Archive for February 9th, 2009

By Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500

All forms of Yoga originally contained meditation techniques. Some Hatha Yoga styles have little, to no, meditation time, within the classroom structure. How did this happen and why? As Yoga was transplanted outside of India, many more forms took root.

This is not entirely a bad thing, but some of the core aspects of Hatha Yoga have been pushed aside in order to make time for more asana (posture) practice. Among the aspects, which have taken a back seat to asana, are meditation and pranayama (Yogic breathing).

The benefits of Yoga’s many forms of meditation are not to be taken lightly. Improved concentration, health, and attitude are keys to a better quality life, which results in states of happiness. The inner peace within, brings about better relationships with family and friends.

A focused or trained mind is a powerful tool, when used for acquiring knowledge. With that said, meditation will enable a student or teacher to become more proficient. For a young adult, meditation is a tool for academic achievement.

At the same time, peer pressure to “go out and party” is put aside for the real priorities of learning and achieving. It is easy for a young adult to stray off the path, while in college, and away from home. It takes much discipline to pursue your goals, with so many distractions around you.

Yet, these same distractions and temptations can take place at any point in our lives. Yoga meditation is a method for bringing the mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual self, into balance. As a result of steady practice, we can achieve harmony with the people, and the world, around us.

With the right mindset, we can heal ourselves better, and faster, when faced with a health crisis. The opposite effect is to become a pessimist, when faced with a life endangering health problem. Therefore, enlist the power of your mind when faced with chronic stress, distraction, or illness. Meditation is a method which trains your mind to become your best ally.

© Copyright 2009 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications

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