Yoga and Meditation
Because Life is Worth Living
Understanding Yoga and Meditation
For over 5,000 years, Yoga and Meditation has helped millions of people enjoy greater flexibility, increased energy, mental clarity and inner peace.
Yoga is UnionB.K.S. Iyengar, creator of Iyengar Yoga, the most popular form of yoga in the world today, said:
"Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity. This evolution includes all aspects of one’s being, from bodily health to self-realization. The word means union – the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul. It cultivates the ways of maintaining a balanced attitude in day-to-day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions."
Patanjali, the father of Yoga, felt that yoga postures, known as asanas, coupled with controlled breathing, known as pranayama helps us cleanse our body in order to achieve higher states of consciousness.
The Different Types of Yoga
Karma (Path of Selfless Action) – Karma, in Sanskrit, means action or deed. Any physical or mental action is Karma, such as, eating, seeing, hearing, thinking, etc. Karma is the selfless service to humanity. Mother Theresa was someone that practiced this discipline.Bhakti (Path of Devotion) – From the root word, bhaj, means ‘to be attached to the creator.’ This is a blissful, selfless and overwhelming love of the creator in whatever relationship or personal aspect appeals to you. If you are emotional, this is a good discipline for you. Jnana (Path of Knowledge) – In other words, “knowledge of the true self.” There is a “wanting to be one with the universe.” To behold the one Self everywhere is jnana. You study the ancient scriptures. If you are an intellectual-type person, this style is perfect for you. Ashtanja (Path of Patanjali) – Has eight-steps including: Yama (moral codes), Niyama (self-purification and study), Asana (posture), Pranayama (breath control), Pratyahara (sense control), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (contemplation) Hatha Yoga which comes from the Path of Patanjali is the most popular form of yoga in the United States. The focus is on breathing and posture.
Meditation Helps Awaken Our Spirit
Transcendental Meditation (“TM”), developed by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, the world’s most extensively researched, easiest form of meditation to practice, said:It is the most effective form of relaxation. It not only relaxes the body and mind but also feeds you with vital energy, peace and happiness.
Yoga and Meditation
The Benefits
Develop Inner Peace with Yoga and Meditation.Our Mind is like an ocean and our thoughts are like waves. The average person has 60,000 thoughts per day, experiencing a loss of attention every 6 to 10 seconds. Sometimes this can feel like being in the middle of a storm!
Yoga and Meditation can help calm the storm. Keep in mind, there are many forms of yoga and meditation. I encourage you to experience as many forms as possible and choose what works best for you.
Did You Know?..
Transcendental Meditation, has shown in 600 scientific studies, from over 200 universities and research institutes in over 30 countries that its form of meditation benefits our body, mind, behaviors and society.You Can Create Amazing Results - Higher IQ
- Greater Creativity
- Greater Efficiency of Learning
- Higher Academic Achievement
- Greater Neuromuscular Integration
- Higher Moral Reasoning
Improve Your Physical Health - Quicker Recovery from Stress
- Calmer Physiological Functioning
- Increased Athletic Ability
- Increased Calmness
- Reduction of Stress Hormone Levels
- Reduced Cholesterol
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Reduced Atherosclerosis
- Younger Biological Age Compared to Chronological Age
- Less Insomnia, Depression, Hospitalization Time and Medical Expenses
Develop Your Mind
The Doctors Say Do It!
Dr. Deepak Chopra, M.D., acknowledged as one of the world's greatest leaders in the field of mind-body medicine, says:“Pure consciousness is our spiritual essence. Being infinite and unbounded, it is also pure joy. Other attributes of consciousness are pure knowledge, infinite silence, perfect balance, invincibility, simplicity and bliss. This is our essential nature.” Dr. Tony Nader, M.D., Ph.D, a neuroscience researcher stated: “Human physiology has its basis in consciousness – consciousness is the basis of the body.” Dr. Joan Borysenko, Ph.D., a pioneer in the field of mind/body medicine, has said: “when the mind is calm and focused in the present, it is neither reacting to memories from the past nor being preoccupied with plans for the future, two major sources of chronic stress known to impact health.” Dr. Andrew Newberg, M.D., specializing in brain imagery research has concluded that, ‘being involved in mind/body activities can reduce the risk for depression, heart disease and improve our immune system.’
A Basic Meditation Session
Try It Now!
| Pick a Positive Affirmation or sound that you believe in 100%, such as, “one”, “Love”, “Good Health”, “AH” or “OM.” If you don’t feel comfortable with a word or sound, just concentrate on every breath you take, in & out. Sit quietly in a comfortable position. Avoid interruptions, like the telephone. Place both feet on the ground. Close your eyes or focus on a small object, like a flame, put your right hand over your left hand and place them gently in your lap. Breathe slowly and naturally, and as you breathe out, say your word or sound out loud or to yourself. Don't worry about your performance. When thoughts (or chatter) come to mind, simply say to yourself, "Oh well," and gently return to your repetition. Do this as long as you like. Do not stand immediately. Continue sitting quietly for a minute or so, allowing other thoughts to return. Then open your eyes and sit for another minute before rising. For More Information, see the links below. |
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