How Have Yoga and Meditation Changed Your Life?
November 21, 2008 by Susan Watiker
Filed under Fitness
Just sitting here on this cold and snowy Friday in northeast Ohio, making Thanksgiving and holiday plans, and thinking about the blessings in my life.
While I can always think of something to be cautious or worry about (sorry, healthy skeptic in recovery here), I have to say, my practices–both yoga and meditation–have not only changed my life, they’ve made my thoughts healthier, too.
There are so many areas of my life where I can see change and positive energy, that in the past I had either overlooked or not even considered. My practices have spurred me to take self-care more seriously, made me more accepting of myself and others, and helped me appreciate the universe on so many levels.
Where I used to look and see nothing but obstacles, I see opportunity. I am more vigilant in my relationships, not to mention a great deal kinder and more open-minded. The best thing–I feel better physically, mentally and emotionally. I am more curious about the world around me and how things fit together, and, sometimes, how they don’t, and maybe even shouldn’t.
Yoga and meditation are nothing new. But they are growing in popularity, and based on my own experience and evolution, I am not at all surprised. Really, nothing feels better than being in touch with your own body, mind and spirit, and understanding and owning your decisions. It’s very freeing and peaceful.
We’ll all be posting holiday shopping pages in coming days. I plan to find as many ways as I can to open up the door to a more centered way of life for as many of my readers as possible. I really want to share what this lifestyle has done for me. I have gone from being extremely anxious and stressed-out, and moved on to a much more relaxed, peaceful and accepting place. And it has been a natural and healthy transition.
I’d love to hear from all of you about your success stories. I hope you’ll share. It’s a cold–but great–time of the year to share thoughts and feelings. Let me know how yoga and meditation have worked in your lives. Sometimes just sharing our ideas can help lift another soul.
Peace.
I used to belittle yoga, since I’m impatient (and prefer more/fast-paced movement - I am a dancer, after all, haha); but now that I’m HOOKED on it, and do yoga every morning, I feel more relaxed with my busy-on-the-go-never-stop lifestyle.
I have been doing the first dvd I won here……the Lotte Berk Basic Essentials……….I have to say that comes pretty close to meditating for me. It is a challenge but her voice is so calming that I want to keep going…..I love all the stretches………something that has been missing from my workouts.
I’ve recently been meditating in the early morning hours. I’ve found this time to be very much - an awakening of my soul. Without the “noise” of normal life - I’m able to “hear” myself at a much deeper level. And amazing things are beginning to happen in my life - is this a coincidence? I don’t think so. I think that meditation has been a huge benefit in me getting more in touch with “me”.
I’m still working out what works best for me. It’s a journey getting there. And I’m loving this journey!
Annette and VeggieGirl - Awesome job — it’s stories like this, too, that inspire me!
Thank you for this post!
I suffer from anxiety and I have been looking for a natural way (med free) to relieve this.
Are there any specific DVD’s that you recommend?
Angela
http://www.ohsheglows.com
I love how I feel taller after yoga.
I think it’s a combination of feeling lighter mentally, as well as feeling comfortably stretched out and straighter. I’m more aware of both my posture and my surroundings.
I also feel taller after yoga:)
It really calms me down. I’m a bit of a control freak so something as soothing as yoga just does amazing things to relax me and get me ready to tackle anything I need to do that day. Yoga is kind of like a drug, I think, but in a good way- your senses somehow become much more heightened and all. Plus its addicting.