Did you know that science has found that meditation does wonders for mental health?
"Researchers at Harvard, Yale, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found evidence that meditation can alter the physical structure of our brains. Brain scans they conducted reveal that experienced meditators boasted increased thickness in parts of the brain that deal with attention and processing sensory input." sited from, http://www.physorg.com/news10312.html
Meditation helps you to connect to your spirit. "Prayer is talking to God, meditation is listening to God."
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Personally, my most profound spiritual moments have been during meditation.
It is also good for marriage. When done together, meditation can help you to connect to your partner on a deeper level. That connection can lead to better communication and a greater understanding for one another.
Meditation also teaches us how to be fully aware in a moment.
Have you ever found yourself sitting in front of your child, a friend, or your spouse, when they are telling you something, only for you to realize moments later that you have not heard a word they said? Wouldn't you like to be fully present in the moment that you are in? Having the ability to give your full attention to one thing at a time can result in better finished projects, conversations and daily tasks, like driving.
Meditating leaves you feeling calm, relaxed, and grounded. It can move you from a scattered and over stimulated mind, to one that is clear and collected.
What does it mean to meditate? Setting an allotted amount of time in your day to sit, be still and not "do" anything. Not think about anything, or talk to anyone, to be still. In our multi-tasking culture, you may have to think back to the last time you were still or present.
If you are interested in trying meditation out for yourself, your chance is on it's way!
Friday July 23rd, 2010 at COIL Yoga Studio at 6:45pm-8:45pm
I will be leading students through a series of soft Yoga postures that prepare the body for sitting comfortably. Followed by assisting students to set up a seat to meditate on, using blankets and bolsters, or if you prefer a chair. Once we are settled, I will star by guiding you through a meditation Then together we will sit in silence to basque in the stillness we create. The room will be lit by candles and free from distractions.
You will be joined by people new to meditation, and those who are experienced as well. Everyone is welcome.
Cost is $35 per person.
You can sign up at: www.coilyoga.com by emailing the studio
or
email me at sarabadorineyoga@gmail.com
Recently, my cousin said to me, describing a woman he had met, "She was one of those yoga-crazed people." Of course I had to laugh. He is right, Yogis (students of Yoga) can be a little obsessive, even in love with their Yoga. I certainly am not excluded from that group. I remember my first Yoga class, it was at a small gym in Fresno, and although it was very challenging, it was love at first forward fold. To this day, almost 12 years later, Yoga and I are still honeymooners. Though, only 3 years a go did I incorporate Yoga a part of my daily life. I have seen myself overcome many physical, emotional, and mental challenges since applying Yoga daily. For example, I used to suffer from panic attacks, I used to be anxious, daily headaches, have trouble focusing, trouble getting to sleep, and tingly legs while lying in bed Now, every single one of these problems are of the past. Yoga is an ancient practice, carried over from the East. There are many different types of Yoga, each has a different main focus and a different outcome. Some classes are gentle and slow, others are sweaty and intense. Of course your teachers personality, training and style will influence your class, making each Yoga experience unique and interesting. Here are just a few benefits that come from doing Yoga:
Yoga gives you tools to reduce stress
lowers your blood pressure
helps you to to sleep quicker, and sleep deeper
greatly reduces back pain
creates flexibility
builds strength sooths the Central Nervous System
shifts blood flow, sending nutrients to internal organs,resulting in healthier skin, and brain
gives you the tools to remain calm in challenging situations
helps you to digest your food
detoxifies the body
Plus many more
Yoga brings you closer to your spirituality, closer to yourself, and teaches a love and connection to all living beings.
If you are thinking about trying Yoga for the first time, go to: www.coilyoga.com
We offer Yoga Basics classes and Yoga for Beginners.
The way I see it, everyone deserves to feel good in their body. The body is a temple, a vessel to carry us through this adventure of life. If we take the time and the effort to care for it properly, it will take care of us back. Plus, it is a good day to try something new. It is a good day to do show yourself some love.
Breathing is the most important physical part of Yoga, even when you are not practicing Yoga, the breath is important since it is what keeps us alive!Although, breathing can be more challenging than one may think. Whether the area you live in is dry and dusty, or urban and congested, breathing can be stifled by what is in our air. Many people suffer from Allergy symptoms, as well as Asthma and Bronchitis. Rather than taking expensive pills that may do you more harm than good, you can use a Neti Pot. However, even those who are perfectly healthy, could use a good nasal cleaning. When our breath flows easily we have less head aches, fewer colds, and we are better able to feel calm and relaxed.The Neti Pot is a small, ceramic, long-nosed pot. It costs about $13.You can find it at Yoga Studios, Drug Stores, I even saw them at Bed Bath and Beyond.They are named from the Sanskrit word, Jala Neti which means- "water cleansing."Above is a video of me using the Neti Pot and an image of the Neti Pot salt that we use in our house.Be sure to spend extra time blowing your nose afterwards, and drying the nostrils with a towel or tissue.The Neti pot is safe to use everyday. Simply fill your pot with LUKE WARM WATER and one spoon full of your Neti Salt (the spoon comes in the jar).Start with a 5-second-count, then work your way up to a full pot on each nostril.The benefits of using your Neti Pot are more than greater ease in breathing (as if that was not enough). Using your Neti Pot removes dirt, reducing sinus infections, moistens the nasal cavity, and mproves your eye sight, sense of smell, and hearing. Plus it makes increased breathing in a Yoga class much easier.
