By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
Mindfulness meditation techniques complement a Yoga posture (asana) practice beautifully. The practice of mindfulness meditation, or awareness through witness consciousness, helps a Yoga student to be aware of the needs, limitations, and wisdom of his or her body, during a Yoga class.
Awareness
This awareness is important during both a vigorous flowing session of Yoga asanas, as well as a gentle restorative Yoga practice. In both cases, remaining aware of the needs of the body, and one’s emotions, during an asana session, will help a student to release deeply-held tension and support the healing of one’s body and mind.
Witnessing Consciousness
By maintaining a state of mindfulness, and by witnessing consciousness during a Yoga training session, a student will be able to ascertain the state of his or her own mind and body. With this awareness, he or she will be able to engage in Yoga asanas and pranayama exercises that will replenish, relax, strengthen, and nourish one’s being on all levels. Becoming aware of what your body and mind actually need, at any given moment during a Yoga class, may seem easy, but it is trickier than you might first believe.
Avoiding Self-Harm
Often, we have strict expectations for ourselves and our Yoga practice. If we are able to go into an Upward-Facing Bow on Tuesday, we should absolutely be able to go into this challenging pose on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday – regardless of the daily fluctuating state of our bodies. Disregarding our bodies’ needs and limitations, pushing through our current physical state, can cause injury and a sense of violence toward one’s self. This is the antithesis of one of the main tenets of the Yoga Sutras, which we know as Ahimsa or non-harming.
Needs and Limits
To remain unaware of your physical needs and limitations, and to do the poses you think you should be able to do anyway, even if your body hurts, is an act of self-harm. Respecting your body’s needs and limitations springs first from a non-judgmental awareness of your daily physical and emotional needs. For example, does it seem silly that you are having trouble maintaining Tree Pose today? If so, you may want to utilize the mindfulness meditation technique of non-judgmental and compassionate exploration of the reasons for your lack of balance today. Are you upset about something? Are you feeling rushed or emotionally off balance?
Honoring One’s Self
If so, do you know why? Is there another pose that would better help you to ground, center, balance, and relax, today? Putting this awareness and wisdom into practice is a critical component of allowing your body to relax and trust you. This honoring of your own physical needs and limitations will support you in creating physical and emotional health, ease, and complete well-being.
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Mindfulness Training Certification
By Dr. Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, YACEP
A mindfulness meditation teacher certification course will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach mindfulness meditation. The course will cover topics such as the history and origins of mindfulness meditation. In addition, you learn the science behind it, and how to effectively teach it to others. In fact, you will also learn about the different types of mindfulness meditation. Also, you find out how to choose the right one for your students. After completing the course, you will be able to confidently lead mindfulness meditation classes and help your students achieve a state of calm and peace.
Should We Practice Postures or Not?
Should postures be practiced before meditation? Of course, this happens in Yoga classes all the time. However, there is no hard and fast rule about whether or not postures should be practiced before meditation. Additionally, many people find that taking some time to focus on their physical body and aligning their posture can help them to feel more comfortable and focused during meditation. When your students are new to meditation, it may be helpful to experiment with different approaches and see what works best for them.
Wait for a Second!
Surely, you can’t practice meditation without being in a posture of some kind. There are many different postures that you can use for meditation, and it is important to find the posture that is most comfortable for you. Some people prefer to sit in a chair with their feet on the ground, while others like to sit on the floor with their legs crossed. You can also lie down on your back if you prefer. The important thing is that you are comfortable and that your spine is straight. Once you have found a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus on your breath.
Giving to Your Students
Ultimately, you pass on the classic teachings of the past and your personal experience to your students. Giving to the next generation is one of the most important things we can do. By becoming certified in mindfulness training, we can help those who are struggling with anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. We can provide them with the tools they need to lead happier, healthier lives. In addition, we can pass on our knowledge to others so that they can benefit from it as well.
Making a Difference
Mindfulness training certification can help you make a difference in the lives of others. As a certified mindfulness instructor, you’ll be able to teach people of all ages how to live in the present moment and find peace and calmness in their lives. You’ll be able to help them cope with stress, anxiety, and other challenges in a more positive way. In addition, you’ll be helping to create a more compassionate world for future generations.
© Copyright – Aura Wellness Center – Publications Division
For example if you are performing Tree Pose, concentrate by fixing your sight at a point nearly one meter away from your foot, at the ground. In doing so, you will be without any thought. This will help you in standing on a leg for longer time to master on Tree pose.
A beautiful article. Thanks guuys for sharing!
By maintaining a state of mindfulness, and by witnessing consciousness during a Yoga training session, a student will be able to ascertain the state of his or her own mind and body. Thanks for sharing this informative article.
The practice of mindfulness meditation, helps a Yoga student to be aware of the needs, limitations, and wisdom of his or her body, during a Yoga class. The article is very informative. Thanks.