Why Is Yoga Meditation So Popular In The West?

April 7th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

In the west, over the last few decades Yoga has gone from a topic, which seemed like taboo, to a topic which is regarded as an important topic for many reasons. The health benefits seem to be the biggest reason for the uptake of yoga in the west.

Yoga is a very old form of meditation. It does not just stop at meditation, however it encompasses visioning, and some other aspects which could be termed as paranormal. So, why would anyone want to meditate, and why are so many people doing yoga meditation?

In the west we have seen many changes happen in society. These changes which have gone from manual labor to what we have today, the service industry. This information age that we find ourselves in, is an age which puts in front computers. Computers operate at fast speeds. Computers, of course are technology creations. These are technologies, and by our use of time saving, we have done the opposite, and that is to go ever faster.

Life is fast paced today. In France several hundred years ago, if a king passed away, it could have taken a century before everyone heard the news! Today, this kind of information can get anywhere in the world. Think of this article, it is worldwide. You could read it, speak to your friends, and before long, everyone has read this article!

So, what does this have to do with the popularity of Yoga meditation in the west? It is simply, this fast paced society we find ourselves in. People can’t seem to have time to think. Ask someone to take a time out and breath deeply for a few seconds, and it seems like if they do, the world would run ahead, leaving them behind. But, this doesn’t provide answers.

The monarchic, monotheistic religions have not answered many questions. How do you get peace of mind in a fast paced world? The key is meditation, and yoga meditation is helping more and more people find that peace of mind. The world is not going to run off, and you will actually have much more energy and the ability to make the smart choices in life.

Yoga meditations main benefit is the spiritual aspect. In fact in the east that is the whole point of yoga meditation, to seek connection with the spiritual. Though this view of doing yoga meditation is more foreign in the west, more and more people understand that for them it may be the best way to get that spiritual connection which is essential in life.

The spiritual connection is not the main reason why people practice yoga in the west. For many the health benefits are the main reason of doing yoga mediation. The benefits are numerous, however, to touch on some, we have peace of mind, lower heart beat rate, and more flexibility in joints.

As we continue into the future, people need answers. Long gone is the view that we have to rush ahead. Technology is here to make life easier. Think of a room with Ikea furniture, and computers, even perhaps a setting such as Earth on Star Track, and you will find that the spiritual dimension is an important part of life. Yoga meditation will continue to be popular for the future in the west, as it has been for the ancients of India and Tibet.


Yoga Meditation Visualization Do’s and Don’ts

March 22nd, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Doing Yoga contains many benefits; however, what do you do with your mind? Meditation is a big part of Yoga, and for most people they soon find just how many thoughts they have in a short period of time - Still the mind.

When you begin any kind of meditation, whether that is yoga meditation or any other kind of meditation, the first thing you will become aware of, is how many thoughts you have in small periods of time. Beginning Yoga meditation exercises, may feel like you being caught up in a ship in a storm. This negative is also you biggest benefit. As you do Yoga over time, you will find that these thoughts gradually get less and less.

One principle you will find when learning about Yoga meditation, is visualization. Doing visualization during the periods of meditating, you will find that you can let go of the world, and find a more peaceful domain. Long gone is the time when such subjects as Yoga were considered a taboo. Today, many people find benefit from meditating, and doing visualization and quieting the mind offers many benefits - it calms the mind, and you feel more serene; but, what kind of things to visualize while you do your meditation sessions?

For some people they will choose to utilize the time of meditating and visualization to visualize peace and harmony, while others visualize success, and other meditate on world peace. However, before embarking on visualizing while doing your meditation sessions is to realize the huge impact of doing visualization.

Your mind is a powerful instrument, and for people dominated by negative thoughts, doing a visualization exercise that consists of negative thoughts, can literally end up turning your life upside down. This is why it is best first to get into a positive mental attitude, then look to quiet your thoughts before embarking on utilizing visualization exercises while meditating.

In today’s society, everyone wants it now. They want to get rich yesterday, reach enlightenment yesterday, and achieve success yesterday, but meditation is a topic to approach with a life long view. I am sure you want life to last as long as possible, and this is same for Yoga, it is something that stretches throughout your life.

The initial stage of getting your mind in order with fewer thoughts during your meditation session is the first biggest goal, and benefits will be found. An example to think about would be mice. Now if you do not like the thought of mice, then please accept my apologies, however, the example is the best to think of. Mice run around everywhere, they look chaotic. Mice have short lives; they are always in a rush. Humans in today’s world do the same thing, rush, rush, and rush. With meditation, and stilling the mind, you have a serene world, where you have less stress. Going through this harsh period is one which is well worth it, because you will live a longer life than the old you.

Doing Yoga is not a quick fix. You will not find benefits after your first session, but over the months and years, when you look back, you will see the benefits that Yoga has brought into your life. Visualization is a part of creating a peaceful and serene you. The process of visualization can also help you find your life purpose, which is what many in today’s world are seeking.