You are determined to meditate this morning. You close your phone and get comfy on your yoga mat. You try to relax your body and slow your breathing. But, still a million thoughts run through your head. Suddenly, your leg itches. Remembering some tasks you have to complete by noon, you begin to feel a headache coming on. Does this scenario sound familiar? For many people, meditation can feel just as stressful as the rest of life. Kum Nye (pronounced Koom Nyay) is a series of simple but effective exercises that not only promote holistic health but can also prepare your body for meditation. When performed with vigor, they are very useful for releasing physical and emotional tensions that you may not even realize you are holding inside. Tibetan Buddhists, who used Kum Nye to heal diseases caused by energy blockages and to relieve fatigue, developed it around the 8th century. It has recently become increasingly popular as a discipline that can teach you how to achieve complete relaxation by connecting your emotions to your physical essence. In Tibetan "Kum" means the subtle body and "Nye" means massage or interaction. Kum Nye movements are generally very slow and gentle but if performed properly, they can induce physical tremors, which are the body's way of releasing inner tensions. When these tensions are converted into physical energy, you are ready for inner calm and meditation. Consisting of eight key positions, the system is designed to work on different areas of your body, contributing to strength and flexibility. Physical stretching blends with breathing exercises and massage to help you feel revitalized and centered. Taking a few minutes to do the exercises upon waking each morning may help you avoid the feelings of fatigue that some people encounter later in the day. In this practice, called Flying, you start by sitting quietly for a few minutes to rest your mind and body. Then stand up straight with your feet hip width apart unlocking your knees almost but not bending your knees, allowing your arms to rest at your sides, keeping them fairly straight but not locked. Allow your arms to reach above your head and then slowly down again. After repeating this exercise a few times, for about five to fifteen minutes, return to a sitting position until you are ready to resume regular activity. Kum Nye practices such as this one can also help counter the feelings of restlessness and mental distraction that goes with a job that requires you to be seated . Adding some Kum Nye exercises to your daily routine may help you uncover your body's natural healing energy and prepare you for increased peace.For more information visit Metta.org.uk
