Kim Schneider, WSUSophmore, Mass Communications Photojournalism and English
Yoga, Mindfulness, & Living in the Present
Starting Monday, September 9 the Mindfulness Meditation Group begins in Memorial Hall, Room 300. The group meets Noon-12:50 p.m. and is instructed by Gretchen Cohenour. Each session focuses on mindfulness meditation and includes both sitting and walking meditation. This individual time is followed by a guided group practice. Stop in Memorial Hall and give it a try!
“Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” -Buddha Many first timers at oga class wonder the same things: What’s with all this deep breathing? What is chaturanga and why does it hurt my arms so much? Am I supposed to be that flexible At first oga can be confusing, a bit painful, and hard to follow. However, yoga teaches concepts like mindfulness, meditation, and the importance of a connection between the body and the mind. Yoga offers two concepts pa ticularly useful for college students—the ideas of mindfulness and being present. In college it is incredibly easy to worry about the future with approaching project deadlines, exams, and trying to build your resume for a dream job. Although it’s important to consider your future, living like this isn’t always healthy and can increase anxiety and stress.
The ogic concept of living in the present forces your brain to focus on the here and now with each inhale, exhale, and warrior pose. Slowing down your heart rate and concentrating on each minor movement brings your mind into the present. All those other stressful obligations fade into the background. Similarly, many people use meditation for relaxation. In fact, Mayo clinic suggests that meditation may prevent disease as well as help conditions such as: allergies, binge eating, fatigue, high blood pressure, sleep problems, and substance abuse. Mindfulness is a concept practiced in yoga that is helpful for college students who are under a lot of stress.
To be mindful means to be completely present in the moment, not caught up in worry, anticipation, or daydreams. It is also about the recognition of the interconnection between mind and body. Mindfulness is a teaching that goes back to ancient Buddhist practices. In Buddhism, mindfulness is seen as a path to enlightenment. There are four types: mindfulness of the body, sensations, mental processes, and mental objects. These things help you become fully aware of the body and mind.
On Mondays and Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Yogilates is offered in the IWC, room 127. Yogilates is a combination of yoga and Pilates designed to strengthen the mind and body by focusing on core. Yoga Sculpt is a class more focused on increasing physical strength through yoga-based moves. For more information, pick up a Fitness class schedule at the IWC desk next to the gym entrance.
Mindfulness yoga combines the physical aspect of yoga and the emotional aspect of meditation.
Spiritual
It works to develop awareness, attention, and concentration to oneself and our personal needs. These are easy to forget about when you get caught up in a busy college schedule. Focusing on your inner well being once and a while helps your mind to accurately assess daily issues. Want to give yoga a go? The ntegrated Wellness Center offers two oga-based classes.
Wellzine
September 2013
health & wellness services