Free Silent Meditation
Monday through Friday
7-8 am
Hosted by:
Irma Aviña Ulloa
Meet Irma:
When did you first start meditating?
Well that's a long story. I was living in Aguascalientes, Mexico and I was going through a very difficult time in life. I was 36 years old and I had just become divorced and for the first time began a practice of Yoga. At the studio where I was practicing, they offered something called Mantra Yoga Meditation, where a specific word is given to you and you can use it to meditate by repeating it over and over. I realized right away that doing this simple practice really made me feel better. So for me, finding meditation was like finding a boat in the middle of a stormy ocean. I was able to get on and get to shore. That doesn't mean I was always on the boat, but I had this boat since then. So every time that I decided to go away and I felt that I was going again, in a suffering way and whatnot, I got back to my boat and was a float. Later I found Vipassana meditation and my practice became more profound and interesting.
Meditation is the most amazing tool and technique that has ever been given to me. I feel so grateful about having a daily practice in my life. It's been something I wanted to share with everybody and anybody. My daughter used to call me a, “MeditationWitness”, like a Jehovah's Witness, and she was like: "Mom come on, give'em a break" She is currently a Vipassana meditaitor.
I was part of a regular meditation practice group, and I would invite everybody I met, People would always say they would come, but, you know..... One special person did, this is how I met my Husband (This is how I moved to Homer).
How can I start a meditation practice?
If you want to start meditating, first thing you got to know is, That you have to sit with a straight spine and comfortably. Many sit crossed legged on top of a cushion that elevates the hip bones higher than the knees. But you don't have to sit on the floor, you can sit in a chair. Relax your shoulders, and let your hands rest over your knees. Close your eyes and just start observing your breathing. When air comes into your nostrils and when air goes out of your nostrils. Of course, your mind will keep thinking, because it's what does all the time. Don't worry, simply don't follow your thoughts and observe again your breathing, just keep coming back to observe. Sometimes you will notice your breath is deep and sometimes you will notice it is shallow. Although we practice for an hour, your first time you can try meditating for 10 or 15 minutes. People can lay down and rest, regain strength and try again. All you need to do is observe the breathing. After mediation we can talk.
Meditation is not a religion. All are welcome to join us at Many Rivers to Meditate. We call it Free, because it costs nothing, and all silent practices of meditation are welcome.
Thank you so much.
Interviewed by Kayla Spaan April 1, 2015
