Body and Soul: Nataraja

Meditating doesn’t have to mean sitting still. Try Nataraja, an ancient form of dance meditation which employs the power of music and movement to help you achieve a loss of ego and a sense of joy.

Directions:

• Put on some music that you love (preferably something without words).
• Close your eyes. Don't just listen to the music. Feel it.
• Keep your eyes closed. Start moving. But don’t just move your body – let your body move you. Natraja is not about looking good or performing steps, it’s about losing yourself in the music.
• You may find yourself tiring quickly. That’s OK. It’s possible that the first time you try, you will only be able to dance for ten minutes. If you keep at it every day, you will eventually have no trouble with a full session of 40 minutes.
• After you dance, lie down immediately, keeping your eyes closed. Be silent and still for the next twenty minutes.
• Get up and dance again for five minutes. Think of this time as a celebration your achievement and experience. Enjoy!