As humans we experience all sorts of circumstances that put us under pressure on a daily basis. Whether this is pressure from friends, family, school, work, society etc. As human beings we all need a bit of a break and reclaim our energy back! Without relaxing we wouldn't function properly and our mind would be in overdrive. We should go at a nice steady pace and our lives will flow steadily which is better for our general health.
It is claimed that meditation is good as it increases blood flow to the brain. It causes our muscles to relax and it is vital for our immune system too. Overall for our mental state and well being.
Which is why I tried out something different last week. A yoga and gong bath session.
This was my first time and it was very relaxing. I would highly recommend it especially if you have had a huge amount of stress lately whatever it is. This is a great way to relax and recharge your batteries after a hectic week. I would recommend going to a session every week just so that it helps to clarify and identify your inner thoughts and relax your mind.
What is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient technique which originated from India. Yoga involves ancient exercises that focus on breathing, flexibility, spirituality strength and mental well being. This practice is often part of the Hindu religion however it was introduced to the West in the 19th Century by Swami Vivekananda.
These exercises involved flexible movements and postures such as sitting on a mat with legs crossed, breathing in from the nose, holding the breathe for a few seconds and then releasing this air back out into the open from the mouth. Hands were placed on the knees with the back straight in posture.
What is a Gong Bath?
A Gong bath is a type of sound therapy which involves the person to lay down and relax their bodies by thinking of a place where they feel most comfortable in. The term 'bath' is used as a way of saying that that the body is 'bathed' using sound waves.
Whilst I was at the session, we were asked to lay down and meditate by doing a few breathing exercises just like during the yoga session. Then a few sounds were played using instruments whilst we had our eyes closed.
After this session, I felt very relaxed. The overall experience was very refreshing and brought feelings of oneness and I truly felt whole. My head felt a lot lighter and my inner thoughts seemed to have had subsided throughout the day. I felt healthier and calmer as if I was a newborn baby.
New to Meditation?
📷If you want to learn more about meditation techniques I love this book called The Mind Illuminated by Culadasa (John Yates PhD) and Matthew Immergut PhD with Jeremy Graves as it describes step by step procedures of meditation. Teachings come from the wisdoms of Buddha. This book is essential if you are new to meditation.
It is good of you are into Law of Attraction and enjoy manifesting good experiences in your life. The Mind Illuminated offers a ten stage program into mindfulness and help meditators deepen their inner thoughts and expand their conscience state and well being.
What I love about this book is that it offers charts and illustrations which definitely help me understand the logistics of the mind and overcome any form of dullness and distractions that dominate our inner thoughts and belief system! It is a jewel and I like to read it just before I go to bed as it helps me to relax and have a positive outlook.
Thank you for reading my article. If you also want to read this book I have attached the link below which will take you directly on the Amazon's website.