Hello everyone,
My name is Kate.
Today we will be meditating on the very last of the Niyamas of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.
Eshwara Pranidhana,
The concept of surrendering to a higher power,
God,
The divine,
A state of being also known as creative surrender.
Begin by finding a comfortable seated position,
Either on a cushion or a chair,
Ensuring your spine is straight but relaxed.
Gently close your eyes and take a minute to breathe deep,
Filling your lungs completely and exhaling slowly,
Releasing any tension or thoughts from your mind.
As you settle into this moment,
Bring your attention to your breath.
Observe the natural rhythm of your inhalations and exhalations.
No need to control or change the rhythm of your breath.
Simply become present with the sensation of breathing.
Now shift your awareness to your heart center,
The area in the middle of your chest.
Start to imagine a soft warm light glowing within the space,
Radiating with love and compassion.
Feel this light expanding with each breath,
Filling your entire body and surrounding you with a sense of peace.
Inhale deeply once again and as you exhale,
Silently repeat the words Ishvara Pranidhana.
Ishvara Pranidhana.
Allow these words to resonate within you,
Embracing the meaning of surrendering to the divine flow of life.
Release any resistance or attachment and trust in the wisdom of the higher power.
As you continue to breathe gently,
Visualize yourself surrounded by a loving presence,
Whether it's a religious figure,
A guiding spirit or simply an energy of pure,
Unconditional love.
Feel this presence holding you,
Supporting you and guiding you on your path.
With each breath,
Imagine surrendering your worries,
Fears and doubts to this higher power.
Let go of the need to control outcomes or cling to expectations.
Trust that everything is unfolding exactly as it should and that you are being guided in the right direction.
Now take a moment to reflect on any areas of your life where you feel the need to surrender.
It could be a challenging situation,
A difficult decision or perhaps a relationship that requires letting go.
Allow yourself to acknowledge these areas without judgment or resistance and then consciously choose to release them into the hands of the divine.
As you offer your surrender,
Feel a sense of relief washing over you.
Feel the burden lifting from your shoulders as you trust that the universe is working in your favor.
Rest in the space of surrender and faith,
Knowing that you are fully supported and that the highest good is unfolding in your life.
Take a few more moments to simply be with the feeling of surrender and connection.
Allow yourself to bask in the peace and clarity that arises when you let go and trust in the divine intelligence of the universe.
When you are ready,
Gently bring your awareness back to your breath.
Wiggle your fingers and your toes and slowly open your eyes,
Carrying the sense of surrender and trust.
Remember the practice of Ishwara Planidana is a journey and it takes time to cultivate a deep sense of surrender.
Return to this meditation as often as you need and allow it to guide you in surrendering to the divine flow of life.
