There are two common experiences relayed by many of the yoga practitioners I’ve had the opportunity to talk with over the years. One is the ongoing expression of amazement at the experience of walking in (and these days – signing on) to yoga class feeling one way and walking out feeling transformed. The second is the added appreciation of practice when one has been away from it for a while. This sometimes sounds like “I was in such a mood or had such a day. I’m so glad I came. I feel so much better now.” The second can sound like, “I could tell I was missing my practice last month. My fuse was shorter. My back was aching. It feels so good to be back today.”
The experience of a shift in mood or mindset or consciousness is part of the special allure of yoga practice. It can be tantalizing, that elusive, still, feeling of wholeness and contentment at the end of asana, pranayama and meditation. All the more valuable for how fleeting it can be! The beauty is that each experience compounds on the next and the practice is always here waiting for us. I could (& when you sign up for and attend my Meditation 101 series I will) speak to the physiological functions affected by a regular meditation practice. I could get into the documented cognitive benefits of meditation, and link that to your life and how you may personally benefit. But, you can read about that on my blog.
For now, I’d like to address a question you may be asking yourself about meditation and my upcoming series. How could adding yet another task to my already busy schedule help me free up time?
An excellent question. Through meditation practice you will increase concentration and reduce distractibility. It’s a practice worth repeating, clearing out competing thoughts and stimuli to find clarity. You’ll be able to access a perspective freed of obligation and agenda and act on your priorities without pressure.
Wondering if Meditation 101 is for you? Please reach out.
Click below to practice Metta, or loving kindness, meditation. The benefits of this particular meditation include increased concentration, but, because it involves an empathetic component, it also may create a lightening effect on your mood.
Let me know some of what you experience once you’ve given it a try.
Meghan Hogan, E-RYT 500, CCC-SLP is Lead Faculty for the Yoga Vidya Teacher Training and In-Depth Studies program, a Speech-Language Pathologist supporting preschool children with disabilities and their families, a wife and mother.
Her mission in sharing yoga is to provide caregivers of all walks of life tools for self-care and stress management.