Living healthy with Yoga

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This post has been contributed by Varuna Shunglu- Yoga practioner of 12 years, councillor and award winning author. You can find her book on Yoga and mindfulness for teens here.

Ancient practices like Meditation, Yoga, and NSDR, drawn from Yoga Sutras and Vedas, seek inner tranquility via distinct yet interconnected paths. While sharing a pursuit of inner harmony, they differ in approach. This exploration unveils their pillars, similarities, and differences, guiding the modern quest for self-discovery.

Ancient practices like Meditation, Yoga, and NSDR, drawn from Yoga Sutras and Vedas, seek inner tranquility via distinct yet interconnected paths. While sharing a pursuit of inner harmony, they differ in approach. This exploration unveils their pillars, similarities, and differences, guiding the modern quest for self-discovery.

The Magic of Meditation

Meditation, drawn from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, encompasses pivotal components for inner exploration and peace. Dhyana, the art of focused contemplation, guides the mind towards clarity. Pratyahara allows the shift inward, disengaging from external distractions for introspection. Dharana cultivates unwavering focus, fostering mental stability. Ultimately, Samadhi beckons the meditator to merge with the meditative object, experiencing unity and transcendence. As Patanjali wrote, “Yogas chitta vritti nirodhah” – Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind, emphasizing the pursuit of mental stillness in the journey of meditation. As you keep practicing this wonderful science, you’ll notice the glow in your skin, the energy levels through the day and the deep rest you get at night, and you’ll wake up feeling creative and focused. 

The Power of Yoga (Asana + Pranayama Dharana + Dhyana + Samadhi)

Yoga, as defined in the Vedas, is a holistic approach intertwining body, mind, and spirit. Through Asanas, physical postures amplify strength, flexibility, and inner balance. Pranayama regulates breath, nurturing vitality and mental clarity. Embracing Dhyana, the broader essence of yoga includes meditative practices for mental serenity and inner peace. This holistic synergy embodies the transformative power of Yoga, harmonizing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions for overall well-being, as depicted in the Vedas’ principles. It’s an interconnected system fostering strength, inner balance, and profound harmony. 

NSDR backed by Neuroscience and the wisdom of Yoga Nidra

Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR), also known as Yoga Nidra, centers on profound relaxation, aiming to induce a conscious state of rest. Through guided relaxation, practitioners experience a deep sense of calm using visualization and body scanning techniques. Sankalpa, a pivotal component, directs positive intentions to influence the subconscious towards a specific purpose. Integrating body awareness, the practice nurtures a mindful connection to the physical self, facilitating the release of tension and fostering a state of relaxation. This blend of guided relaxation, positive intention, and bodily awareness epitomizes the essence of NSDR or Yoga Nidra for achieving deep rest and inner harmony.If you or someone you know has been experiencing feelings of tiredness, depression, anxiety or grief, sleeplessness or even I’ll health due to stress a great way to begin is by harnessing the power of Yoga nidra.

Similarities between the paths to self realization

In the pursuit of mental tranquility and personal growth, Meditation, Yoga, and NSDR share common aspirations of achieving inner harmony and well-being. These practices advocate focus, self-awareness, and control of the mind and senses, steering individuals on an inward journey for holistic development. However, they each possess distinct approaches and focal points. Meditation, rooted in the Yoga Sutras, emphasizes mental clarity, contemplation, and transcendence. Yoga encompasses physical postures, breath control, and meditative practices, advocating a holistic approach to wellness. Meanwhile, NSDR or Yoga Nidra primarily focuses on guided relaxation techniques, neuroplasticity of the brain, and facilitating a conscious state of deep rest and relaxation.

Differences on the path to Inner peace and deep rest and spiritual awakening

Although Meditation, Yoga, and NSDR diverge in their methodologies, they intertwine through shared principles of mindfulness and inner exploration for attaining peace and self-awareness. This has become exceedingly popular in Hollywood and silicon valley. 

While Meditation hones mental clarity, Yoga integrates physical and meditative aspects, and NSDR centers on profound relaxation. Each offers a unique path to achieving mental peace and well-being, reflecting the diversity of methods available to seekers in their quest for inner tranquility and personal growth.

In conclusion, these practices offer diverse yet complementary approaches to inner harmony, encompassing mental clarity, physical wellness, and profound relaxation.  The amalgamation of their shared principles and distinctive methodologies presents a spectrum of paths for individuals in their pursuit of mental serenity and self-discovery. Each method serves as a valuable tool on the journey towards achieving inner peace and holistic well-being.