|
YOGA - Meditation in Motion
Why Practice Yoga?
I practice yoga because it makes my body feel good, calms my mind and soothes my emotions. When I practice yoga I am "in the moment." In the moment my fears, negativity, judgements, and all those annoying things that interfer with joy in my life disappear. And, even better, I can take that learning "off the mat" and into my daily life.
Why Practice Meditation?
Traditionally, people practiced hatha yoga (physical poses) to make their bodies strong, balanced and flexible enough for seated meditation. Meditation is not passive, it requires focused energy, attention and relaxation.
Meditation has numerous benefits, and some scientific studies to back up the claims. However, the point of yoga and meditation is trust your own direct experience. The only thing that matters is how yoga and meditation feel to you.
Scientifically Proven Benefits of Yoga & Meditation
Practicing yoga (meditation in motion) and meditation can help you:
- feel happier*
- develop a strong, limber and supple body
- create balance physically, mentally, emotionally
- strengthen your immune system
- deal with stress more effectively, and notice much stress melt away
- ease depression and anxiety
- experience inner silence, stillness, peace of mind
Is Meditation and Yoga Right for Me?
Yoga can fit the needs of anyone who wishes to try it. You can have any kind of body type, be any age, be fit or unfit, have injuries, be flexible, or, for that matter, feel mostly inflexible. All bodies are different, and yoga is a practice of respecting and listening to your body.
There is no competition in yoga. Your task is to listen to your own body's messages and work with your body, not against it. Don't beat your body up, physically or mentally. Start with appreciating your body and work from there.
Many people find seated meditation tricky. It doesn't seem like it should be so difficult to "sit down and shut up." (That's a direct quote from my meditation teacher.) Start gently and build up to longer practice sessions if you like it. I end yoga classes with 3-5 minutes of seated meditation, showing many different techniques so you can find one you like.
What About Injuries/Physical Limitationss?
There is a style of yoga for every body type. Group classes are designed for people who are generally healthy and physically able. Private sessions or Gentle Yoga/Chair Yoga classes may be more appropriate for students recovering from injuries or with special limitations. I'd be happy to talk over your specific situation with you. Also, ask your doctor if yoga is right for you.
A philosophical point of yoga is "ahimsa", a sanskrit word meaning non-violence. When practicing yoga you do not want to create pain in your body. Pain is your body's way of saying STOP. When working intensely in yoga find "your edge." Your edge is the place where if you did more it would be too much, and if you did less it would not be enough.
There is no competition in yoga. We all live in different bodies with different capabilities, and you are (or will become) the expert on your own body by listening and responding to it's messages. For this reason, it is always appropriate to rest, omit poses, modify poses, ask for help, etc. at any time during a yoga class.
|
