By Strengthening Your Brain, Meditation Makes You More Conscious

Meditators know that the practice has its benefits, namely making you more conscious and aware of your behavior. But you may wonder how this works. Does the brain actually change the more we meditate? The answer, according a new study, is yes.

Eileen Lucas, an assistant professor at the UCLA Laboratory of Neuro-Imaging, and her colleagues have found that long term meditators have larger amounts of gyrification or folding of the cortex." This is a good thing. Folding of the cerebral cortex allows for us to process information faster than people who do not meditate.

"Rather than just comparing meditators and non-meditators, we wanted to see if there is a link between the amount of meditation practice and the extent of brain alteration," said Luders to Science Daily. "That is, correlating the number of years of meditation with the degree of folding."

The study found that the more years that you meditate, the better. The study, to be published in the journal Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, didnt just study meditators versus non-meditators but instead took into account the number of years of meditation to see if the amount of years meditators had done the practice made a difference. Specifically, if the brain could change as a result of its environment.

Science Daily reports that the meditators used in the study had practiced for an average 20 years. Of 49 meditators, 23 MRI scans were taken and compared to 16 control subjects. The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain and it plays a role in consciousness as well as memory, and attention.

The insula has been suggested to function as a hub for autonomic, affective and cognitive integration," said Luders. "Meditators are known to be masters in introspection and awareness as well as emotional control and self-regulation, so the findings make sense that the longer someone has meditated, the higher the degree of folding in the insula."

This is the scientific basis for what meditators have long believed--the more you meditate the more conscious you are of your life and your actions in general. The happiest and healthiest people are those that learn to live in the moment rather than stressing about what has happened in the past and what will happen in the future. By embracing the moment, good or bad, you learn to combat your own suffering.

Meditation teaches you to follow your breath or a mantra and stay focused on it rather than being absorbed in the distractions that surround you. That said, meditation is also a practice that takes a lifetime to master, but it seems the work is well worth it.

Meditation classes Sundays at 4pm at Yogshakti

We have meditation classes every Sunday at 4pm. Do take advantage of this and join in. Each session is focused on cultivating greater self-awareness, deep relaxation, breathing & meditation through working with the body, mind & breath.

We explore the practices of Yin Yoga, Yoga Nidra or deep relaxation and Seated meditation. Please read the article below. It is never too late to start and integrate into your daily lives!

21 Days Course Gaining Spinal Flexibility

"The adult spine is rigid and heavy and yoga, as intended here, consists in breaking bad habits and in re-educating the spine so as to bring it back to its original suppleness.  Vanda Scaravelli

The Art & Science of Yoga is primarily to awaken the dormant potential in each & every one of us. We learn that what ever it is that we seek outside of ourselves can be found within. To turn the mind & senses inwards so as to tap into the infinite possibilities we use the body as the instrument. The Spine in particular is where our deep potential lies.

This will be a comprehensive course in which all the important Asanas (postures) will be addressed. While the emphasis will be Standing postures, Twists, backbends & Inversions we will also work on Hip opening & Forward bends.

The Aim of the Course: Comprehensive Home Practice Routine This course is specifically designed to encourage students to undertake home/self practice. Important Cleansing Kriyas, Breathing techniques, Meditation & Philosophy will be part of the routine. Guidance in the form of notes & summaries will be provided. There will be a specific routine provided which can be integrated into ones daily life.

This course is suitable for both beginners & experienced students.

For more enquires please call 012-2052714 or email: shilpa@yogshakti.com

Below are the testimonies we continue to receive.....

For me personally, the greatest benefit has been the realization that I have to start trusting my "inner teacher" and take responsibility for my practice, instead of constantly relying on the comfort of weekly yoga classes and the instructions of a teacher, however helpful that might be...

This course has helped me find and connect to that internal resource and I now know that it is always there and available, no matter what...As a result, I feel more peaceful and balanced, even during the day long after my formal mat session.

I loved Pranayama and it has also become part of my daily routine; what a difference it makes before meditation! Since then, I have had very special moments of feeling absolutely still and centered, so much at peace...I look forward to continuing in September! Marie

These last 2 months have been the most precious moments of my life. It was the deepest training I had ever had in my yoga life.

I had heard that one could heal illness and injury through Yoga. For me, it was true! My vigor has returned back to me! At the beginning of the course, I didnt imagine I could do shoulder stand for 15 minutes, wheel posture, which I thought I never could do in my life, and the forearm stand that I never ever wanted to do. Last but not the least, I never imagined I could stand on my Yoga mat and practice every single day in the early morning. Eri T

Through this course, I have learned to silence my mind when times are really trying, something which I did not in my past yoga classes, which focused purely on postures. It has enabled me to face challenges more calmly. My body feels lighter and more at ease as I learned how to honour it by breathing properly and maintaining the correct posture. Through this Yoga course, I feel like I have finally come home.

