Guest Author - Laurie Desjardins

Meditation and yoga are natural compliments to each other. Yoga is an active, physical way to prepare the mind for meditation. Meditation relaxes the mind and body, preparing them for the physical demands of yoga. Together they form a circular relaxation technique that can renew the mind, body and spirit completely.

Getting the most out of your yoga routine

To get the most out of your yoga routine, take a few minutes and meditate to center yourself before you begin. If you're new to yoga, this will focus your mind and help you slip into those first yoga poses more easily.

Already got the hang of those tricky postures? Starting your yoga sessions with a new meditation technique can keep you from getting in a rut and help you reach new levels of concentration during your poses.

Pre-meditated yoga

One great way to jump-start your yoga routine is to begin with powerful but quick object focus meditation. Choose a meditation tool, like the Zen Stick™, that will engage as many senses as possible.

A meditation tool that looks beautiful, gives you something to touch, and can produce a rhythmic sound sooths tired senses. You'll forget all about the over-stimulating world around you and relax into a perfect meditative state.

More ideas for combining meditation and yoga

The same simple but effective meditation technique is a lifesaver when you're learning new, more challenging yoga poses or working to perfect old ones.

If you're getting frustrated or your mind is wandering during a particular pose, take a meditation break. Grab your meditation tool, and spend five minutes re-centering yourself and getting in tune with your natural rhythms. When you return to your yoga posture, your mind will be clear, your body more limber, and your frustrations long gone.

A relaxing cycle

Meditation is achieved most quickly when multiple senses are engaged by a single focal point. Find a meditation tool that will engage your senses, and you'll find yourself achieving deeper focus and a more peaceful state of mind during yoga as well.

Laurie Desjardins is the creator of Zen Sticks, an eco-friendly meditation tool available at www.SleepingTiger.org. Laurie is dedicated to preserving nature while helping people find peace and tranquility in their personal environment. A portion of all proceeds earned through Zen Stick sales are used to support My Brothers’ Keeper, Laurie’s tiger sanctuary.