I have always struggled with truly relaxing during meditation – envious of those people who found meditation comes quite naturally to them - and often found it stressful trying to empty my mind!! Sometimes even feeling slightly panicky and worried that I could not switch off which defeats the object– however this download did the trick. Thank you Ananga!
From the moment I began the first exercise – “Beyond The Clouds” all my reservations of not being able to shut my mind to outside thoughts just melted away and before I knew it I was engrossed in Ananga's voice giving subtle instructions and guidance. What I liked was that she explained clearly how long the exercise was going to last – 10 minutes – not too long not too short - and what you would achieve in the session – deep rest and relaxation with a clearer mind!! Spot on! The music was beautiful and very subtle indeed and really enhanced the whole experience - after a while, Ananga's voice then drifts back to bring you to a waking state of tranquillity – feeling so calm and refreshed!
Next exercise was “Candle Gazing” - perfect as only 5 minutes – amazing what feelings you achieve in such a short time-scale!!. This is something I have tried many times but not quite felt I got it right. Ananga's simple instructions and calming voice allowed me to enter a restful trance like state – so relaxed !
The next one was “Progressive Muscle Relaxation” which would take about 10 minutes . This was unbelievable! - a great exercise to relax each and every muscle in your body and the good thing is that it is so easy to do – even on a train as long as you're not the driver! I can imagine doing this one before an interview or going to the dentist!
The final one was “Restful Awareness” and I am now doing this one religiously after the end of each session of yoga I do at home. It really focuses on each of our senses – something that I think we all take for granted. Such heightened sensations when we concentrate on them individually.
I felt thoroughly refreshed and ready to take on anything. I felt really positive and was looking forward to trying it again before I went to bed.............Had a really good nights sleep by the way!
What's great about this is the sequence of the four exercises leading you into each other. They are perfect to listen to as a whole but you can easily do the exercises separately as well and it's not actually a great deal of time to take out of your daily life. The benefits are just unbelievable!
Although, this is a meditation audio and not specifically for yoga; however after getting moonlight meditations it has totally got me back into practising yoga and the benefits. The great thing is I can listen to it just about anytime, anywhere! I'm going to check out Ananga's “Beautiful Calm” as the reviews are excellent on this one too.
This is a gem of a gift!!! Buy it as a present for stressful friends and family or anyone you know who finds it hard to switch off, troubled sleepers (as I drifted off straight away after listening to it.) If you're highly strung!! – buy this and you will notice a difference with the very first listening.
Rebecca, The Midlands
