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Docent: Asia Jokiel
In this class we are going to take a practical approach into preparing the body and mind for the meditation practice, trying to understand that the meditation is the state of being and not the state of doing.
In today’s world when we talk about yoga practice typically we are referring to the practice of yoga asanas (postures) or pranayama (the breathing exercises). However the authentic practice of yoga is largely the practice of meditation and all the other elements are meant to prepare you for it.
The aim of meditation is to train the mind, focus attention, feel undisturbed and experience mental clarity about your life, as you direct your focus inward. However, often physical and mental tension prevents you from turning inward and hinders the free flow of energy in the body.
Yoga postures and breathing exercises help to balance and unite body and mind, revoke the sense of tranquillity and calmness, enhance mindfulness and better ability to concentrate. It is not easy to sit still without a complete control over your feelings and body. But with yoga, you are able to discipline yourself physically and psychologically and find it easy to get into the meditation mode. Through yoga asanas and pranayama you condition your body and mind to stay still, attentive, and calm.
When you attain that harmony between the body and the mind through yoga, you stand to have an uninterrupted flow of concentration, which prolongs your ability to meditate and stay still.
In this XXL class we are going to practice within Sivananda Hatha Yoga tradition, as this traditional sequence is designed to prepare us for the deep meditation practice.
In the first part of the class we are going to focus on the yoga asanas: the Sivananda sequence helps to achieve the sense of grounding and attentive awareness, while chosen yoga postures are aimed to strengthen the back and open the hips, making the sitting part way more comfortable.
The second part of the class will be focused on Pranayama and various breathing exercises to improve the concentration and direct the focus inward.
In the third part you are going to follow a short Yoga Nidra sequence, to achieve the sense of the deep relaxation and harmony between body and mind. You will feel the movement of the energy in the body, becoming even more focused towards the subtle sensations, while calming the mind and taking control over it.
In the last part you will try to get into the meditative state of being, through careful observation of the breath and body, staying tuned in, attentive and non-reactive. We are going to sit for about 30 minutes – it will be challenging and deeply rewarding! Meditation practice in the group setting might be a lot easier for you than doing it alone, as the energy of other people aiming for the same goal is so empowering!
It will be her pleasure to guide you through this practice and help you achieve deeper understanding of what the yoga practice is all about.
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