Meditation is a very important part of yoga. It is used to not only relieve your body and mind from stress but to help you learn to focus. Practicing meditation daily has many great benefits as well. It promotes increased lung strength, better immune system, stress relief, better memory, self awareness, and is believed to help find relief from many diseases.
There are several different poses for meditation used in yoga practices.
The full lotus position is believed to be the best position to meditate for yoga. In this position you are able to sit completely straight and still. In this position the legs are crossed with the bottom of the feet facing up resting on the hips. This is a very difficult position to achieve and can be painful at first.
The half lotus position is where one leg is under the opposite thigh with the other resting up top with the bottom of the foot facing up. This is usually the warm up position for the full lotus.
The Burmese position is an easier pose to learn. The legs do not cross; rather the knees are spread apart and flat to the ground with your feet resting towards your pelvis one in front of the other. Using a padded cushion or folded blanket is essential to help reduce any pain in the ankles and feet. Rest your cupped hands on your ankles and sit straight up.
The Egyptian position is ideal for beginners. You can sit in a chair with a cushion behind your back to promote straight posture. Place your cupped hands in your lap with your wrist touching your thighs.
Meditation can be achieved in virtually any position, but is not suggested while lying down because of possibility of falling asleep.
You begin your meditation by relaxing for a few minutes before hand. Find a quiet peaceful place where you will not be disturbed. Begin by choosing your focal point. This can be a word you simply repeat to yourself continuously or an object. Focus and clear your mind of other thoughts. Take deep breaths though your mouth counting to 10 and releasing your breathe for 10 more counts through your mouth. Breathe from your diaphragm. It’s ok for other thoughts to linger in while meditating. Simply refocus and on your word or object.
To get the best results of benefits from practicing meditation, you should find time within your day to meditate 10 to 20 minutes. For best results it is suggested that you meditate an hour a day. If you don’t have time to complete full meditation time, break it down into several times a day. Establishing a routine for meditation in your daily lifestyle will show the best results of benefits.