Anyone who has struggled with depression understands how deep and persistent sadness or lack of self-worth can impact every aspect of our being. Our physical health, mental outlook, spiritual connection and even our desire to connect with friends and family and be a part of the world around us can fall away. Why is this? Because, as humans, we so often identify with and then attach ourselves to our thoughts and feelings. As these depressive feelings persist, we have hard time imagining that anything will ever be different – we “become” our symptoms. As strange as it sounds, for something that can be terribly upsetting, it becomes harder and harder to move beyond the depression because our brains settle into it. We become “comfortable” with it. We identify with it. Our brains begin to tell us: “This is who I AM. This is who I will ALWAYS be. I want to change, but who will I be if I DO make those changes?” And CUE!  All sorts of associated feelings of anxiety, shame, self-loathing. . .you name it. But, what if we start to lead with our hearts instead?

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation can help to get to that place of leading with the heart. But, it is not a magic pill and does require effort. The thought of committing to a meditation or yoga practice, when you barely feel as though you want to get out of bed in the morning, can seem impossible. I know. I’ve been there.  But, I’ve also learned over the years that you have to START SOMEWHERE, honoring where you are at – even if you’re starting with the smallest of things. Put aside – even for a moment –  the sadness, the shame, the self-loathing. Love yourself enough to sit down on your mat. Maybe you will practice. . .maybe you won’t. And when tomorrow comes, that small act of sitting down on your mat may turn into a slightly larger act of taking a few deep breaths. And then, perhaps coming back for 1 minute of a meditation. . .3 minutes . . .7 minutes. . .11 minutes.

When you feel as though there is absolutely NOTHING left to do, try this meditation. It has been a saving grace to me, during great moments of struggle. I hope it brings you peace.

THE “LAST RESORT” MEDITATION 

POSTURE: Sit in Easy Pose with spine straight. Have the hands in the lap, palms up, right hand resting in left, thumb tips touching.

EYE FOCUS: Eyes are closed.

MANTRA: Chant the Wahe Guru Wahe Jio mantra 8 times on one breath. Chant in a monotone:

WHAA-HAY GUROO
WHAA-HAY GUROO
WHAA-HAY GUROO
WHAA-HAY JEE-O

Breathe very deeply in order to complete the cycle, which will take approximately 45 seconds. Release the breath very slowly as you chant. If at first the breath doesn’t hold for the full 8 repetitions, stop, breathe, and begin again. Build up your capacity.

TIME: Start with 11 minutes maximum. Gradually increase to 22 minutes, then 33 minutes.

This meditation is published in the book:
I AM A WOMAN Essential Kriyas for Women in the Aquarian Age, p. 110

Meditation to Change Your Destiny
Posture:Mudra: Sit in easy pose with the hands in Gian Mudra. 
Mantra: Inhale deeply, recite out loud in a monotone the mantra 8 times: 
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O
WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE GURU, WAHE JEE-O

Time: 31 minutes

Synchronize with the Universal Flow of Light

Posture:Sit it with a straight spine.  Hold the hands at the level of the heart center.  The right hand is on back of the left hand, both palms face down.  The right thumb is bent and comes under the left hand and touches the palm.  The left thumb is bent and also touches the left palm.  The bent thumbs are pressed together so that thumbnails touch.

Time: 11 to 31 Minutes
End: When you finish, inhale and hold the breath for 20-30 seconds. Relax the breath. Then inhale and hold the breath again for 20-30 seconds. Then relax the breath and the posture and sit for a few minutes in silence and gratitude, allowing the meditation to integrate into your being.