Yoga Teacher Training Forum

Dear Sangeetha,

In yoga classes for pregnant students positive thinking and meditation helps remove negative thoughts and stills the mind, ultimately transcending all thought. Meditation is a technique, not a religion. It was developed to quiet the mind through its constant observation. Meditation is not something that comes easily and it may take months of practise to master, but when this is achieved the benefits are many. The ultimate goal of meditation in yoga is to transcend pure consciousness.

However recent studies have found that meditation has physiological and psychological benefits associated with rest and relaxation. Meditation has been proved to reduce stress, reduce oxygen consumption, and can lower blood pressure when too high. Deep meditation produces brain patterns that are associated with deep relaxation and rest.

Yoga meditation can also reduce depression, neurotic behaviour and the need for drugs such as, cigarettes and alcohol. Through meditation daily life becomes more stress free and rewarding. Meditation complements and completes the positive changes that occur when practising asanas and pranyama. It brings us closer to understanding who we really are.

As we can see from the above prenatal yoga is not merely going to an exercise class for mothers to be once a week, it is a whole philosophy of life. Through regular practice the physiological and psychological benefits are life changing for two. Not only do you feel physically stronger and healthier through the regular practice of asanas but also through pranayama, a good vegetarian diet, meditation and relaxation the mind and spirit will feel, purified, nourished and whole. Coping with daily life becomes a positive and enjoyable experience as we have more energy and vigour, stress, and ill health are things of the past.

Namaste,

Laparadis