Yoga for Meditation and Relaxation

Yoga for Meditation
and Relaxation

Lotus position

There are many ways to relax at home, and more and more people have started to use yoga for meditation and relaxation purposes. Don't worry, not all positions require outstanding flexibility, and your flexibility will improve with time, allowing you to learn more positions.

A Little Yoga History

While the exact date is unknown, most agree that yoga started some 4000 to 8000 years ago in India. It evolved with time, and the concept that the mind, body and soul were one cosmic entity was introduced with Hinduism. Yoga for meditation and relaxation is growing in popularity in the west while it has maintained its living tradition in India.

A Yoga For Everyone

There are several types of yoga, but the following four are recognized to be the main yogas:

4 major types of yoga

Each yoga focuses on a distinct path:

Karma Yoga: Selfless Work

Bhakti Yoga: Love and Devotion

Jnana Yoga: Knowledge and Discernment

Raja Yoga (or Ashtanga Yoga): Meditation

Some Definitions

Asana. Generally speaking, this word is used to refer to yoga positions. It is a state of being where you are physically and mentally steady, calm, quiet and comfortable. In raja yoga, it only refers to the sitting position, but in hatha yoga, yogasanas also include opening the energy channels (or chakras) to increase awareness.

Chakras. Chakras are energy centres located throughout your body. There are seven major chakras and several smaller ones. Chakras can be opened or closed to rebalance the flow of energy within yourself.

Dhayana. Meditation aimed at connecting yourself with the universal consciousness.

Mantra. This Sanskrit word means speech. A mantra is usually a word or series of words that are repeated in order to focus the mind.

Namaste. You have probably heard this term before. It is very common in the world of yoga for meditation and relaxation and it means "I honour the light within you."

Niyamas. These are disciplines or "must-do" items. Examples include: cleanliness, contentment, austerity, study of self and devotion to God (doesn't have to be God per se, could be devotion to your spiritual quest).

Prana. Vital energy that is the equivalent of chi in Chinese culture and Feng Shui.

Pranayama. Breath control. Some breath control exercises will be posted here shortly.

Pratyahara. Concentration where you withdraw yourself from reactions to external stimuli.

Samadhi. Liberation where a total balance exists. You have achieved one with the universal consciousness.

Yamas. Yamas are restraints similar to the "Ten Commandments". The five most common yamas are: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, abstinence and non-greed.

Yoga. Yoga is a word from the Sanskrit language, one of the 22 official languages in India. It means union with the universal soul by integration of body, mind and spirit.

Where Does Religion Fit In?

That's the wonderful part about yoga. You can make it a part of your religion or not, whatever you choose. There are different disciplines that focus on the mental, physical and/or spiritual aspects of yoga, so you can follow your own path. If you intend to use yoga for meditation and relaxation, you should probably include these three complimentary elements. Keep in mind that a spiritual person may (or may not) be religious and vice-versa.

Let's Get Started

Select one of these to get started with your yoga practice.