Yoga the Physical Meditation

 Yoga

I have found in my experience that Yoga is a great way of focusing your mind, developing a greater balance not only physically but also mentally. It takes mindfulness to the extreme.. Concentrating on your breathing and your postures.

This is not always easy as some poses are held for a long period of time. But with daily practice; your mind, body and spirit come together as one.

Breathing in positive energy and exhaling negative energy or daily anxieties. The proper way to breath takes patience. Breathing in fully through your nose to the very bottom of your spine. Moving through the pose the breath should last from beginning to end in a flowing smooth motion, and finish at the end of each movement.

On the exhalation the breath should finish as you finish your movement. Everything is flowing and fluid, breath with movement and focus. As it becomes a routine; your mind will be quiet and relaxed.

Each time you do a practice dedicate it to a loved one or someone in need as it is a very spiritual and healing meditation.Not only for yourself but for others... Just set out your intention.

In your poses, it is very important to mean it... in other words be strong and rigid yet fluid. Using every part of your body; every part of your being. To start mindfully get your mat, think about your intention, stand barefoot in "The Mountain Pose" or Standing pose with your hands in Namaste. (Prayer position). You will be using your entire mat.

About the breathing:

Take a full slow deep breath all the way to the spine.

Exhale entirely, it should have a Darth Vader sound. (constrict the muscles in the back of your throat)

Inhale belly fills up; exhale pull in the belly and tighten the muscles of the abdomen. These breaths are sometimes called Sun breaths.

About Poses or Postures:

There are so many different poses or postures that I will not be able to explain them all in detail in one sitting.

Mountain Pose: Stand rigid; hands fully extended and legs and belly strong ( hands in Namaste)

Warrior one: Like a lunge; front knee bent at 90 degrees back leg extended fully ( or where you are most comfortable), raise your arms up gracefully above your head, (arms spread open) until your hands come together above your head... look at your hands. There should be an even arc between your heel (back foot) to the crown of your head. This pose is used a lot!!!

I will now list off some other poses... if you have any questions please feel free to ask !

Camel Pose

Upward Bow

Downward Bow

Warrior Two

Warrior Three

Half Moon Pose

Standing Forward Bend 

Hero's Pose

Lotus

Half Lotus

Corpse pose

Cobra Pose

Sphinx Pose

Upward Dog

Downward Dog

Boat Pose

Extended Cat Seal

Powerful Pose

Chair Pose

Plow Pose

Shoulder Stand - Head Stand

Side Angle Pose

Triangle Pose 

Table top

There are SEVERAL more Poses or Postures.

Each series of movements end at The Mountain Pose.

*******These poses listed are beginner to intermediate, one or two are advanced. Do not attempt any movements unless you talk to your Doctor..... ******

The Meditation or finishing your series:

Asana : The mastery of sitting still 

When you are finishing up your low-impact workout, you will have a much needed rest. This is meditation time... Sitting in full Lotus or Half Lotus, with your hands placed on your knees... the thumb and forefinger should touch creating a relaxation response in your body. Visualize with passion and good intention what you want. Visualize a golden stream of light or White light moving down from the crown of your head... (Crown Chakra), moving down through your Third eye Chakra, feeling your intention for personal transformation, flowing down to your throat Chakra , Heart Chakra , down into your Solar Plexus, Sacral, and Finally your root Chakra. Imagine a flicker of a flame or a seed in which your intention will grow... into an inferno or a beautiful plant... Making your intention of personal transformation happen...NOW.

After your Yoga session, you will feel relaxed, your mind will be quiet and you will fall in love with the feeling of Peace!!!

Not to mention all of the health benefits, better lung capacity, better blood oxygen levels, better flexibility, learning how to be mindful, greater focus, better balance, strength... very supple strength, a feeling of healing, and a really easy discipline. Most of all MORE confidence.

Enjoy your relationship with Yoga it's a great one !!!

Namaste.

Love and Light

Wandalyn