Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is the ancient art of unifying the body, mind and spirit through the practice of physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), relaxation and meditation, prayers and mantras. Yoga is a balanced system for counteracting the stress and pressure of modern day living. Meditation leads you to the most important journey you can experience…the journey within, where reconnection of your mind, body and soul begins. Experience a free 30-minute meditation for peace and balance.

Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy originally used as a path to spiritual enlightenment. Now in the West, not only is it used for spiritual development, it is also practiced to improve physical and mental well-being. Yoga’s increasing popularity is due to the stresses of modern-day lifestyle and the need to reconnect mind, body and spirit. The yogic principles of breath awareness, structured postures, deep inner relaxation, peaceful meditation, and a nutritional diet counter the stresses of living a high-pressured lifestyle.

Researchers have discovered that the regular practice of yoga may produce many health benefits including and not limited to:

• Stress reduction. A number of studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. It can also enhance your mood and overall sense of well-being.
• Improved fitness. Practicing yoga can lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you’re less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavours or in your daily activities.
• Management of chronic conditions. Yoga can help reduce risk factors for chronic diseases, such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Yoga might also help alleviate chronic conditions, such as depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia.

Benefits of Meditation

Meditation allows our mind and body to relax.
When meditating we let go of pressures, anxieties and the constant “doing” of everyday life. It is a natural and healthy way to reduce our stress levels. The benefits of meditation are lasting, increasing our feelings of inner peace and our ability to cope better with challenges that we all experience.

Meditation is a pathway to health and well-being.
When we meditate our body’s natural state of balance is restored. When our body is out of balance our immune system is compromised. Whereas when our body is in a state of balance its natural healing and repairing abilities are at their best.

Meditation is a pathway to greater self-awareness.
Focusing within, we start to appreciate our true nature. Regular meditation can lead to greater self-acceptance, self-worth and self-love. It can also lead to greater empathy, understanding and love of others.

Meditation is not aligned to any religious or philosophical beliefs.
Nor is it an escape from reality. Rather it is a process through which we gain insight and clarity into our true nature, and the nature of reality. This inner wisdom provides us with the skills and tools to deal more effectively with the challenges our lives may bring.

Meditation enables us to go beyond our perceived limitations.
It enables us to discover our talents, our wisdom, our creative ability and our unlimited potential. In meditation we learn to go beyond the limitations of the logical mind with its linear thoughts and rational beliefs, into the inspirational and intuitive.

Ways you can Meditate can include –

• Guided meditation. Sometimes called guided imagery or visualization, with this method of meditation, you form mental images of places or situations you find relaxing. You try to use as many senses as possible, such as smells, sights, sounds and textures. You may be led through this process by a guide or teacher.
• Mantra meditation. In this type of meditation, you silently repeat a calming word, thought or phrase to prevent distracting thoughts.
• Mindfulness meditation. This type of meditation is based on being mindful or having an increased awareness and acceptance of living in the present moment. You broaden your conscious awareness. You focus on what you experience during meditation, such as the flow of your breath. You can observe your thoughts and emotions but let them pass without judgment.