Hatha Yoga is one of the most popular forms of Yoga and is widely practiced across the world by lay persons and Yogis alike. Hatha Yoga considers the physical form or the human body to be the vessel for the soul, and lays a great deal of importance on physical discipline.

The physical discipline is achieved through ‘asanas’ (postures), ‘pranayam’ (breathing exercises) and meditation. By carrying out these activities, the body is moulded into a perfect receptacle for spiritual elements.

The ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayamas’ are used to power the energy channels called the ‘nadis’. The ‘asanas’ help to develop will power, concentration and self-withdrawal, and enable the practitioner of Hatha Yoga to move closer towards Samadhi, which is the Yogic term for bliss and inner peace.

The ‘asanas’, which are well thought-out physical exercises, make the human body more supple and fitter. They are designed to make the muscles stronger, energize your key organs, improve mind-body coordination and to give the mind the sufficient amount of strength to stay cool and relaxed in times of need.

‘Pranayama’ is an equally important aspect to the practice of Hatha Yoga. It is through these breathing exercises that you activate and channel the vital life energy (termed as ‘Prana’). When this vital energy travels from the base of the spine to the top of the head, you can achieve Samadhi. The benefits of achieving this state of bliss are somewhat obvious. This canalization of ‘Prana’ is also termed as Kundalini Yoga, which is one of the many branches of Yoga that has originated from Hatha Yoga.

The term ‘Hatha’ has been derived from the words ‘Ha’ and ‘Tha’; ‘Ha’ means ‘Sun’ and ‘Tha’ means ‘Moon’. In Yoga, the sun is perceived as radiating positive energy while the moon radiates negative energy. Thus, Hatha Yoga is based on the principle of a harmonizing union between the pairs of opposites (positive and negative). Therefore, taken together, the term ‘Hatha’ stands for ‘union of force’.

The prolonged practice of Hatha Yoga can help you recognize that a divine light shines within you. This awareness will make you stronger, more flexible and relaxed. The relaxation exercises involved in practicing Hatha Yoga opens the ‘nadis’ allowing your spiritual energy to flow freely. All sorts of benefits are received when this happens.

Hatha Yoga is a great way to rid yourself of stress, tension and anxiety. It also helps you improve your overall health and fitness. All in all Hatha Yoga is a great tool to develop your inner self whilst toning, conditioning and relaxing your outer self.

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Hectic schedule and modern life work, makes most of the people feel stressed and overworked. There is not just enough time in a day to wrap up everything. We feel tired, impatient and unhappy because of work load. It can also affect our body and mind. We are often so busy that there is not enough time to stop and meditate.

Meditation is mental as well as physical discipline that attempts a deeper state of relaxation. It also involves turning the attention from single point reference. It has been practiced since antiquity and is also component of many religions and sometimes also practiced outside the religion. But meditation actually gives more time to keep mind calmer and more focused. Different meditative techniques involves wide ranges of spiritual and psychological practices that focuses on different goals like higher state of consciousness, creativity or self-awareness, or simply a more relaxed and peaceful frame of mind. Secrets of meditation help to stay active and sharp.

The purpose or aim behind meditation breathing is to calm the mind and develop an inner peace. First step of meditation is to stop distraction and make mind calmer and more lucid. This can be achieved by regular practising of a simple breath meditation. Always choose quiet and clean place to meditate and sit in comfortable position or sit in cross legged posture or any other position that’s comfortable for you. Then close your eyes partially and turn attention to breathing while meditation. Breathe naturally through nostrils without attempting to control your breath and become aware of the sensation of breath as it enters and leaves the nostrils. You should try to concentrate on it; focus on a single point on the sensation of the breathing and try to avoid different thoughts that arise in the mind. If you notice that mind is distracted and is following thoughts, immediately return to breath. Repeat this as many times until the mind calms and settles.

Meditation audio guides through a series of steps or imagery exercises. Meditation audio includes various forms of music, tones to relax or stimulate brain waves. Most of the people find audio for meditation is helpful because it provides diversity in practice as well as discipline. Another plus point of using free guided audio meditation is the opportunity to try many different styles and presenters. Music helps to relax, calm and helps to gain concentration.

You can use the Meditation chair as proper posture is essential. Sit up comfortably stable and straight. Keep feet grounded on the floor and hands should be on the knees. Chest should lift up and shoulders should be down during meditation.

By practicing the basic secrets of meditation, gradually our thoughts will settle and will experience relaxation and joy of inner peace. Mind becomes spacious and will fell refreshed. Stress and tension comes from mind. Many of the problems including ill health are caused by this stress. Concentration on breathing helps to calm distracting thoughts and mind will become lucid and clear. Breathing meditation and audio meditation keep inner peace and contentment just by controlling the mind.

Michael Bunata is author of this article on Secrets of Meditation. Find more information about The Basic Secrets of Meditation here.

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