Calm

Meditation

Meditation will guide you towards calmness

By de-cluttering your mind of thoughts and anxieties that do not serve you, you will become more confident, focused and productive. It will help you see life in the present moment as it really is, free of the stories of the past and anxieties of the future.

Thousands of research studies have shown physiological benefits of meditation on the mind and body. By taking some time out each day to rest the mind through meditation, you will find clarity of thought, improved mood and lower stress levels, better decision making, improved immune function, better quality sleep and better health in general. Physiological effects include lower cortisol levels (stress hormone), more balanced serotonin and dopamine levels improving mood and positive epigenetic effects(turns on good genes and turns off bad genes). My ‘go to’ meditation practice is ISHTA yoga meditation, developed by yoga guru Alan Finger.

If you are looking to go deeper into Yoga, check out House of Yoga for training by my guru Mark Breadner

See below for some of our favourite meditation guides. I will be writing articles to replace some of the videos – feel free to suggest topics of interest on meditation.

Meditation

When is the best time to meditate?

Meditation can be done at any time, when you are in a quiet place, free of distractions and disturbance. Ideally the best time is in the morning, before your day starts. A regular meditation practice can set the tone for a focused, productive day in good mood.

How long should I meditate?

When you are starting, even a few minutes each day is beneficial. With practice, the ideal duration is 18 minutes. The aim is to be free of thoughts for the entire duration.

Meditation after Asana

If you do a regular yoga asana practice in the morning, pranayama and meditation can be done after the movement. If you have not done a yoga flow sequence, a pre-meditative asana will help prepare the mind and body for a more effective meditation session.

What if I have too many distracting thoughts during meditation?

This is a common complaint for those new to meditation. If you actively try to ignore the thoughts, it can become more distracting. What you should do is acknowledge the thought and move on, without giving it any more time. With practice, you will be able to empty your mind of thoughts for a longer period of time.

Meditating outdoors
Calm

Is it better to sit upright or lie flat during meditation?

It is common to be lying down in savasana (corpse pose)for meditation after a typical asana class but in fact, meditation is more effective if you sit upright, with the spine straight and legs crossed or in lotus position. It will allow better filling of the lungs with breathing and also, you will be less likely to be over relaxed and fall asleep.

What is the aim of meditation?

To empty the mind of thoughts. Our monkey minds are always full of thoughts, worries and anxieties about events in the past or the worse case scenarios of the future. In fact, the only reality is the present. By resting your mind and freeing it of vrittis (the mind’s chatter), we get closer to samadhi, the ultimate state of being when we are in oneness with the universe.

Sunrise meditation

What are the physiological benefits of Meditation?

A stronger immune system, better sleep, improved memory, more normal blood pressure and better pain tolerance. Better decision making due to clarity of thought can help facilitate weight loss by choosing healthier plant based whole foods and making a commitment to exercise or move regularly.

Calm
Mountain meditation

What are the psychological benefits of Meditation?

Less stress and anxiety, better mental health in terms of mood, outlook and self-confidence, self-awareness, better attention span, focus and concentration. Being in the present moment, being free of the stories you tell yourself and being free of the false opinions of others will help you find your true purpose in life.