We often seek inner peace by trying to change everything that disturbs us. A quieter room, a more comfortable body or a settled thought may bring relief. Yet circumstances change, and the demand that they remain pleasant can become another source of tension.
In Being Yoga, peace opens through understanding. What is actually happening, and what have I concluded about it? What does the thought “I am not at peace” assume about who I am?
Yoga, meditation and Yoga Nidra offer different ways to approach that inquiry. This article introduces the practices. For their expression in conversations and relationships, continue with Spiritual Awakening and Inner Peace: Practising in Everyday Life.
Yoga: feel the activity called “body”
A posture can begin as an arrangement of the body. Through Listening-Feeling, its living actuality becomes evident: pressure, warmth, breathing, effort and release.
The shape guides attention. Then attention can follow the felt movement of life, rather than remaining occupied with holding an ideal shape. The question changes from “Am I doing this correctly?” to “Can the whole form listen?”
This does not require an impressive posture. Sitting in a chair, standing with support or making a small comfortable movement can provide an opening. Adjust the position when needed.
Explore Feeling Space: Breath as Bridge to Knowing via Being for James Traverse’s approach through body-feeling and Global Listening.
Meditation: listening includes thought
Meditation need not mean eliminating thoughts. A thought can arise and be known, just as a sound or bodily sensation is known. The added struggle often begins when its appearance becomes evidence that you have failed.
Listen to a sound. Notice its changing and fading. Include the contact of the body with the chair or floor. Let breathing be natural. If a judgement appears, notice that it too is present in awareness.
There is nothing to grade. Listening is relaxed yet alert, available to what is here.
Begin with a simple five-minute meditation. If thinking seems especially active, explore meditating with a busy mind.
Yoga Nidra: guided rest and inquiry
Yoga Nidra is commonly called yogic sleep. Guided approaches may include attention to bodily sensations, breathing and imagery. Different teachers arrange the practice differently.
In James’s teaching, its value includes the opportunity to meet experience without the usual effort to manage every movement. Rest is invited; it is not another achievement to force.
You may feel settled, distracted, drowsy or alert. Those changing conditions do not need to become a judgement about your worth or spiritual progress. Choose a comfortable supported position and a session that suits you; there is no need to begin with a long recording.
Explore Yoga Nidra with James Traverse for the teaching and available resources.
Peace and spiritual awakening
A practice may bring a sense of ease. Self-inquiry asks a further question: does a changing feeling establish the truth of what you are?
In Advaita Vedanta, Ātman points to the Awareness because of which changing experience is known. Peace of mind and self-knowledge are related in this inquiry, yet realization is not measured by how long a pleasant state lasts.
Through Knowing via Being, understanding finds expression in how we listen, relate and act. The purpose is peace of mind, lasting contentment and well-being.
Choose a manageable beginning
Choose one practice and give it a little space. Afterwards, notice how you meet the next ordinary moment. Can a familiar reaction be heard without immediately defending it?
If a practice is painful or overwhelming, adjust or stop and seek appropriate guidance. For ongoing health concerns, consult a qualified health professional. Research describes possible benefits of yoga and meditation, with results varying by practice and person; it does not establish a particular outcome for everyone. See the NCCIH overviews of yoga and meditation and mindfulness.
For the wider teaching, read the Spiritual Awakening guide. For a connected sequence of inquiry, explore the seven-part BREATHE course and The True Nature of Being.
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