Dear freinds.
Nowadays, during meditation, I feel a big pressure inside my brain (it is like pulsation) togheter with I could say a sensation of electric shock, the sensation of electric shock is felt in my feet too, I try to relax to avoid those sensations but I can't and for this reason, I got fear and stop meditating. When i started doing those technics (six months ago) it did not happen. I ask you: Is It normal ? Is It the perception of energy flowing through my fisical body?
Thank you.
—Luiz Olavo, Brazil
Hello Luiz,
What you are experiencing is not the average person’s experience, but neither is it unique. Meditation and relaxation can indeed release the body’s subtle energy, resulting in a variety of sensations, your electric feeling during meditation being an example.
Here are a few thoughts:
- Don’t fear what is happening. If it is merely an unusual sensation, not painful or unpleasant, then let it be. It will probably pass before long. However, if it is unpleasant, then stop meditating for a few days, perhaps even longer, and see if it goes away.
- Make relaxation the foundation of your practice. You won’t be able to meditate successfully if you are carrying tension in your body or mind—and tension might be the cause of what you’re experiencing. I recommend that you practice this technique for releasing physical and mental tension before you meditate. Also, strive to sit upright with a straight spine when you meditate. In How to Awaken Your True Potential, Yogananda said: “A bent spine is the enemy of self-realization. Your mind is on the bent spine; your electric currents will be busy with the muscles and flesh, and you cannot concentrate upon God. Practice discipline over the body, and your mind will be free to lift your consciousness from the body to the Infinite.”
- I do not know what technique of meditation you practice, but if it is something that is more properly called a pranayama breathing technique, it might be best either to reduce your practice of it, or transition into a true meditation technique. Certain pranayama breathing techniques can easily be overdone, resulting in unpleasant energy experiences due to overloading your body’s subtle-energy circuits.
- Practice some asanas (yoga postures) before you meditate, to relax your body and get energy flowing more freely. What you are experiencing may be caused by an energy blockage that could be released through asana practice. Ananda Yoga is excellent for this purpose, as well as to deepen your meditation. I think you will benefit significantly from classes 2–4 of this long playlist of Ananda Yoga video routines.
- Keep God in mind as you meditate. Meditate with Him/Her, and pray to be shown how to meditate. If this experience continues, ask, “Is this right for me? Do I need to be doing something differently? You must take care of me. Show me the way.” Make your meditation an expression of sincerity and devotion.
In any case, don’t give up on meditation. Sometimes we just need to find our way through difficulties. I hope this helps.
Blessings,
Gyandev
Ananda Course in Meditation
A 10-week online course with in-depth instruction in scientific meditation techniques that bring more peace, deeper relaxation, and focused concentration to every area of your life.
Learn more