FILEX 2017 PRESENTER
EAST MEETS WEST ON MEDITATION
The connection between Eastern thought and Western science is bringing more attention to the benefits of meditation .
WORDS : LISA GREENBAUM
A ccording to the ancient Yogi ’ s ,
our life force , or breath , is prana
( or Chi from a TCM perspective ). Prana travels through the body by way of breathing , and so impacts lung and heart function . However , prana also regulates our emotional wellbeing and physicality through the energy we carry . Sometimes our energy is frantic and airy , and this can be regulated through slow exhales . Other times it ’ s dull and heavy , which can be adjusted with deeper inhales . In meditation , our prana is regulated and balanced , which is why we feel energised yet calm , centered and balanced . In fact the reason we have asana ( poses ) is to stretch and strengthen the body so we are able to sit comfortably for longer periods of meditation . Both yoga philosophy and our first knowledge of yoga itself points to meditation , with the discovery 6,000 years ago of stone seals depicting people seated in meditation .
The connection between Eastern thought and Western science is bringing more and more attention to the benefits of meditation . Among others , meditation has been linked to reducing stress by increasing melatonin and serotonin and reducing cortisol , to alleviate insomnia and decrease chronic pain . In a 2012 study published by the American Heart
Association , transcendental meditation was shown to decrease heart attack and stroke by 48 per cent for those diagnosed with heart disease ; ‘ We hypothesised that reducing stress by managing the mindbody connection would help improve rates of this epidemic disease ’, said Robert Schneider , M . D ., lead researcher ; ‘ It appears that Transcendental Meditation is a technique that turns on the body ’ s own pharmacy – to repair and maintain itself .’
The easiest way to start a meditation practice is to just do it . What about now ? Sit up in your chair , close your eyes and take five deep breaths in and out . Notice the shifts you feel mentally , energetically , physically . Imagine how you would feel after five or even 20 minutes ?
Your mind will wander ! Don ’ t stress about it . When you notice thoughts crowding your mind , simply come back to your breath or another point of concentration . Sometimes listening to a piece of music , or even repeating an intention or mantra such as the word ‘ peace ’ or ‘ I am love ’ will help you stay
focused . With steady practice you will notice that you ’ re able to stay in your meditation longer , with fewer distractions . The best reasons to practice meditation are those that resonate with you , as they will call you back again and again .
Lisa Greenbaum holds her E-RYT 500 in yoga and is the Program Development Manager for YogaFit Australia and Director of YogaFit Canada .
28-30 APRIL 2017 / ICC SYDNEY
Lisa is presenting at FILEX 2017 – read about her sessions , and register , at filex . com . au / presenters
Meditation and Mindfulness workshop
YogaFit ’ s 1-day workshop , Meditation and Mindfulness , is offered throughout Australia and requires only a Certificate III as a pre-requisite . If you are interested in learning more about meditation for yourself and for your clients this is a perfect place to start . yogafitaustralia . com / meditation
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