Meditation has been found to have positive effects on physical health. It can lower blood pressure, strengthen immune system & even reduce chronic aches & pains. It is also believed to enhance creativity & intuition. The magic of meditation is its simplicity. It is simply “doing one thing, with one or zero thoughts, focused on breath or in-tune with it. Simply not allowing, not engaging with thoughts that may pass by. Meditation can really be practiced anywhere, anytime & by anyone. The power of meditation is in its ability to bring us in the present moment. It brings in the sense of inner peace, harmony & sometime release of emotions.
According to Patanjali’s yoga sutras, meditation & yoga (as in yoga asanas) are intertwined & together lead to the state of single-mindedness. It’s called Ekagrata. Patanjali also emphasizes the practice of physical postures (asanas) & breath control (pranayama) to purify & strengthen the body, calm the mind & stay disciplined. These are essential to achieve single-mindedness with ease. Therefore, Yoga is an entire concept encompassing movement & stillness.
