Dr.Monika: June 2017

Yoga & Meditation:

Yoga – Yoga is a Science of Body, Mind, Consciousness and Soul. It is a Holistic system, which means it takes into consideration not only the Physical, but also the Mental and Spiritual aspects. Positive Thinking, Perseverance, Discipline, Orientation towards the Supreme, Prayer as well as Kindness and Understanding, form a way to Self-Knowledge and Self-Realisation.

The Main Goals of Yoga are:

Physical Health
Mental Health
Social Health
Spiritual Health
Self-Realisation of the Divine within us

Yoga exercises have a Holistic effect and bring Body, Mind, Consciousness and Soul into Balance. In this way Yoga assists us in coping with everyday demands, problems and worries. Yoga helps to develop a greater understanding of our Self and the Purpose of Life. The Purpose of Life is far greater and its spiritual investigation requires a Keen Intellect and a Strong Will. These are the products of a Healthy Body and Mind. For this reason, the ancient sages developed an integral system to keep the physical and mental faculties strong. This is the System of Yoga, a simple and natural programme involving Five Main Principles:

Proper Exercise – Asanas
Proper Breathing – Pranayama
Proper Relaxation – Savasana
Proper Diet
Proper Thinking and Meditation

“Asana” is the Sanskrit word for a Physical Posture. In general terms, Asanas denotes a specific position which can be held in a relaxed and comfortable manner for a long period of time. Asanas are beneficial for the muscles, joints, cardiovascular system, nervous system and lymphatic system, as well as the mind, psyche and Chakras (Energy centres). They are psychosomatic exercises, which strengthen and balance the entire nervous system and harmonise and stabilise the practitioner’s state of mind. The effects of these exercises are a sense of contentment, clarity of mind, relaxation and a feeling of inner freedom and peace.

“Pranayama” are yogic breathing exercises to control the Prana or subtle energy which leads to the control of mind. The conscious guidance of Prana in the body gives rise to an increase in Vitality, physical detoxification and improved immunity, as well as the attainment of inner peace, relaxation and mental clarity.

“Savasana” is a process of Physical, Mental and Spiritual Relaxation. Periods of relaxation are included at the beginning and end of each Yoga class, as well as between the individual exercises. Physical and mental relaxation is prerequisite for the correct performance of all Yoga exercises and it is only in this way that the effects of the Asanas completely unfold.

“Proper Diet”. An even greater factor in the maintenance of good health is the food we eat. What we eat influences both our body and psyche – our habits and qualities, in short, upon our whole being. Balanced and healthy foods include: grains, vegetables, pulses, fruit, nuts, milk and milk products, honey, sprouts, salads, seeds, herbs and spices. Foods to be avoided are old, reheated or denatured and non-vegetarian food.
“Meditation ” When the surface of a lake is still, one can see the bottom very clearly. In the same way, when the mind is still, with no thoughts or desires, you can see the ‘Self’. This is the spiritual goal of Yoga. To achieve a state of lasting happiness and absolute peace, we must first know how to calm the mind, to concentrate upon the Self and go beyond the mind so that we can deepen the experience of perfect concentration. This is the first step towards Meditation.

Decisions regarding your Health and Wellbeing and a Stress Free, Happy life, are in your hands. Practice regularly with firm determination and success will be certain.