IAM Meditation Technique

Meditation eluded me for a long time.

I was initially drawn to yoga (and not meditation) because my busy, anxiety-ridden mind needed more, at first, than just the breath to focus on in order to become still.  Yoga is meditation in motion, breathing through postures to practice awareness.  In classes back in Chicago, once I flowed through an hour and a half practice and ended in the final relaxation pose, Savasana, my mind quieted enough to rest in stillness.  However, the idea of waking up an hour before I started my day to sit with my legs crossed and my eyes closed was just not working for me.

Whenever I did try meditation, I'd either fall back asleep or I couldn't slow my mind enough:  My hip hurt, my back was tired, I-really-should-write-that-down-before-I-forget ... thoughts seemed to speed up during my meditation practice, and before I knew it I was jumping out of my skin, far from the blissful zenned-out state I was trying to attain.

Compared to when I started practicing yoga six years ago, my ability to sit in stillness had improved.  Still, I felt I needed guidance.

A few months back, my great friend told me about an inexpensive meditation training she would attend in December.  My ears perked up.  It was supposed to be a simple technique that anyone could do, offered for free (aside from the cost for lunches) as long as practitioners committed to practicing every day for one month after training.  An easy meditation class for free?  Why not?  I signed up to go to Boulder with my friend for the two-day training.

It has since been just over one month since I was trained in the IAM Meditation Technique.  The training was simple, concise, and thorough: it lasted two days, and an ayurvedic lunch (sooo delicious!) was provided.  The meditation practice only lasts twenty five minutes each morning, and surprisingly, I haven't felt drowsy during meditation.  I actually look forward to waking up in the morning and starting my day this way.  Who knew meditation could be so accessible?

This technique was originated by Amma, who, according to the Amma.org website, "has inspired and started innumerable humanitarian services. She has earned international recognition for her outstanding contributions to the world community. She is recognized as an extraordinary spiritual leader by the United Nations and by the people all over the world."  The training was led by an authorized teacher of the technique, and upon completion of the training, I received a certification card.

The practice begins with some simple stretches to awaken the body, followed by various breathing techniques and visualizations.  This helped me, personally, with the issue of trying to clear my mind of thoughts.  There are steps throughout the practice that guide the mind, focusing on various visuals as the practice progresses.  And then it's done in twenty minutes!

The benefits are astounding.  Obviously, I've started writing again.  I am more in touch with my creativity, more aware of the interconnectedness of ideas and thoughts I encounter during the day.  I see my life from the perspective of the witness: I'm less affected by the things that happen to me and more able to act from a place of intelligence.  I have clarity as I greet the day: life is more colorful, more vibrant.  I feel capable of taking on responsibilities that I had been avoiding before.  I can balance the events of my day more effectively.  I feel more intuitive, solving problems with a quick efficiency that I haven't felt, maybe ever.  I'm in the zone!

This meditation technique is "a synthesis," according to the website, "of traditional, time-tested methods suited for the current mental conditions, time constraints and needs of modern man."  It's the busy-person's guide to quick and effective meditation.  Corporations train their employees in this technique, and it is often offered to college students to increase concentration, calmness, and productivity.  Testimonials on the site show the variety of benefits for all sorts of people.

IAM is not, I learned, solely for spiritual people or those who are into yoga.  There is no religious affiliation: it is a simple mental practice.  However, like yoga, this practice can enhance whatever spiritual affiliation a person has.

It is now about a week past my obligatory month of practice, and I show no signs of stopping.  I would invite anyone interested to find a class nearby and see what benefits it can bring you!