Thank you for teaching about that lovely cave in the centre of my being..I am able to retreat into its silence and peace, and try to detach from the craziness of the world. Shakirah

This course has been an incredible journey through my body, mind, feelings, heart and emotions. It changed my life. It made alive a part of me, which was asleep until now. I realise that there is a treasure inside me..... there is a lot to learn and a lot to come. And the greatest part, it simply comes from within. My body has changed so much and I am able today to do asanas that I could never do before. Vanessa H

Testimonies for the 21 Day Course:

The 21 days class went beyond my expectations, and it is hard to find the words to explain the magic and the beauty of my experience. I discovered Yoga like never, and I know it is only the beginning of a new journey. The first 6 weeks were not really easy and fun because I went through an unexpected emotional roller coaster, even if nothing bad was happening in my life! However I feel now lighter and more at peace. I approach life with much more clarity of what is going on and much more awareness of my thought, my emotions, and my body sensation. I feel more alive, more joyful and I keep recommending this class around me! Thank you Shilpa" Sandrine Bruneau

Practicing yoga with the "spine awakening" technique has perhaps been the biggest detoxification I've ever experienced. After the first few sessions, I felt years (decades!) of tensions, emotions, anger, pain, guilt, etc, release from my spine. Catherine Jones

The Kriyas I learnt at the 21 Day Course are simply fantastic. I have recently started doing them on a daily basis even if I do not do the rest of the practise and it is really powerful. I find greater focus with work and stability in my emotions. I have more energy and do not feel as tired. I am really grateful to have this in my life. It gives me another focus and reminds me that there is something else that is far more important than work and trying to be in control of things and all that 'rubbish'. I really want to do more of this and deepen my understanding of yoga, the Scaravelli method, Kriyas and meditation. Thank you so much for this, Shilpa.

I would love to join any class that you organise. Look forward to hearing more about it. Bindoo

The 21 day yoga course has given me so much more than just physical health. Not only do i feel lighter from the flexibility i have gained, but i feel fitter and healthier than ever. But the most important part would be the understanding of how connected the body and mind is!

I have learned so much through this one course that i feel i can independently practice on my own. Because that is the most important part. Before the end of the course i have experienced such bliss that i feel so independent and fearless.

I would and will advise this 21 course to as many people as possible. It is enlightening. Olivier Di Tullio

Here I am in my fourth 21-day course after a year. Not only have I returned to my pre-pregnancy shape, I have gained invaluable insights about yoga from the way I stand, walk, and sit to the way I breathe. In the beginning of the course, the asanas helped me to release body tensions and calm the mind. I become happier and see myself handling tough situations with more ease and grace. Once inspired by the Scaravelli approach to yoga, one just cant get enough of yoga. I find myself practicing back bend in my office, while waiting for the lift and in the lift! Yoga poses that I never dreamt of doing are now happening to me. Koh San Tee

I have always craved the inner peace and calm energy that comes from yoga. Previously because I'd only done vinyasa, the feeling of wellbeing would last a day or so. Doing the 21 day course has given me the ability to practise at home without a teacher, everyday. The Scaravelli inspired approach coupled with Shilpa's attention to detail has resulted in massively improved posture (and subsequently breathing, health and energy levels), a more refined technique and a great deal of spiritual growth Alicia Horsely

The 21 day course has indeed been a fabulous introduction to the Traditional Yoga that I have been looking for. Working with the spine and correcting the pelvis positioning has slowly started becoming habit, thanks to this course. The really effective Kriyas & Routine taught in this course has indeed instilled in me the habit of practicing yoga daily! Hope to continue with this and benefit from it for the rest of my life!! Rathi Nair

I'm addicted to doing the self practice now, to the extent that when I don't have time to do it in the morning, I squeeze in the 10 mins in between my daily tasks to do isolated sequences, as I can feel the change in me when doing the routine consistently. I feel more 'graceful' (whether I really am 'graceful' to others is another issue) and feel generally more refreshed and alive. I've been suffering from stiff shoulders and neck, to the extent that I sometimes couldn't turn my head to the back. I've almost completely lost the stiffness at both areas today! I'm so thrilled about this! Hanani Zain

Breathing Less - The Secret to Youthfulness & Longevity

The Buteyko Method

Yogis believe that the life span of a man is measured not in years but in number of breaths. By breathing rapidly one is exhausting ones life span. If a person is economical with their breath, they will live long & have greater vitality!

It is a well known fact that breathing reduction slows down and sometimes even reverses aging! Contrary to what most people believe - breathing less boosts oxygenation of skin and other organs; it helps the whole body function in a healthier and more efficient way.

One's stamina too is affected by the way one breathes. Those who have low stamina, fatigued easily are often over breathers or hyper ventilators. We often see this during Yoga classes when students either open their mouths while practicing asanas, hold their breath, gasp for air or breath heavy & rapidly. All of these will lead to a disturbed nervous system & a depletion of energy/prana or life force.

One who breaths rapidly is bound to have an agitated, disturbed state of mind. The lightness that one should feel while practicing Yoga & the meditative state of mind can only occur when one breathes less. In fact all of Yoga is about mastering the breath & about breathing less, contrary to what most people believe.

The effects of the Buteyko course on a student:

Improved skin complexion including some signs of improvements to a life long skin condition

Increased energy: I now sleep 5 to 6 hours a night as compared to my previous 8 to 9 hours.

" Increased clarity: I can more readily distinguish between what really matters and what doesnt. With my increased energy I actually have more time to pursue the things that really matter!

" Increased patience and tolerance: My parents also commented that I am calmer and more pleasant to be around.

" Improved digestive function  I now realize my routine stomach aches of the past were not normal

" Those into Yoga will find significant benefits to their Pranayama practice and an enhanced understanding of the purpose of Pranayama.- Peter C

The next workshop will be held at Yogshakti

Date & Time: June 8th & 9th (Sat & Sun)  1pm to 4pm

Cost early bird: Payment by May 25th RM390. After May 25th RM450

(concession for couples & groups).

To register call 012-2052714 or email shilpa@yogshakti.com