lotus heart meditation

I have used this meditation at the end of class for years. It's adapted from yogi, Shiva Rea's, Yoga Journal post, and I think it's a great way to help focus the mind internally. Here is a link to the original in Yoga Journal.

5-step Meditation Practice - Dwelling in the Lotus Heart.

Find a comfortable seated position. It can be in a chair, on the floor, on a yoga mat, with your back against the wall, or however you'd like for the amount of time you intend to sit. Setting a timer is a great idea...so you don't have to worry about the time. I love using the Insight Timer app. Rest your hands comfortably in your lap, elongate your spine, and soften your shoulders. Take a few deep breaths, and soften any tension in your body with your exhale.

1. Begin by reading the following passage from the Upanishads:“Bright but hidden, the Self dwells in the heart.Everything that moves, breathes, opens, and closes lives in the Self-the source of love.Realize the Self hidden in the heart and cut asunder the knot of ignorance here and now.”—The Upanishads (Translated by Eknath Easwaran, Nilgiri Press, 1987)
2. Bring your attention to your breath. With your next inhale, bring your awareness to the center of your chest. When you exhale, notice any sensations that you feel in your chest. As you keep breathing, continue to notice sensations in your chest...or...as yoga teachers like to refer to it: your "heart center". What does your heart center feel like? Heavy? Light, Warm? Whatever you sense there, just notice.
3. Next, imagine a beautiful lotus flower in your heart center. Imagine it's petals opening with every inhalation. Stay with this image of the lotus in your heart. Let your awareness rest there.
4. You can stay with this image of the lotus, or imagine your heart expanding and allow the feelings of love to come up. When other sensations, feelings, or thoughts come up...just notice that they are there, and watch them pass on by. Or, you can let each one rest on the petals of the lotus. Continue to allow your heart to expand with each inhale.
5. Bring your hands to Anjali Mudra (prayer hands) at your heart, and complete your meditation with a moment of gratitude or reflection. You can bring your awareness to your heart at any time during the day...it will help you to bring forth feelings of love, which is often needed in our crazy swirl of life!