Hey everyone!

I have wanted to talk about yoga and meditation on this blog for a long time, so I bring you a new "YOGA" series.

Each blog post is referenced in a category (or series) which displays next to the title, and I also add tags at the end of the text. If you click on any of these words (for example, "FOOD"), it takes you to a list of articles listed under that category or tag. This will make it easier to find the articles that interest you.

So I want to tackle topics that talk about yoga and yoga meditation. I am probably speaking more to those of you who are already practicing yoga and meditation.

To be clear from the start, I don't see yoga as a way to cure pericarditis or chronic illness at all. This can eventually help to feel better, to relax, to find moments of relaxation, which can be a plus for mental health. But definitely, I don't believe yoga can be a cure.

I have been doing yoga for a very long time. I have been trained as a traditional yoga teacher for many years, and it is this experience that I want to share. Yoga has been a part of my life for so long and I am grateful that I have this resource now that I am sick.

There are different kinds of meditation, and even different kinds of yoga. As far as I am concerned, I have only studied traditional yoga in the line of Krishnamacharya and T.K.V. Desikachar (for those who want to situate) and I therefore propose to address certain technical or more philosophical aspects because these are subjects that fascinate me. So don't be surprised to find Sanskrit words here and there in the text.

I try to simplify my thinking as much as possible, because I know that when you're sick you definitely don't want to mess around with complicated concepts. I hope this will be useful to you.

Meditation has always intrigued me a lot and I start this series by telling you about 3 fundamentals of traditional yoga meditation.

1 / THE OBJECT OF MEDITATION IS ALWAYS POSITIVE

Paying attention to an object of meditation is a conscious choice that is made BEFORE meditating.

The purpose of meditation is to clarify the mind and absorb the positive qualities of the object of meditation so that it helps us to become a better version of ourselves.

Since our mind will absorb the qualities of the object we choose, it is very important that this object be positive.

For example, the flame of a candle, a tree, an elephant, are interesting objects of meditation. Pick whatever you want as long as it's positive. However, traditionally the object of meditation cannot be a human being.

You cannot meditate on your problems because it would be a negative object.

On the other hand, meditation will have an effect on the way in which we will approach our problems by bringing us another point of view.

By clearing the mind, meditation may allow us to find a solution that we have not yet thought of.

We must therefore not confuse the object of meditation with the effects of meditation on our mind. By clarifying our mind, meditation improves our ability to analyze and respond to a problematic situation.

2 / BREATHING IS ESSENTIAL, LIGHT AND ALMOST IMPERCEPTIBLE

Yoga is a mental discipline (and not a kind of gymnastics). Postures (ASANA) and breathing work (PRANAYAMA) are preparations for sitting posture and meditation. They are also important in the meditation itself.

Meditation (DHYANA) is the real goal of yoga practice.

Preparation consists of doing postures to mobilize the body before maintaining a prolonged sitting posture to meditate (which is quite restrictive for the body). Breathing control (PRANAYAMA) helps focus the mind so that it stops dispersing. It also allows, in the preparatory phase, to oxygenate and detoxify the body.

To enter meditation, you have to decrease your breath by breathing through your nose. There is then only a small trickle of air passing, the breath lengthens and the breathing is almost imperceptible to others. In fact, a certain level of carbon dioxide is needed in the blood, as if to fall asleep, hence the importance of good prior oxygenation (in order not to fall asleep).

3 / DON'T FORGET THE COUNTER-POSTURE

As with any yoga posture (ASANA), a suitable counter-posture must be done after meditation (DHYANA).

In traditional yoga, the counter-posture is used to eliminate the negative effects of a posture while maintaining its positive effects.

The same goes for meditation. One should avoid exiting abruptly from the meditative state. The counter-posture can take different forms.

Reduce the strength of the object of meditation before opening your eyes. Gradually regain awareness of the environment around us (sounds, smells, how it feels). Open your eyes, then stretch while breathing deeply. Taking time to reflect and write down your thoughts in a notebook right after meditation is also a form of counter-posture. The whole thing is to come back to reality little by little, taking the time to make a transition.

IN CONCLUSION

There are three phases in meditation:

• Choose a positive object of meditation.

• Meditate on this object.

• Integrate and become one with the object of meditation.

Integrate it figuratively, of course! It means absorbing its positive qualities (strength, stability, light, warmth, wisdom, etc.).

Meditation is a special way of functioning of the brain from which we can learn the keys to access. The more we practice, the more the dexterity of the brain to put itself in a state of meditation increases and is facilitated.

These fundamentals are part of advanced traditional yoga teaching, but even for beginners it is important to know the basics. Don't worry too much if all of this doesn't make sense at first. Just remember the broad outlines for now, and later, as you grow in your practice, it will naturally make sense.

EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME. JUST ENJOY THE PATH OF LIFE.

Pericordially yours,

Vali