Meditation and Yoga
The earliest mentions of Yoga are found in The Vedas, a collection of spiritual poems and hymns which form part of Vedic literature in ancient India – these religious texts were written in Sanskrit, an ancient Indo-European language.
The word Yoga means ‘yoke’ meaning a link – which represents the linking of the mind and body, breathing and energy and the soul and the body. It has been practised all over the world for over 5,000 years but it was only in the late 1800’s that it became commonly known in the west – spread by monks and gurus who shared their knowledge in local communities and travellers who took the learning home.
Yoga has developed into different practices – some concentrate on meditation and spiritual guidance whereas other disciplines focus more on physical fitness, stress-relief and relaxation techniques. It is possible to combine both – and start a routine with physical exercises and move onto relaxation routines, finishing with calming meditation music.
Yoga’s incorporation of meditation and breathing improves well-being. It creates mental clarity and calmness, it increases mind and body awareness, it can relieve chronic stress patterns, it relaxes the mind, focuses attention and sharpens concentration. Practised regularly (3 or 4 thirty-minute sessions a week) it can fundamentally improve mental and physical well-being.
There are lots of ‘Yoga for beginners’ videos on YouTube that will talk you through a yoga session – medical practitioners recommend it as it has been shown to lower blood pressure and heart rate, help relieve aches and pains, reduce stress and lift depression.
Candles help to create a calming atmosphere – the scent of lavender is soothing, the flickering flames and scents of lavender candles will help you feel relaxed.
Choose your favourite track and relax. If you would like a recommendation, try this one:
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
#Yoga #meditation #healingmusic