To start the journey to finding inner peace, one must first answer the question “What does meditation mean to me.” The path the enlightenment is unique to the individual and
Yoga Meditation
“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” ― The Bhagavad Gita
Yoga is an all-encompassing and careful practice that incorporates physical developments (asana), breathing (pranayama), meditation (dhyana) and unwinding (savasana). The training develops mind-body mindfulness, advances physical development, and creates closeness within one’s inner being (e.g., feelings, considerations, physical sensations). Yoga can likewise naturally relieve problems like stress or anxiety by calming down the sensory system. Through its effect on stress, yoga can assist with diminishing physiological stimulation, for instance reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure; an advantage for individuals who tend to be restless, tense, and anxious.
There are a wide assortment of classes and styles of yoga, but all include a similar format: a variety of postures combined with controlled breath intended to advance movement and calm the mind. The positions require an individual to fixate their attention on the pose being held while simultaneously synthesizing with their breath. Creating a flow allows the mind to concentrate on the moment rather than surrounding distractions.
The intention behind yoga is to find mindfulness through the physical movement.
Loving Kindness (Mecca Meditation)
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries.
Without them, humanity cannot survive.”
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV
Loving kindness is the practice of expressing unconditional love, compassion, and positivity into the world around you. Also known as Metta Meditation, this practice is set with the intention of softening the mind and heart. Loving Kindness allows an individual to open their mind by focusing on a deeper care of others (and your own) well-being.
This type of meditation can be practiced in any position the individual finds comfort in. Whether sitting, standing, or lying down the aim is to relax the body and mind, opening yourself to warmth. Once you have gained control of your breath and moved your mind away from distractions, you can create an intention for your practice. It could be based around compassion, love, well-being, growth, safety, joy, etc. With this intention in mind, the individual may choose a mantra (A word or sound to aid in the concentration of meditation), that will be repeated throughout the practice, for example, “May I”. Throughout the practice you may expand your compassion from yourself, to your loved ones, to all living beings, and to nature.
For example:
Intentions surrounding yourself:
“May I be happy”, “May I be free of pain and suffering”, “May I be healthy”, “May I find inner-peace”
Intentions surrounding loved ones:
“May my family be safe and live a joyous life”, “May my friends reach their goals”, “May the love of my life find balance”
Intentions surrounding all beings:
“May all the hedgehogs find their way back home today”, “May the grocery clerk find a reason to smile”, “May all living beings have their moment of happiness”
Intentions for Nature:
“May the trees around me grow and prosper”, “May the mountains stay grounded”, “May the flowers grow this spring”
When you slowly begin to end your practice, remember what you had thought about and how to continue positive thinking.
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Mindful Path To Peace 