The essential post-lockdown guide for every kind of meditator
A few nights ago, I was really excited to attend a global satsang and meditation hosted by children on Zoom. I had bookmarked this event for a few days, and there I was ready, sitting in my orange striped pajamas. I’d like to set the record straight: I’m not a Zoom novice. Even before COVID-19 forced us to develop a newfound love for Zoom, I have been an occasional user. And this has never happened to me.
One of my innumerable computer windows opened up as I had entered the password, blocking my first view of the call. Uhm, my video was turned on accidentally and my face, colored with an orange pack, was visible to all 380 people on Zoom. Panic-stricken, horrified, I jumped at the stop video button yet the damage was done. A few people who knew me gave me encouraging, sympathetic smiles. This was my first time with Zoom - and a face pack... it’s also my last.
As they say: forewarned is forearmed. These horror stories promise to go beyond the online world as we brace ourselves for life opening up again.
You could continue to stay in a self-imposed lockdown, yet won’t you face others at some point? So, my dear meditator friends, let me save you from some potentially embarrassing moments. You could thank me later.
1. Say bye to those PJs
You’ve lived in your trackies, your PJs are your best friend. Those formal, semi-formal clothes are lying at the bottom of your shelf somewhere...bring those out. It’s time. Stick to loose clothing, your PJs for your meditation, yet remember to put out your formal clothes before you start your session. What if you run with your routine post-meditation (Zoom or otherwise) and forget you’re in PJs? Horror!
2. You can sleep no more
You’ve developed a great relationship with sleep during the lockdown. Even indulging in naps after your meditation sessions. Remember you told your office, ‘I was on a client call’ when you were having those precious 40 winks? Well, no more. Your office colleagues will be sure to find you.
3. Skip the conference room
As an add-on to tip 3, don’t try going off to sleep in the conference/ reference corner/ pantry or anywhere. How long can you keep telling them you have a difficult client who calls incessantly? Instead, this is what you can do:
Convince the HR of the absolute dire necessity of having a new 5-year policy: noon power nap sessions, especially to recover from COVID-19 stress.
Get your colleagues to meditate before lunch (a really good idea, actually) and convince them to nap post the session. (We’re all in it together.)
Get your colleagues to do some guided yogic sleep practices (Yoga Nidra). It’s not sleeping, well almost - actually could be. Never mind. Just do it. It’s relaxing and beautiful.
4. It’s my time to…
Just because you’re attuned to meditating at certain times, the world is not. “Bhaiya, mere dhyan karne ka time ho gaya hai, (Bro, it’s my time to meditate) - will not work with your vegetable vendor, client, children’s tuition teacher, nanny, you will not be able to stop your interaction mid-air and rush to find a cozy corner. It would be best to rationalize the time, and space to do it.
5. Control that enthusiasm
“I felt just divine, so peaceful”, “Did you feel that tingling sensation?”, “Wasn’t the session too short today?” You’re used to sharing your experiences and connecting with your meditation buddies every day. That might not happen when the world emerges with greater hustle post the lockdown. So, just try controlling that emotion, please. Sure, your office or home assistant, vendors, clients appreciate you but might not get this part of your existence. Instead:
Share your experience if you will.
Not more than twice, please.
Then, resist the urge to bring it up again.
Really.
6. Update that social feed
Can we skip our global declaration - ‘I’ve just finished my meditation practice!’ Skip the angel face too. The HR might be stalking you and they will know you were not logged into that client call. Just share your status at a reasonable/ defendable hour or stick to weekends, maybe.
7. Discipline that visualization
You’ve been doing a lot of visualization meditation during the lockdown. Now, it’s time to rein in a little. You could be standing in the middle of a grocery line and reflexively begin to see mountain tops. How about waterfalls in the middle of a client presentation? Or beaches while commuting?
We don’t want this habit to become hazardous to people or you. Discipline and discretion are highly recommended.
8. Do-I-know-you syndrome
It will be strange to meet people after months. A hug? Are you sure? What about a coffee date? Ease into it. You’re so used to being by yourself or with few people. And to top it all, you’ve been meditating for six hours a day! Well, that was an extreme situation. Now, with things evolving into a new normal, how about you shift to your routine? Around two sessions a day of 20 minutes, each is perfect. You really don’t need more than that.
9. Guide? Nah!
- “Just take a deep breath in,” you quip in the middle of a conversation with your in-laws, much to their bewilderment.
- “Take your attention to the top of your head,” you blurt out as your friend pours her heart out.
- “Keep a gentle smile on your face.” Did you just say while negotiating a tough deal with your client?
You’ve got all these instructions floating in your head. Why don’t you smile, take a sip of water, look out of the window, take a bite of that chocolate. Do anything, but just don’t put a foot in your mouth.
Of course, as you slip into this new age, keep your commitment and remind yourself of these instructions: ‘I am peace, I am love.’ And shine the world away!
How about you add more to your practice with the Sudarshan Kriya? This science-backed breathing technique has helped people around the world through better health, joy and happiness. You can learn this technique at The Art of Living Online Meditation and Breath Program.
The Zoom incident did actually happen as the writer, Resha Patel, will vouch for it.
