Contemplative Practice

Preferably, find a special space outdoors that feels peaceful, safe and inviting to you. You may select a path surrounded by beautiful sights and sounds to walk on during this contemplative practice or you may wish to rest your body in a still posture. In either case, take time and care to bring comfort to your body, mind, heart and breath. Rest here for several moments, enjoying a sense of stillness and peace as you surround yourself with the sights, sounds, sensations and beauty of the outdoors. Once settled, you may begin to move your body by walking or continue to stay in a quiet seated posture.

Now, ask yourself these contemplative questions as you explore each of the Koshas.

Annamaya Kosha - Physical Body

What does my body need in order to feel healthy and whole again? What foods are most nourishing for my body? What changes can I make to nourish my physical body? Do I need more or less exercise, nature, beauty, quality food, water, healthy oils, supplements, rejuvenation, being held, being touched, touching? Are my muscles, bones and joints healthy, supple and well-balanced? In what ways can I bring more balance to my musculo-skeletal system? Am I pain free or do I feel restriction, tightness and discomfort at the physical level? Do I hold my body in space with grace and ease? How healthy is my posture? Allow answers to come to you.

Pranamaya Kosha - Vital Body

What do I need to do to experience vitality? How vital do I feel? When am most vital? When do I feel most depleted? What are my breathing patterns? Do I breathe well? When is my breath most free and easy? Do I surround myself with beauty, vibrant color, aromatic foods and fragrances? Do I take in the sunshine? Do I love nature? What uplifting sounds and sensations bring vitality to my being? What restores and rejuvenates me at the energetic level? Do I surround myself with vibrant people? What do I need to do to experience vitality and freedom from lethargy? How well do I sleep and manage my energy levels? At the physiological level, how healthy do my systems function? Are my emotions healthy or do they rise like a tidal wave? In what way can I better care for my emotions? Allow the answers to come to you.

Manomaya Kosha - Thought and Mind Body

What do I need to do to create healthy, positive thinking patterns? Are my thoughts uplifting or dark? Is my cup half full or half empty? Do I feel a sense of deep gratitude for life? How healthy is my mind? How well do I remember things? Is my mind quiet or talkative? Can I calm my mind? What steps can I take to free my mind from unhealthy habitual thinking patterns? In what ways do I feed my mind at the intellectual level? Allow answers to come to you.

Vijnanamaya Kosha - Intuition and Wisdom

Who am I at the personality level? Based on past decisions, circumstances, conditions, educational experiences, situations and choices made in my life, who do I think I am at the personality level today? What do I need to do to develop my discernment skills to change long held habitual patterns? Who am I at the wisdom level? What do I really need to do in order to serve my body, energy, mind, and heart? What choices do I make in my life and are these choices serving my highest purpose? Do I separate low emotions from who I know I am at the deepest level? As thoughts and feelings emerge, let these answers come to you.

Anandamaya Kosha - Inner Bliss Body

What brings me absolute joy? What new interests can I explore to widen my experience of joy? What is my relationship to family, society and the external environment? Do I feel connected? Do I trust? Do I have faith? How can I develop a beautiful, lasting, spiritual relationship with myself, family, friends, new people in my life, God? Do I feel oneness with all? Or do I separate myself from oneness? What brings me limitless bliss? What are my true passions in life? What are the callings of my heart? What is my one purpose in life? Let images, thoughts, ideas and answers come to you.

Closing Exercise

If you were outdoors, come indoors and find a place to settle your body. Find a comfortable relaxation position. Close your eyes and be in touch with your breath. Rest in stillness... Contemplate on the main answers, insights and inspirations that came to you during this exercise. Be in touch with the areas of your Kosha bodies that are healthy and areas that are depleted and in need of your care.

Listen to the needs of your Kosha bodies. Let each speak to you. 

To balance your Kosha bodies, bring daily awareness to the multi-dimensional layers of your being. Listen to their needs to support optimal health, happiness and well-being.