Meditation

Multiple scientific studies are showing the benefits of meditation, on the physical, emotional, and mental levels. To name a few — regular meditators have shown physical changes in the brain, improved functioning of the nervous system, enhanced creativity and mental process, improved relationships, and a greater state of well-being.

Meditation is an important part of yoga. In fact, traditionally, the physical yoga practice (or asana) was a purification and preparation for meditation. There are many yoga meditation techniques that one can learn, and we offer a variety of choices. They are 1 hour classes will be taught and mentioned on the schedule as one of the five styles we've identified.

Meditation refers to a broad variety of practices where an individual trains the mind or induces a specific mode of consciousness. It is often used to clear the mind, and create internal relaxation and awareness. It includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy, develop compassion, love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. It usually involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way.

Mindfulness Meditation

This meditation uses the breath or sound as a support. 

The support provides a gentle focus point to anchor or steady the mind throughout the practice. As the mind gets distracted during meditation, we simply come back, again and again, to being aware of the breath (or sound). This helps us create new patterns, train the mind to become less distracted, and to regain a sense of distance from our thoughts and emotions—finding greater peace and stillness within.  

Awareness Meditation

This meditation guides students to rest in a place of being.

It is a gentle guided meditation that helps us find more spaciousness and relaxation in the mind. By allowing ourselves to stop 'doing' this meditation focuses on the awareness of being, and allows us to become more connected to the true nature of the mind—which is pure, still, creative, and open.

Loving Kindness Meditation

This meditation focuses on gently cultivating loving-kindness towards oneself and others. 

Loving kindness meditation helps students to discover more about their minds and their hearts. The intention of this practice is to send well-being and happiness to oneself and the world around us. It is a wonderful way to begin to plant the seeds of love within, that will also impact our way of being in our lives.  

Relaxation Meditation

This meditation is a practice of conscious relaxation designed to release held tension in our body and mind. The practice of yoga nidra guides students into a state of deep relaxation, by progressively relaxing and releasing tension from each part of the body. This helps us to feel more open inside and is a great way to reverse the impact of stress.

Mantra Meditation

This meditation uses a 'mantra' to help steady the mind. A mantra is a sacred syllable or sound that has a powerful vibration.

It is a gentle guided meditation using a sacred sound to help us contact the deeper layers of our being. One of the purposes of using a mantra is to feel the subtle vibration, which helps to deepen our practice. The repetition of the mantra throughout the class helps us to disconnect from the thoughts that arise, and find a deep sense of peace within.