Gassho Relaxation Meditation
For relaxation and inner peace, Dr. Usui practiced Gassho Meditation 20–30 minutes before getting out of bed and in the evening before going to sleep.
This meditation enhances our ability to focus on the energy coming through our hands. As the energy increases, the physical body relaxes, and mental chatter ceases.
When practicing Gassho:
• Sit down in a comfortable position, and close your eyes.
• Place your hands together in front of your chest and focus your entire attention on where your 2 middle fingers meet.
• Try to forget everything else. If you begin thinking about what you need to do, about other people in your life, or anything except your fingers, observe the thought, and then let it go!
• The meditation is not about achieving anything except relaxation.
• If it is painful for you to keep your hands held in front of your chest, let them sink down to your lap – still held together.
• Energy phenomena may occur: your hands or backbone may become warm or tingly. Observe this, but do not let yourself be distracted or influenced by it. Always return your focus to your 2 middle fingers.
• If you become uncomfortable, change your position slowly and deliberately. Use cushions, chairs, walls, or whatever it takes to create your comfort.
* TIP: I have found that it is easier to quiet the mind and meditate with a straight spine and head. It helps to imagine your head filled with helium so that it is gently raised and kept in perfect position – not wavering side-to-side, forward or backward. This also aligns your spine.