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acknowledge outside noises or your thoughts — let them come and go without engaging them.
Remember the whole point in meditation is not to stop the thoughts in the mind, but to notice the thoughts and without engaging them, let them pass through your mind. When you focus your mind on something, you are less likely to get caught in your thoughts. And when the mind does wander, which it will inevitably do, coming back to your Focus is a way to bring your mind back to the present and on your intention to meditate.
Benefits of a Yoga Practice
Multiple research projects have demonstrated the significant benefit of Yoga as an adjunct to treatment modalities to include substance abuse, anxiety, depression, and Post- Traumatic Stress (PTS). “Yoga treats the biology and psychology of an addict” (Frederick, 2012, P-8). Addicts and those suffering from stress, anxiety, and Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder have shown a low level of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter calms the neuronal pathways in adults. “Yoga has been proven to increase the levels of GABA in participants” (Saeed, 2010). “Exercise may be efficacious in reducing depressive symptoms, but the poor quality of much of the evidence is of concern.” (Lawlor, 2001, P-767).
“Three years ago a retired Army Command Sergeant Major invited me to a Connected Warriors yoga class at Fort Campbell. Needless to say, I was apprehensive about going to an unfamiliar activity that I perceived as new age stretching for women. Walking in the room, I was surprised to find such an eclectic group of participants from all different age groups, genders, body types, and fitness levels. Many had some type of knee, shoulder, or back injury — battle wounds from a dedicated life of service. Much to my
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