Posts Tagged ‘Meditation’

Moving Meditation: Pilates and Other Great Mind-Body Exercise Methods

I read an article the other day and it said, “Pilates isn’t a mind-body exercise in the meditative way that Yoga,  Tai Chi, or Qi Gong are, but it does use your mind to influence and improve your body.”

What's Your Favorite Mind-Body Fitness Method

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It seems evident to me that this author has probably never experienced a Pilates workout!  And in my study of Pilates, Yoga, Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and meditation,  I believe that these great mind-body methods are more similar than one might think for improving whole-body health.

Here’s Why:

  • All  have underlying principles & philosophies behind the exercises.   And even meditation (sitting still) is an exercise!
  • Each Mind-Body method has a system of utilizing the breath, and specific breathing patterns to improve technique and maximize benefits from your practice.
  • All require, concentration, coordination, and improve whole-body health, balance, and body control.
  • It’s not just, let’s move the body, but let’s be aware, in-tune, and conscious of what we’re doing, how, we’re doing it, the initiation point, end point, and in-between points for every movement.

    I think it’s wonderful that we have options for focused fitness and enhanced wellness for improved mind-body health.   There is a method out there to help meet the needs of each of us as individuals.  And if you want to develop and fine-tune your skills, cross-training and exploring different mind-body methods may give you an increased appreciation for your body, health, and the ancient wisdom that is at the root of each of these techniques.

    Look for my series of upcoming posts on the benefits of each of these great mind-body methods.

    • Pilates
    • Yoga
    • Tai-Chi
    • Qi Gong / Chi Gung
    • Martial Arts
    • Meditation

    And I’m curious to know… What’s your  #1 favorite Mind-Body Wellness method?  Answer the  survey, and if you have a moment – tell me why it’s your choice in the comment section below.

    Soham Mantra for Meditation

    I recently started taking a Yoga  meditation class to deepen my connection to center!

    While Pilates exercises are excellent as a form of moving meditation to focus on feeling and activating the energy flow throughout the body,  it’s also important to find that still, quiet place for rest, rejuvenation, and contemplation on well -  absolutely nothing, but altogether everything!

    One of the biggest challenges with a meditation practice is learning how to quiet the mind and just be in stillness without the distraction of thoughts, feelings, and emotions.  There are hundreds, perhaps thousands of different ways to meditate and probably just as many techniques to assist in centering one’s focus.

    This week I learned the benefits of the words Soham, and using So Ham as a mantra for  Yoga meditation.

    Focus on Health – The Benefits of a Peaceful Mind

    Have you ever heard the term “Monkey Mind” and laughed with the visual of a bunch of monkeys jumping around being crazy and wild?  And can you relate to a feeling of having those little monkeys running around in your head causing your thoughts to bounce from one thing to the next and making it difficult to concentrate on what you’re doing or get anything done?

    We are bombarded with millions of bits of information every second of the day.  Our brain has to sort, dump, and store based on relevance and importance for our survival and to insure that we enjoy pleasure and avoid pain.  In today’s society – television programs, commercials, and even YouTube have us eager to input micro-blasts of information and entertainment – rapid fire commando style.  We look for instant gratification, expect to point-click, and get what we want.  The faster you can get results -the better, and if it takes more than a few minutes you don’t feel like you have time to wait.

    Does this lifestyle make sense to you?  Are you happy having to check your cell phone and text messages every couple of minutes?  Do you ever reach a feeling of overwhelm?  Wonder why you can’t get it all done?  Have you ever gotten completely frustrated with your progress?  Or just wish you could have a moment to think! 

    Free Resources From Centerworks For Pilates • Foot Fitness • Whole Body Health. Go To Download Directory.