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Rael
USA
173 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 23 2010 : 11:19:16 PM
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Dear Buddies,
It is suggested we not eat prior to Meditation/Pranayama. Is this only because it stimulates the digestive process, and thus makes the body functions more distracting?
Sometimes i have a very small snack if i am too spacey and ungrounded, in order to bring my blood-sugar up and to keep my body/mind hooked-up.
Is there anything inherently dangerous in having food in the system beofe these practices or any others?
Thank you much
Love
Rael  |
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insideout
USA
44 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 12:37:55 AM
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Rael,
Eating before practices is not ideal, but it's not dangerous. I've done it many times without ill effect. Here are a couple of quotes from Yogani on the subject:
- "It is best done before meals, as digestion can interfere with the process of meditation." - Lesson 13
- "Meditating before eating is preferred, so meditation will not be competing with digestion." - Lesson 226
Although it may not be the optimal time to meditate, if it ensures that you will do your practices consistently, do it. Even meditating after stuffing yourself at a buffet right before bed is better than waiting for "a better time tomorrow." |
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Victor
USA
910 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 01:11:51 AM
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| I would be much more catious about this rule with pranayama or asana than meditation. Not much harm can coem from sitting quietly doing mantra even after eating however doing demanding exercises such as asana or deep sensitive focus on the breath that is also quite challanging in the case of pranayama should not be done with food in the stomach or you are likely get discomfort and distraction and possibly a minor level of injury depending on the practice if you make a habit of it. |
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SeySorciere
Seychelles
1553 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 02:28:09 AM
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| Completely agree with Victor. In case my case, I get indigestion if I eat before asanas or pranayama. |
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Rael
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 04:30:51 AM
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Thank you for all the replies, my friends!
Victor....that is what i am really wondering, what sort of "injury" is possible?
Though i only eat small, easily digestible snacks when i am desperate, and not meals,
it would still be good to know what the worst-case scenario looks like. |
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Victor
USA
910 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 05:55:19 AM
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| Most likely main injury would be indigestion or uncomfortable practice but there are definite cautions by pretty much all teachers about it. |
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AYPforum
351 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 10:34:27 AM
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| Moderator note: Topic moved for better placement |
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krcqimpro1
India
329 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 10:57:24 AM
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If you eat before SBP, then there are likely to be disruptions caused as a result of burping or belching, that can occur in the middle of an SBP breath cycle. Also any gurgling or other stomach noises can be distracting.
Krish |
Edited by - krcqimpro1 on Feb 25 2010 02:26:22 AM |
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HathaTeacher
Sweden
382 Posts |
Posted - Feb 24 2010 : 12:57:22 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by krcqimpro1
If you eat before SBP, then there is likely to be disruptions caused as a result of burping oe belching, that can occur in the middle of an SBP breath cycle. Also any gurgling or other stomach noises can be distracting.
Krish
I agree. That's why I prefer to drink (not eat) if blood-sugar feels too low. However, if you've happened to eat before meditation, vajrasana (on/between your heels) makes a calming posture for your digestion. Ayur veda advocates 15 minutes' vajrasana after meals, to prevent digestive disorders. |
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Rael
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2010 : 12:40:02 AM
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Wow, very useful answers coming down the line...thank you so much everyone!
Love
Rael! |
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krcqimpro1
India
329 Posts |
Posted - Feb 25 2010 : 02:28:21 AM
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Drinking a little water before meditation, is advised.
Krish |
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Rael
USA
173 Posts |
Posted - Feb 26 2010 : 01:00:28 AM
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quote:
Originally posted by krcqimpro1
Drinking a little water before meditation, is advised.
Krish
Thank you Krish! |
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Topic |
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Eating Before Meditation and Pranayama
