Yoga has been around for thousands of years. Yoga helps one to become very grounded a stable both mentally and physically. As a physical routine it helps the body become very strong, very stable. It helps to anchor the mind into the body by using the breath as a link between mind and body. Many people struggle to keep their mind under control. Yoga does this in a very scientific and standardized way. Really yoga is a scientific way to become more peaceful and joyous.
As we practice yoga we become more aware of how our minds constantly drag us away from the present moment. We start to realize how little we are actually allowing the moment to be as it is without any judgment or desire. As we move in yoga and focus on the breath and body, we see thoughts and emotions rise up and though the practice we are able to let them go. The constant act of letting thoughts and emotions ago allows us to dive into the present moment again and again. When practiced with consistency and earnestness in the physical yoga practice, this habit spills over into everyday life.
Yoga is a brilliant system because it starts on the easiest level to work with, the physical, and progressively deepens to effect all areas of life. A solid physical routine of yoga, practiced with consistency and devotion will effect not only the body but the mind and spirit also.
Yoga and meditation are synonymous in Indian culture. It is only here in the western world that the distinction has arisen. Yoga here means hatha yoga in the East. Hatha yoga is the physical "asanas" that we call yoga here in the West. Yoga truly means union. Union with whatever is happening at this moment. Yoga means having no boundaries between the internal and external. Yoga is a scientific way to achieve oneness with whatever situation is happening.
Meditation is the practice of letting things go. It is sitting in silence and listening to yourself. Meditation is about being centered and at peace no matter where you go or what happens. There are many different practices of meditation. Easiest of which simply involves sitting and focusing on your breath while letting thoughts and feelings come and go without becoming attached to them. It might be convenient to think inhale as you are inhaling and exhale and you are exhaling. This helps to focus the mind on what is happening in the moment. It is quite normal for the mind to wonder away from the breath, as soon as you notice this simply refocus your attention and start thinking inhale and exhale again.
Doing this in conjunction with physical poses helps to train the mind to be in the present and can help you to work though the thought patterns that are holding you back from progress.
If you are just beginning meditation there are many guided meditations in the site below that can help you get started.
John LeMire has been practicing meditation for over 5 years. He has been trained as a yoga teacher and teaches meditation. John was a raw food vegan for over a year and a half and still incorporates a ton of fresh, live foods in his diet. John owns and operates a whatwouldayogido.com meditation and yoga blog. Where he posts his experiences and knowledge on the subjects of raw food, yoga, meditation and healthy lifestyle habits. Check out the many whatwouldayogido.com/meditations high quality guided meditations he has put together.
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