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Yoga & Meditation
Yoga is a state of mind and way of life, a discipline and philosophy that originated in India thousands of years ago. One definition of the word is ‘to unite’. It is one of the oldest systems of personal development known, and works to unite and achieve the full potential of the body, mind and spirit. Many people are first drawn to yoga as a way to keep their body healthy, fit and supple and to relax their mind. Those who delve deeper and continue with regular practice notice positive changes in their approach to life, for, through releasing the body and stilling the mind, inner peace can be found.
Although yoga might appear a series of simple stretching exercises, the ultimate goal of yoga is to achieve ‘samadhi’, the experience of oneness. What is commonly referred to in the western world as ‘yoga’ can be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word ‘asana’, which refers to the practice of physical postures that strengthen, purify and heal the body.
According to the great sage Patanjali, asana is only one of the ‘eight limbs’ of yoga. The remaining seven involve disciplines with regards to ourselves as well as others, breath awareness practices and the consecutive steps towards meditation, all leading to ‘samadhi’.
Many people find that practising the ‘asana’ and ‘pranayama’ (breathing techniques) alone bring about profound positive changes that counteract the feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction in an increasingly stressful and confusing world. |
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Meditation
‘Yoga is the ability to direct the mind exclusively towards an object and sustain that direction without any distraction’
Patanjali, The Yoga Sutras 1-2
The path of yoga is not truly complete without a meditation practice. Meditation is the practice of focussing the mind on one point and maintaining that connection. The aim is to become absorbed in the object of focus. Desikachar tells us that meditation transforms the mind’s agitation to peace, bring clarity, reduces suffering, physical or emotional and finally can bring us to the highest truth, our true nature.
Meditating has undeniable health benefits. It can have a healing effect on serious illnesses, restoring positive energy and harmony by soothing the nervous system which will benefit the entire being. Mentally and emotionally, many practitioners have freed themselves from the grip of anxiety, depression and other negative thought processes by regularly meditating.
Whether you are looking to discover your true nature of peace and contentment, or simply to implement effective relaxation techniques, meditation may be the answer. |
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Vinyasa flow, pregnancy, postnatal and restorative yoga classes close to Weybridge, Cobham, Woking, Guildford, Ripley, Walton on Thames, Esher, Pyrford and surrounding areas. |
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