meditation

---

Simply, meditation is sitting in stillness with an intentional focus such as breath awareness, affirmations or manifestations. Meditation is fittingly referred to as a practice as the chaos of life can create barriers in the mind that prevent us from fulling experiencing a state of consciousness.  During meditation, the mind is awake and active, yet focused on the intention. As the mind begins to enter a state of awareness, the physical body begins to drift off into rest.  

Meditation has many benefits such as promoting peace, calmness and clarity.  Beyond releasing the worry, anxieties and fears of the mind, meditation can release the tension in our physical body by clearing blocked energy in areas such as the shoulders, hips and even in the digestive tract. 

OP Yoga meditation classes consist of breath awareness, gentle movement and seated, guided and intention-led stillness. Most meditation classes begin by drawing awareness to the present moment with the use of simple breath-centered exercises. We then move through a short series of movement and stretches. These prepare the body for meditation by opening and releasing blockages that may be lodged in areas such as the shoulders, hips and chest. You will then be led through a guided meditation with an active yet calm mind to promote awareness, connection, clarity and peace. 

As you sit in stillness, it is normal for thoughts to arise and the body to get antsy. There is no secret to "clearing the mind" in meditation and calmness takes practice, especially in times of stress. In class, you will learn tools to take you into a deeper state of awareness and consciousness. 

Meditation is traditionally practiced seated in a chair, on a firm pillow or the floor. It can also be performed lying down, although in this position there is a tendency for the mind to drift off into rest along with the body.