Meditation - Learn The Basics of Mindfulness Practice

Are you stressed? Being stressed has become the norm for so many people they hardly recognize the symptoms or consider that there might be another way to live. We are often overwhelmed by our technology and the pace of our lives. In a sense, we are losing touch with our selves—rarely paying attention to our bodies and emotions. With so much to be done, we get caught up in the speed and miss out on the moment. Here are some signs that you might be stressed:

• Constantly feeling anxious and worried

• Feeling irritable, agitated and easily annoyed

• Argumentative and defensive with friends and family

• Restless sleeping

• Low levels of energy, often waking up feeling tired

• Restless and frenetic mind

• Often self-critical and/or critical of others

• Feeling flat and uninspired

• Having difficulty concentrating

• Skin rashes and conditions

• Clenching your jaw muscles or grinding your teeth at night

• Headaches and migraines

Why Mindfulness Meditation? Meditation is increasingly getting popular as more and more people discover its wide-range of benefits. Although this practice has been around for centuries now, it’s only recently that scientific researchers have discovered a strong link between meditation and physical health. In this fast-paced world, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by thoughts and feelings. We often end up developing stress and anxiety issues and as a result, our health deteriorates significantly. Health experts around the world concur that practicing a little mindfulness every day can make all the difference. The physical, emotional and mental benefits of meditation are immense and now well documented. Benefits

• Increased immune function

• Lowered blood pressure

• Lowered heart rate

• Increased awareness

• Less reactive to ourj emotions and thoughts

• Increased attention and focus

• Increased clarity in thinking and perception

• Lowered anxiety levels

• Experience of being calm and internally still

• Experience of feeling connected

• Lower stress, anxiety, depression, etc

• Improve sleep

Who can practice mindfulness meditation? Anyone. Children, teens and adults can benefit from mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation transcends all religious & cultural backgrounds, everyone can benefit. It can be as simple as closing your eyes and being silent for a few minutes a day. Mindfulness meditation can be formal (seated) or informal (for example walking) so that everyone can find a way that fits his or her personality and lifestyle. Mindfulness meditation can be done seated, standing, walking or even lying down. You do not have to be seated on the floor in a complicated pose. About Our Meditation Classes At The Yoga Place we offer Mindfulness Meditation classes. Mindfulness has been shown in research and studies to be useful for improving physical, emotional and mental health. The list of benefits is numerous but it is especially helpful for decreasing stress. Through the practice of mindfulness we can improve our overall well-being. We can learn to become more relaxed and accepting of others and ourselves, improving our health, relationships and much more. Each class consists of a brief lecture followed by mindfulness techniques such as body scans, relaxation and seated meditation. No prior experience is required and instruction will be provided for new people. This meditation class is part of the regular yoga program and can be paid for with class packages, unlimited or individual class. Ages 16 and up are welcome. Younger children must have permission of the instructor. Tuesday’s 6:30-7:30 PM Thursday 11:00-12:00 PM

SIGN UP FOR CLASS HERE