There’s this myth that meditation and yoga are not for everyone! I am here to tell you that it is just that a MYTH! Regardless of your size, color, sex, religion or creed – yoga is for you. Yoga and meditation have benefits not only for the body but most importantly for the mind. At my highest weight of 325 pounds, meditation became one of my main focuses because it helped me to find my center. What is finding your center? Well, we all have one but most times we are so busy in this world that we fail to be at one with ourselves. So that is where finding your center comes in.
The quote “the quieter you become, the more you can hear” rings true. Finding your center, brings clarity. We live in a world where the hustle and bustle are the norm. Each morning before I rise, I meditate. I sit in silence in the dark, evaluate what my plans are for that day, pray – THEN I get up and start my day! It’s important and crucial in life but especially on a weight loss journey!
Along with meditation, later I adopted yoga. Yoga is defined as a “group of physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines which originated in ancient India.” Yoga benefits both the body and the mind! My first impressions were not so good because of course, it is a workout. It requires concentration, flexibility, releasing inhibition and being at peace with oneself. Once I learned the benefits, I kept going!
Some of the Key Benefits of Yoga for the Body are:
- Increased Core Strength
- Lowers Blood Pressure
- Weight Management
- Improved Circulation
- Body Detoxification
Some of the Key Benefits of Yoga for the Mind are:
- Improved intuition
- Increased Self-Acceptance
- Improved Concentration
- Neutralizes Stress
- Increased Confidence
Hope that you find this article helpful on your journey, whether it’s being at one with yourself or to further your weight loss journey. Forget the myth – practice meditation and yoga!
