Meditation and Yoga: Hippie or Helpful?
By Genevieve Cunningham
Meditation and yoga have been around for ages. In other parts of the world, they're completely normal parts of life. They're natural ways of living. But in the west, meditation and yoga are often seen as an odd pair. Though the unnecessary stigma surrounding these two practices is dropping, there is still some hesitation for many. So what gives? Are these two ancient practices worth it? If you're trying to decide whether meditation and yoga are more hippie or helpful, take a look at these benefits that may arise from their use.
The Benefits of Meditation
Meditation is more than just sitting with your legs crossed. It's a way to listen -- or rather recognize -- your inner thoughts. It involves sitting, standing, or lying down and then allowing your thoughts to flow through without any judgment. It sounds easy, but it's actually incredibly difficult. Once you get the hang of it -- even if you can only do it for five minutes -- the benefits are plenty. Regular meditation lowers stress, slows the heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and evens moods. It's incredibly powerful. The key is to stick with it. No one manages to meditate well on the first try -- it takes hours and hours of practice. And if need be, seek out a teacher. Meditation might sound a bit hippie, but the benefits are proven, and you'll definitely benefit from its presence in your life.
The Benefits of Yoga
Yoga can bring many of the same benefits as meditation -- calm mind, less stress, etc. But it also brings physical benefits. Those who do yoga on a regular basis might experience stronger muscles, better balance, and a much wider range of motion. With just the practice of yoga, you can improve both physical and mental health. What could be better? The good news is that yoga is becoming more and more mainstream. If you want a class that feels fairly modern and less ancient, you can likely find one at a nearby gym.
Both meditation and yoga are excellent additions to any routine. Sure, they might feel a little hippie in nature, but once you get past the initial hesitation, the helpful nature of these tools in your life is impossible to miss. The only way to know for sure is to try it for yourself. Go slowly, experiment with style, and bring each of these into your life in a meaningful way. Before long, you won't care if they're hippie or not. The benefits will be worth the experience every time.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Brownsville Tex.