Meditation Board on Pinterest!

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and let us know which meditation you tried, and what you thought of this study of the Upper Limbs of Yoga! If you have another favorite guided meditation, please share the link! Always remember, be kind!

Meditation June 2023: Upper 4 Limbs of Yoga: Dhyana (Full Meditation)

Happy June 8, 2023- Dhyana (Full Meditation)

Good Morning Yogis! We are in the middle of a month focused on meditation for March. We typically spend more time practicing the lower limbs, but during meditation months we will take couple days to cover each of the four upper limbs, rather than combining into one.

We already covered Pratyahara or withdrawal of the senses and Dharana or Intense Focus.

Bonus Daily Meditation Challenge

We have a bonus daily meditation challenge for March. Learn about Dharana and try today’s positive practice suggestion or a meditation of your choice!

yogi crimson gray background


Dhyana (Full Meditation)

The last three Limbs of YogaDharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi are often referred to as the “innermost quest” and studied together. As we have discussed, the upper limbs build upon all four of the lower limbs, and sequentially upon each other. However, these practices are all meditation focused, and must truly be practiced and understood on your own. Samadhi is basically our goal and will be discussed only occasionally… we are skipping Samadhi this round of through the 8 limbs of Yoga, and jumping right into our meditation month practices tomorrow. Today we will discuss Dhyana and try a Meditation to reach this state.

Dhyana is the 7th Limb of Yoga, and is usually translated as meditation. I prefer to think of Dhyana as full meditation, a bit stronger and more specific than “meditation”. This is typically the goal of meditation, to fully stop our thoughts and have a quiet mind. After withdrawing inside ourselves with Pratyahara and focusing our minds on a single subject with Dharaha, we may reach the level of meditation where our thoughts actually stop. In true Dhyana or true meditation, we typically are not aware of this clear-minded state until we come out of it.

Today’s Positive Practice suggestion

Today’s Daily Yogi Practice is to try a Dhyana-focused Meditation Practice. You can try our breath-focused meditation again, and then allow your mind to quiet. Or, you can try a guided meditation meant to help bring the state of Dhyana.

Remember this is a practice, and a difficult one.. so be patient with yourself on this journey! I am working on Dhyana.. I usually can focus on one thing with Dharana, but my mind wanders fairly quickly when I try to quiet it for full meditation.

Recommended Dhyana Practices

Dhyana Guided Meditation

Our Breath-Focused Meditation – first focus on breath, then allow your mind to quiet.

Want more on Meditation? Check out our Upper Limbs & Meditation Guide!

GET THE DAILY YOGI APP – GET QUICK ACCESS TO
TODAY’S PRACTICE AND DAILY POP-UP REMINDERS!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is Google-Play-Badge.png
This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is App-Store-Badge.png

More Positive Practices

Missed yesterday’s post? Read it here!

Related Positive Practices

Share your Practice

Please comment and let me know which you tried, and what you thought of this Dhyana exercise! If you have another favorite guided meditation, please share the link! Always remember, be kind!