Many people experience the urge to rock back and forth while meditating. This can be attributed to self-soothing, with the rocking motion acting as a diversion for the ego, which yearns for activity to avoid stillness and silence. Rocking can also be a biological mechanism for soothing, similar to how mothers rock their babies. It is often observed during periods of severe stress, substance abuse, or in individuals with sensory processing disorders or overwhelming internal worlds, such as those with anxiety disorders, PTSD, or psychosis. While some meditation styles emphasize stillness, there are many correct ways to meditate, and rocking can be a form of moving meditation.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Reason for rocking back and forth during meditation | Self-soothing |
Biological mechanism for soothing | |
Subtle form of anxiety/restlessness | |
Energy flowing through the body | |
Kundalini experience |
What You'll Learn
It's a form of self-soothing
Going back and forth while meditating is a form of self-soothing. It is a biological mechanism that helps calm us down, similar to how mothers rock their babies to stop them from crying. It is a way to deal with severe stress, substance abuse, or sensory processing abnormalities. It is also a way to deal with overwhelming internal emotions, such as anxiety disorders, PTSD, or psychosis.
Rocking back and forth is a subtle form of anxiety and restlessness, and it functions as a diversion for your ego. The ego always wants to be doing something to avoid stillness and silence. This is why you may not feel as focused when meditating.
Rocking is also a self-soothing repetitive behaviour that calms our anxiety. It is similar to leg bouncing, foot tapping, thumb twiddling, or pacing around while on the phone. It makes us feel good by releasing dopamine and serotonin, and it helps us collect our thoughts.
It is a natural inclination when one is going into a transcendent state. It is also a way to activate your chakras and get your body's energy flowing.
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It's a Kundalini experience
The rocking back and forth during meditation could be a result of a Kundalini awakening. Kundalini is a feminine, creative, evolutionary force of infinite wisdom that lies dormant at the base of the spine. It is a form of Shakti, or divine feminine energy, that can be awakened through yoga and meditation. When awakened, Kundalini rises up the spine, through the chakras, leading to heightened states of consciousness, self-realization, and spiritual enlightenment.
Kundalini awakenings can be intense experiences, and it is generally agreed that it is dangerous to attempt to awaken Kundalini without the guidance of a master. The process of purification that Kundalini undergoes as it ascends the spine can be extraordinarily intense and challenging, and it is not uncommon for people to experience physical, emotional, and energetic symptoms. These symptoms can include muscle spasms, vivid colors, insomnia, anxiety, depression, and a rush of energy.
If you are experiencing a Kundalini awakening, it is important to seek support and guidance from a qualified teacher or guru. While the experience can be life-changing and transformative, it is not without its challenges and potential pitfalls. It is also important to rule out any medical issues and ensure that you are taking care of your physical body.
- Feelings of crisis or unraveling: You may find that your old commitments, habits, and relationships begin to dissolve or be taken away. This can be a challenging and courageous journey that requires discipline and support.
- Physical, emotional, and energetic symptoms: In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, you may experience shaking, visual disturbances, an inability to relax, or a near-death experience. The nervous system may become overwhelmed, leading to a variety of physical and emotional sensations.
- Openness to new things: The intensity of the experience may drive you to make significant changes in your life, such as changing your diet, seeking healers, leaving relationships, or changing jobs.
- Increased sensitivity: You may find yourself becoming more sensitive to external stimuli, such as violent media or large crowds. You may also become more attuned to your own thoughts, feelings, and energies, developing a stronger relationship with your inner self or soul.
- Heightened intuition and inner truth: You will become more aware of your old habits and patterns, and your intuition will guide you toward making positive changes in your life.
- Increased compassion and altruism: As you become more aware of yourself, you will also become more aware of the world around you and the suffering of others. This can lead to a desire to help and serve others.
- Sense of purpose and destiny: As you work through the process of awakening, you will develop a stronger sense of purpose and destiny. You will feel a deeper connection to your true self and your divine nature.
Remember, the process of a Kundalini awakening is not just about transcendence but also about embodying the transcendent in your daily life. It is a path of self-realization and spiritual growth that requires dedication and courage.
