Combining Yoga & Meditation for International Yoga Day
Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years, originally was meant to help deepen understanding of the sacred and mystical forces of life. These days, meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction. It is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine and it can produce a deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind.
The key is to focus your attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding your mind and causing stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.
The benefits
- Gaining a new perspective on stressful situations
- Building skills to manage your stress
- Increasing self-awareness
- Focusing on the present
- Reducing negative emotions
- Increasing imagination and creativity
- Increasing patience and tolerance
Practicing yoga and meditation together strengthen the connection between mind and body, and improves overall fitness and wellbeing. Start with mindfulness. Sit, tune in to your breath, and bring awareness to the sensations, emotions, and thoughts of the present moment, without dwelling on the future or past. BE PRESENT. Then, turn yoga into a form of moving meditation.
“It’s not about hitting the posture or where you’re going next — just enjoying what’s happening in each present moment as it happens,” – Sarah Beth
1. Set an intention or Manta
A mantra is a phrase that you’ll repeat during your meditation that will help you focus. You can repeat the words in your head “inhale – exhale” or something more deep like “I am not my emotions.”
2. Relax
Breathing is very important, try to release the thoughts and feelings while exhaling. Inhale and exhale through your nose while maintaining a slight contraction in the back of your throat and keeping your lips shut.
3. Feel
Get out of your busy head and focus on your physical sensations. Notice where you’re holding tension, what positions you may want to stay in longer, and what subtle adjustments your body is asking for to feel more balanced.