Yoga and Meditation

Yoga is a technique that involves various physical and mental exercises used to provide a sense of well being and control in ones life. Yoga originates from India where it has been practised for thousands of years. In India yoga is often perceived as a way of life and a means to gain spiritual fulfilment. In the west many people include yoga in their lives as a way of keeping fit and relieving anxieties and stresses.

Principles of Yoga

As previously mentioned yoga has spiritual origins. The word yoga translates into union and refers to the act of enlightenment which is achieved when our personal spirit connects with that of the cosmos. This is why all the yoga positions are designed to be maintained for long periods of time as the initial followers of yogic teachings would sit and meditate for hours on end.

Several different schools of yoga have formed and disbanded over its thousands of years of heritage. The most commonly practiced form in the west is known as Hathayoga.

Hathayoga involves positions known as asanas and breathing patterns known as pranayama and places equal importance on spending time to reflect and meditate upon teachings. The asanas are designed to improve flexibility of muscles and to improve posture. The pranayamas are therapeutic breathing patterns designed to relax the body and spirit and improve the functions of our bodies. The calming effects of these exercises are designed to divert stress away from ourselves so that we can focus energy on improving our physical and mental well being further.

Eliminating Stress

One of the predominant principles of yoga is the elimination of stress so that the body's energies can be used for more constructive purposes. The physical exercises are as liberating as the philosophies learnt and shared.

In order to eliminate stress we need to realise the true value of ourselves. How we perceive ourselves can be important as if we don't value ourselves others are unlikely to either. This will inevitably result in anxiety as people misunderstand and try to limit your capabilities.

One of the main causes of stress is bottling things up. In essence it is better to let emotion pour out then burst out. Other visualisations may benefit your personal situation. Keeping a good group of friends is important and will help you to convey your feelings and reduce stress among like minded people who have undergone similar experiences.

Try to identify the root of your stress and approach it logically. Removing yourself from a stressful situation and looking at it from a different angle may benefit you and help to remove the stressful element.

Yoga is a non competitive activity in which all participants are invited to progress at their own pace. Yoga's nurturing nature isn't about competitiveness. Yoga groups are welcome to anyone to who wants to participate and feel the benefit.

Relaxation may sometimes take a little perseverance to achieve. To relax truly try to slowdown your movements and your thoughts should to. Cut out any interfering noise and either find some calming music or enjoy silence. While in this state focus your breathing and try to improve upon it. Try to do this for a least a short amount of time everyday.