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It's a natural response to stress
The urge to rock back and forth while meditating is a natural response to stress. It is a subtle form of anxiety or restlessness, a diversion for your ego, which always yearns to be doing something to avoid stillness and silence. This is a common experience, and it is okay to sway or move during meditation. There are a thousand ways to meditate, and many types of moving meditation.
Rocking is a biological mechanism for soothing, similar to how mothers rock their babies. It is a self-soothing behaviour that calms anxiety, and it is often seen during periods of severe stress or in people with anxiety disorders, PTSD, or psychosis. It is a way to release dopamine and serotonin, helping us to collect our thoughts.
Meditation is a practice of nonjudgmental, intentional awareness of the present. It can be challenging to sit with your thoughts, and it is normal for your mind to wander. The goal is to strengthen your ability to focus and be present, and this takes time and practice.
If you are experiencing the urge to rock back and forth, you can try to be aware of it and understand it. You might notice that your body is trying to soothe itself, and you can allow yourself to relax. Over time, as you become more comfortable with meditation, the urge to move may slowly wane.
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It's a way to activate chakras
The back-and-forth movement during meditation can be interpreted as a way to activate and align the chakras, as recognised in yoga and kundalini practices. This movement is believed to be a kundalini experience, where energy flows through the entire system, resulting in a soothing and calming effect. The rocking motion can be seen as a form of self-soothing, similar to how mothers rock their babies, and it can help to regulate and relax the body.
Allowing the body to move during meditation can be beneficial, as it may be a way to release energy and find a sense of discharge. This movement can also be a natural response to the energy and emotions that arise during meditation. By going with the flow of the practice, individuals can explore their own unique way of meditating.
The back-and-forth motion during meditation can be a way to activate the chakras and bring them into alignment. This activation and alignment of chakras are recognised as a kundalini experience, where energy flows freely through the body. By allowing this movement, individuals can tap into their body's natural wisdom and release any built-up energy.
While some meditation styles emphasise stillness, there are many other forms that embrace movement. Allowing the body to move back and forth can be a way to honour the body's needs and release any tension or anxiety. This movement can also help individuals feel more connected to their practice and find a sense of flow.
The activation of chakras through the back-and-forth movement can have a soothing effect on the mind and body. It can help individuals feel more grounded and present during their meditation practice. By embracing this movement, individuals can explore a deeper connection to their body and a sense of calm.
Overall, the back-and-forth movement during meditation can be a powerful way to activate the chakras and bring about a sense of alignment and balance. By embracing this movement, individuals can release energy, find a sense of self-soothing, and connect more deeply to their meditation practice.
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It's a way to release energy
Going back and forth while meditating can be a way to release energy. The rocking motion can be soothing and calming, similar to how mothers rock their babies. It can be a form of self-soothing, especially during periods of stress or when dealing with overwhelming emotions. This can be a way to regulate your body and allow yourself to relax.
Rocking can also be associated with the activation of chakras and the alignment of your spine, as described in Kundalini yoga. The movement may help to clear out major energy channels, allowing energy to flow through your system.
Additionally, the urge to rock back and forth may be related to the need to avoid stillness. The ego often yearns to be active, and the rocking motion can provide a subtle form of movement that satisfies this urge while still allowing you to meditate.
It's important to note that there is no single correct way to meditate. If the rocking feels right for you and helps you achieve a meditative state, then it can be a beneficial part of your practice. However, if you find that it distracts you or hinders your focus, you may need to explore other techniques or simply observe the urge without judgement and return your attention to your breath or another anchor.
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Frequently asked questions
Going back and forth while meditating is a form of self-soothing. It is similar to how mothers rock their babies to soothe them. Rocking is a biological mechanism that is often seen during periods of severe stress or substance abuse, or more chronically in people with sensory processing abnormalities or overwhelming internal worlds.
There are a thousand ways to meditate, and it is not uncommon to move while meditating. Some people practice moving meditation, such as walking meditation.
It is not necessary to try to control your body when you feel the urge to go back and forth during meditation. You can let it happen and continue your meditation without worrying about doing it "right".
You may feel less focused when you go back and forth during meditation because you are worrying that you shouldn't be moving. It is a subtle form of anxiety/restlessness, and your ego yearns to be doing something to avoid stillness and silence.