The Benefits of Yoga & Meditation
The Benefits of Yoga and Meditation
In today’s environment, many people are suffering with the stress and anxiety of day to day living and are finding themselves unable to cope with life’s little emergencies. Prescription drugs are on the rise due to the increasing need for people to deal with their stress and anxiety. However, many people are searching for ways to be less stressed and live a happy and healthy life without drugs. If stress and anxiety are getting the best of you, then think about grabbing a mat and giving yoga and meditation a spin. With that in mind, this paper will take a look at the benefits of yoga and meditation to create a more peaceful and healthy lifestyle.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a centuries-old Eastern philosophy but what does a person normally think of when the word “yoga” is mentioned? Many will say they immediately think of uncompromising poses that only a young and nubile person could possibly achieve. Others may say that it is a practice that takes years of discipline and patience to acquire. While there may be a bit of truth in both these explanations, Shane Bance wrote an article on the definition of yoga and he defines it this way:
Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 500 years ago. The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." Yoga then is about the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness. (Bance, 2012)
Yoga is a blend of postures and breathing techniques that are combined to reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation, at the same time, is also beneficial to relieving stress and creating balance in one’s life.
What is Meditation?
While a meditative state is a natural outcome of practicing yoga, meditation as defined by The Free Dictionary ” is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present moment,
In today’s environment, many people are suffering with the stress and anxiety of day to day living and are finding themselves unable to cope with life’s little emergencies. Prescription drugs are on the rise due to the increasing need for people to deal with their stress and anxiety. However, many people are searching for ways to be less stressed and live a happy and healthy life without drugs. If stress and anxiety are getting the best of you, then think about grabbing a mat and giving yoga and meditation a spin. With that in mind, this paper will take a look at the benefits of yoga and meditation to create a more peaceful and healthy lifestyle.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is a centuries-old Eastern philosophy but what does a person normally think of when the word “yoga” is mentioned? Many will say they immediately think of uncompromising poses that only a young and nubile person could possibly achieve. Others may say that it is a practice that takes years of discipline and patience to acquire. While there may be a bit of truth in both these explanations, Shane Bance wrote an article on the definition of yoga and he defines it this way:
Yoga is an ancient Indian body of knowledge that dates back more than 500 years ago. The word "Yoga" came from the Sanskrit word "yuj" which means "to unite or integrate." Yoga then is about the union of a person's own consciousness and the universal consciousness. (Bance, 2012)
Yoga is a blend of postures and breathing techniques that are combined to reduce stress and anxiety. Meditation, at the same time, is also beneficial to relieving stress and creating balance in one’s life.
What is Meditation?
While a meditative state is a natural outcome of practicing yoga, meditation as defined by The Free Dictionary ” is a practice of concentrated focus upon a sound, object, visualization, the breath, movement, or attention itself in order to increase awareness of the present moment,
References: Bance, S. (2012). What is Yoga: Definition of Yoga and the Six Branches of Yoga. Retrieved March 16, 2013, from ABC 's of Yoga: http://www.abc-of-yoga.com/beginnersguide/whatisyoga.asp Farlex. (2013). Meditation. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from The Free Dictionary: http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/meditation Hooper, J. (2011, December). Adam Levine 's Rock-Star Yoga. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from Details: http://www.details.com/health-fitness/celebrity-workout/201112/maroon-5-adam-levine-yoga-workout-video Mats, LLC. (2013). Different Types of Yoga. Retrieved March 19, 2013, from Mats Mats Mats: http://www.matsmatsmats.com/yoga/yoga-disciplines.html McCollum, L. (2012, May 16). The Kundalini Yoga Brand: How Russell Brand and Other Celebrities are Making Kundalini Yoga Mainstream. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from Spirit Voyage Blog: http://www.spiritvoyage.com/blog/index.php/the-kundalini-yoga-brand-how-russell-brand-and-other-celebrities-are-making-kundalini-yoga-mainstream/ Merrifield, M. (2012, June 8). Breathe, Bend, Blossom! 12 Benefits of Yoga & Meditation. Retrieved March 23, 2013, from Mind, Body, Green, Your Guide to Wellness: http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5079/Breathe-Bend-Blossom-12-Benefits-of-Yoga-Meditation.html Millado, N. (2012, October 6). Pro Athletes that Practice Bikram Yoga. Retrieved March 21, 2013, from Bikram Yoga Wynnewood: http://www.bikramyogawynnewood.com/pro-athletes-that-practice-bikram-yoga/ Wade, M. (2012, April 26). Madonna Stays in Shape With Ashtang Yoga Workouts. Retrieved March 20, 2013, from Yoga Mums: http://www.yogamums.org/yoga-info/madonna-stays-in-shape-with-ashtanga-yoga-workouts