Drug Awareness: Developing Self through Yoga & Meditation

By Gina Pawlik, Owner and Instructor at Positivity Yogis, Inc.

     The body, the mind, and the spirit make up the essence of who we are. Yet, if we checked in with ourselves, could we honestly say we are taking care of every aspect? When was the last time you gave yourself a quiet moment to turn inward? Are we hesitant because of what we might find? Step 11 of the 12 Step Recovery program involves “seeking through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.” One way of easing into a deeper spiritual connection is to take your energy onto the mat.

     Many turn to yoga as a way to honor all parts of who we are. Yoga is a union. It is a connection of breath and movement; a joining of body and spirit. We are able to make a deeper connection of self by working all parts. We have the opportunity to engage the physical, spiritual and emotional elements of self each time we step on the mat.

     What can you expect from yoga? For starters, a class or studio should welcome students of all denominations, all backgrounds and respect everyone’s right to have their own beliefs (unless otherwise specified). Yoga classes bring together the body, mind, and spirit. “Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.” (Buddha) We put priority on working our bodies, but what about the other components? Allow yoga to bring these parts of your essence into one experience.

     Hearing the word “meditation” may be overwhelming or confusing to some people or too “new age” for others, but it’s time to shake the stigma. Meditation is contemplation and reflection. It is consideration and thought. It offers an opportunity to close the door to all external world distractions and take a moment that is truly just for you. Get comfortable. Close your eyes. Clear your mind. That last one might not be so easy to do. Don’t be discouraged if the first time (or 10th time) you try to meditate or reflect you can’t get the thoughts to easily escape your mind.

     Thoughts of the future, thoughts of the past, good thoughts, unhappy thoughts, to-do lists and opinions flood our mind every moment of the day. Memories may bring us joy at times, or sadness for pains we’ve caused. How much time are we spending looking ahead or behind us into the past? It takes us away from all we really have: this moment right now. 

     Meditation, too, is a journey…. a practice. Give yourself a few minutes at a time in a quiet space to try to bring the attention to your breath and shake off any thoughts or agendas that try to enter your mind. You may try a guided meditation or look to take a yoga class at a studio where someone will guide you through a practice and aid you in fighting the elements that work to keep us distracted. Being able to connect with our true selves shouldn’t cause us to struggle. We can work to open ourselves up to the experience of finding a deeper meaning of self through the exploration, or union, of body, mind, and soul.