Meditation
Self-knowledge through mind/body awareness
The earliest mentions of meditation can be found in the Hindu Vedas (the oldest parts are written c. 1700- 1100 BCE). Arguably the most influential work on Hindu yogic meditation is, however, a later text: Patanjali’s collection of aphorisms Yoga Sutra (compiled prior to 400 CE). Meditation is the seventh limb of Patanjali’s eight-limbed yoga, and its Sanskrit term is Dhyana. In Yoga Sutra, Dhyana is a way to achieve the final and eight limbs of yoga: Samadhi. Samadhi is an ecstatic and unitive state in which the meditator becomes one with the object of meditation. In other words, it is a way for the meditator to reach a union with and an understanding of the ultimate reality, as well as self-knowledge.
Even though the Hindu tradition of meditation is the one most associated with yoga, it is by no means the only tradition. Several religions include some form of meditation as a way to get closer to God or enlightenment, including Buddhism, Jainism, Taoism, Bahá’í, Christianity, Judaism, and Sufism. Though meditation can be found in many religions, it is not intrinsically religious. It can be used simply to relax, replenish your energy or focus the mind.
There are several benefits associated with meditation. Again and again, studies show that practicing meditation reduces stress. It also helps us to put our lives in perspective, balancing our temper and deepening our self-knowledge. In other words, meditation is just what you need after a hard day’s work! There are several different forms of meditation. Some use mantras (repeated sounds, words or songs) to focus, others use mental images or specific movements.
In others yet, you turn your attention to a specific sense or body part to stay present in the here and now. At Yogateket, we focus on meditation within the Hindu yoga and Buddhist traditions. This includes meditation with mantras, Samadhi/Shamata meditation (focused consciousness) and Metta Bhavana meditation (Loving kindness). The process of meditation develops and balances your mind and body, and is a perfect complement to active yoga.
2 Programs
Two Week Meditation Program
Guided meditation for beginners and experienced meditators alike. Begin a meditation practice or deepen the one you have.
Meditation, or mindfulness practice, connects you to the present moment, and that is good for both the mind and the body. We begin right now, right where you are. Start with the Info Video.
- Week 1: Discover Yourself uses the body to ground the mind, Make Friends with Your Mind works with thoughts and distraction, and You're Alive follows the breath from the nose to the belly.
- Week 2: Hearing the Universe uses sound, Be a Baby explores sensation before words, and Body Scan closes the program with more time in silence.
The sessions are 15 to 20 minutes. The Completion Video gives you ideas for how to keep going. Level 1, no props needed.
Whole30 Yoga Practice Program
Want to bring more movement into your life? This program gives you 30 days of yoga, movement, breathing and mindfulness, one class a day. It started as a companion to the Whole30 timeline, but anyone can start it on any day.
The classes come from across Yogateket's library and teachers, so you get to try a bit of everything:
- Week 1 mixes a steady Vinyasa flow like A Well Rounded Class with an evening wind-down in Halftime: Winding Down, the Loving Kindness Meditation and your first Simple Breathing Practice.
- Week 2 brings standing work in Yoga 20: Stand Tall, passive backbends in Lean Back and Relax: Passive Backbends, the first strength workout, Let's Begin, and Yoga for the Face.
- Week 3 goes from the gentle Easy Flow to Short Ashtanga Practice and Deep Relaxation Practice.
- Week 4 builds strength with 15 Minute Core and Strengthen Your Hamstrings, and slows down with Meditation for A Restless Mind.
- Week 5 ends with Jump into Malasana and Hips and Shoulders.
The classes are 10 to 60 minutes long, mostly level 1-2. Keep a pair of blocks nearby.
1 Challenge
21 Day Meditation
This 21 day meditation is a good yoga challenge to give yourself. It is accessible and no experience is needed. We start right at the beginning and build it up gradually. Ever thought about meditating? Now is the time. Be kind to yourself and meditate for ten minutes a day.
Meditation can help you concentrate, be present, calm your mind and sleep better. Start with the Information Video.
- Week 1 teaches the two main objects of meditation, the breath and sound: from Day 1: Your Practice Starts Here to Day 7: Infinite Space.
- Week 2 adds noticing distraction, the body scan, and lying and standing meditation: from Day 8: Notice Distraction, Simple? to Day 14: Stand to Attention.
- Week 3 brings longer silence, walking meditation and positive mental states, and ends with Day 21: Congratulations.
Ten minutes a day, level 1, no props needed. A small habit that can last a lifetime.
