Yoga means Union. Though many people think this term refers to union between body and mind or body, mind and spirit, the traditional acceptance is union between one's individual consciousness and the Universal Consciousness. Therefore Yoga refers to a certain state of consciousness as well as to methods that help one reach that goal or state of union with the divine.
Yoga meditation is a systematic process, in which you work with the grosser or more external aspects of your being, and then move inward, doing the more delicate practices, which gently brings you to meditation.
The specific stretches or postures, survey or relaxation methods, breathing practices, and types of meditation will also vary, depending on your level of expertise and predispositions. The amount of time spent with each of the practices may vary, depending on your own training and predispositions. The total length of practice may also vary.
The practice of yoga meditation relies upon various positioning of the body. Through the exercise that yoga enables as well as the flexibility it can help physical forms to achieve, yoga meditation can lead to deep meditation and help an individual to attain greatness and power in their own lives. Yoga mediation is not simply the practice of yoga, however. The practice of yoga is beneficial to the body alone. By combining the techniques of yoga with the principles of meditation, however, individuals can experience greater enlightenment and achievement both mentally and physically.
Before doing the actual meditation sequence of stretches, survey, breathing, and meditation, it is most useful to spend some amount of time practicing contemplation, prayer, and/or mantra. This pre-meditation time is also an excellent time to reflect on your day, relationships, priorities in life, and reinforcing your commitment to your spiritual practices. This is a process of internal dialogue, a positive way of self-discussion; it is a two-sided communication with yourself, a dialogue, not just a one-sided monologue, or chattering of the mind.
Use meditation and yoga in everyday life whenever you feel like it for your well-being - or as more advanced practices, when you wish to go deeper. It is at your disposal, when you wish to overcome limitations, develop your capacities and explore yourself.
Meditation and yoga consists of various methods and techniques. Each part is something in itself and can be used independently of the other parts, however when you use them together, their effect is increased.
Prepare the body physically. Bathe or wash your face, hands, and feet. Empty the bowels and bladder. Have a regular time and place. Establish a lifestyle conducive to meditation. Your place of yoga meditation should be somewhere where you are not in the traffic pattern of other people. It is, of course, very nice when people can work together in a family (or workplace) so as to provide quiet space and time for one another.
