Daniela explains why preparing your physical body matters: meditation will be zero enjoyment if you haven't taken a moment to shake off your nervous system. She points to cats and dogs, including her own 2 dogs, who shake off after coming in from the rain or after hard play. The aim is to bring your physical self into the most relaxed state you can before you sit.
'Meditation will be zero enjoyment if we haven't taken a moment to shake off our nervous system.'
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Questions people ask
Why shake out the body before meditating?
Daniela says meditation will be zero enjoyment if you have not taken a moment to shake off your nervous system. She means bringing your physical self into the most relaxed state you can, not being relaxed about every complexity in your life. Shaking is a simple, unserious way to do that before you sit.
What does a dog have to do with meditation?
Daniela points to cats and dogs. A cat coming in from the rain, or a dog coming in out of a sprinkle, shakes off. Her own 2 dogs play hard with each other, and when they stop, they all shake off. She suggests doing the same with your body before you meditate.
How do I shake it off before meditation?
Stand or stay seated, and for about 60 seconds shake your body, bounce a little with your knees and wiggle your hips, letting out a hum or a sigh if you like. It is the first step of SSFB, explained in How to Prepare for Meditation and taught in the Effortless Meditation Course.