Meditation is the process of quieting the mind in order to spend time in thought for relaxation or religious/spiritual purposes. The goal is to attain an inner state of awareness and intensify personal and spiritual growth. In practice, meditation involves concentrated focus on something such as a sound, image or feeling.
Meditation is also referred to as dhyana in Sanskrit.
Meditation involves concentration and relaxation – both of which are enhanced by yoga. Just as there are many styles of yoga, so too are there a variety of ways to meditate. The first stage of meditation is to find a focal point or method of focusing in order to free oneself from distractions/thoughts.
Yes, it is possible at The Yoga and More we follow some methods of focusing:
- Sound/Mantra Chanting: Repeating a mantra, phrase or some rhythmic sound.
- Visualizing: Picturing an object with eyes closed, such as a lotus flower or the energy points in the body (chakras)
- Gazing: Looking at an actual object with eyes open. Candles, flowers or pictures are common objects used in gazing.
- Breathing: Observing the breath and what it feels like – the sensations – as it travels in and out of the body.
- Body Scanning: Observing/Scanning the entire inner and outer body parts with full awareness and mindfulness without any distraction or disturbance
One can experience positive physiological and psychological changes taking place in the body during meditation For example; people who are meditating may perspire less, have a slower rate of respiration and demonstrate lower blood pressure than the normal
