Yogini Bridal Meditation.

Have you ever taken a yoga class?  If so, you've probably heard your teacher talk about "coming into presence."  What she means is to bring your full attention right here, right now, into your body, so that you may get the most out of your experience. 

This is sage advice for brides, albeit not always easy.  The process of planning a wedding usually carries brides at lightning speed through a firestorm of activity and every imaginable emotion.  For many, the pace just continues to build until the day of the wedding.  Details, details, details.  Wanting it all to be just

p e r f e c t. 

So crazy-making this all can be! When the moment of the ceremony arrives, the fast beating of your heart can sound like the roar of an engine, overshadowing the music chosen to carry you down the aisle.  The sight of 100 people watching you can distract  from really being there for your ceremony.  Instead, you are thinking, "Do they like my dress?"  "Is my lipstick on right?" "Will I be able to say my vows?" "Is the video guy getting all this??????"

Here's a meditation exercise that can help you actually "be there" for your wedding ceremony.  Ask your officiant or your maid of honor to lead you through it (by reading it slowly) before you make your walk down the aisle. 

Let's call it "The Yogini Bride's Meditation."

Begin by taking several slow, long, easy breaths.  When you're finished, take one more as you bring your attention into your body.  Begin by noticing if your shoulders are trying to act as earrings.  If so, tell them you've already picked out a nice pair for the wedding and they can relax.  Relax your shoulders.  Breathe.

Now move your attention slowly down to your heart.  Notice the beat of your heart.  Is it fast?  Just feel this for a moment.  Just notice the beating of your heart.  Perhaps even close your eyes gently as you feel the beat of your heart.  Notice if it's slowing down a little bit now?  B r e a t h e .  Long, slow breaths.

Now feel your hands holding your bouquet.  Raise your bouquet up to your nose.  Breathe in, slowly, and notice the fragrance of the flowers you chose just for your wedding.  THIS is the moment to appreciate the beautiful choice you made.  Feel a few of the petals on the flowers.  Notice the soft, sweet sensation on your finger tips.  Ever-so-gently, run the back of your hand across the tops of your flowers.  Mmmmmm.  Soft.  Sweet.  This is YOUR bridal bouquet.  Wow!

Now notice the feel of the fourth finger on your left hand.  This is where your wedding band will live.  How does it feel right now? Free as a bird?  Relax your finger.  Relax your hand.  Relax both hands as they gently hold the bouquet.  Relax your shoulders.  Relax your jaw.  Breathe.

Finally, bring your attention to your feet.  Feel them in the shoes you have chosen just for today -- your wedding day.  Now feel your feet in your shoes touching the ground.  Stand tall, but gently, effortlessly.  Imagine yourself almost floating while keeping your feet in place on the ground.  Just be there.  Slightly bend your knees. Stand s t i l l .  Quiet.  B r e a t h e.  Long, slow, gentle breaths.

Now, you have come into presence.  Be here.  In this moment.  And the next.  And the next.  Soak up every step, every note, every word, every movement of your wedding ceremony.   When you catch your attention elsewhere, simply breathe in, breathe out and return your attention to the moment at hand.  Enjoy.  This is YOUR wedding day.  Don't miss it.