Question

Great Souls, I have been meditating for 7plus months, am now taking Meditation Level 6 at Ananda Sangha Palo Alto. I meditate twice a day with regular energization exercises, each session averaging close to an hour. Recently have been experiencing a chilling of my body during the later stages of a session that becomes distracting, though I am covered well and the ambient temp is not to blame. Some have said that this may pass, but I do not understand this bothersome phenomenon. What think ye? Thank you for you service.

—Ken Harper, United States

Answer

Dear Ken,

First of all, congratulations for your progress in taking the meditation training and in establishing a strong sadhana.

The “chilling of your body” during the later stages of your meditation probably falls under the category of “interesting things that happen to us when we meditate.”

Things like: feelings of heat, feelings of cold, salivating too much / having to swallow a lot, eyes watering, nose running, needing to cough or clear throat a lot, body swaying, tingles in various parts of the body, and so on.

Generally speaking, these things are signs that “stuck” or old energy lodged in our spines is being stirred up and is moving around. It’s not a bad thing — it’s a good thing and a sign that something actually is happening. It is actually quite common to beginning meditators, sort of like a purification process.

Almost always, this will go on for a time (a few weeks, or sometimes more, or sometimes less) and then will go away, never to return.

What to do in the meantime? When you start feeling cold during meditation pray deeply to God and Gurus for help and guidance. Have an extra blanket or two handy and wrap up even more.

Try changing whatever meditation practice you are doing at the moment, or if you are just sitting in the silence at the close of your meditation, as we are instructed, perhaps open your eyes, look at your altar photos, shift the position of your body slightly, do some healing prayers for others, or chant a little inwardly.

You might also try an affirmation like: “I am warm and comfortable, for the sunlight of God’s blessings resides in every cell of my body.” Visualize that while affirming it.

Hoping these suggestions help.

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