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Yoga for Depression

Yoga and Meditation Practices for depression, anxiety, and stress

Practicing yoga for depression or anxiety relief is only one of the countless benefits gained by this ancient method of healing.

Yoga, or "Yog" as it is traditionally called, means "Union with the Divine." It is a science of Self which dates back some 10,000 years or more, originating in India. There is no Eastern spiritual or religious practice that has not been directly or indirectly influenced by this path.

True yoga is not a fitness routine, nor is it a religion. Yoga is a spiritual practice with the goal of awakening to one's true nature or cosmic consciousness, gradually attaining higher and more expanded states of absorption and at the most advanced stages - "samadhi." Even many of the most well known "authorities" and authors use Yogic terminology incorrectly, and confuse the stream with the ocean, so to speak. True authorities on the depth of this vast subject are very rare, (and I do not list myself among them). The following information is only an introduction into the art and application of Yoga for depression.

"Healing The Apparent Self
Of The Ignorance Of
The True Self Is The Ultimate
Essence Of All Healing"
- Yogiraj Siddhanath

"Yoga is not tied to any religious system per se, but sometimes inevitably become colored with layers of cultural and religious attitudes, as well as powerful symbols of the areas from which they flourished and developed. However, the mark of a true spiritual path is that the core or essence does not depend on these extraneous layers and can be adapted to different cultures and times without losing their effectiveness."
-- Rudra Shivananda

Practitioners of traditional Yoga represent all walks of life. There are many types of Yoga, which makes it accessible and usable to all types of people, according to their nature. The best type of yoga for depression, depends partly on your preference and personality, and is not necessarily the same for everyone.

Kriya Yoga

My personal experience has been largely with Kriya Yoga. I am an authorized teacher of Kriya Yoga, and a student of Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath , an Indian Nath Yogi and born Siddha Master. Kriya Yoga is most widely known in the west through Paramahansa Yogananda and his best selling book "Autobiography of a Yogi."

Kriya Yoga is closely related to Kundalini Yoga, Raja Yoga, and Tantric Yoga. It is a powerful system of meditation, utilizing concentration, visualization, mantra (inner sound), and devotion. Another important aspect of this meditation is the controlled use of the breath (pranayama) in order to generate a balanced flow of Life Energy (prana and apana) within the spinal column. Kriya Yoga generates intense energy, heightening awareness, sharpening perception, dissolving stress and anxiety, and is an excellent yoga for depression. It is a simple but powerful technique, dating back thousands of years, and is an unbroken lineage associated with countless historical figures of great spiritual stature. Kriya Yoga should only be practiced under the guidance of a trained teacher.

Other Types of Yoga

Hatha Yoga
Kundalini Yoga
Bhakti Yoga (Devotional)
Karma Yoga (Selfless Action)
Raja Yoga
Tantra Yoga
Yoga Nidra (Yoga of Conscious Deep Sleep)
Though not an actual traditional form of yoga - there is real value in the practice of "Laughter Yoga"

Surya Yoga (Solar Yoga) for depression, anxiety and stress

Referred to from various sources as Sun Gazing, solar healing, solargazing, sun staring, Sun Yoga, and Surya Yoga. Always follow a trusted guide, or well established technique for looking at the sun with open eyes. Doing this recklessly - especially during mid-day, can be potentially damaging to your eyes. Done in the proper way, Sun Gazing can be a powerful technique of Yoga for depression and overall health.

The traditional Surya Yoga practice as by Yogiraj Siddhanath, is a powerful technique of rejuvenation and stress-release, that purifies the body, purges negative emotion, and produces a feeling of strength, calmness, and positive energy.

Learn more about Surya Yoga and Solar Meditations.

Pranayama (Life-Force Control) for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Reduction

Pranayama is an important aspect of yoga and meditation practice, that involves the willful use of breath. Rather than "breath control" however, it is more accurate to consider pranayama to be "life-force control." "Prana" means life-force or life-energy, and "yama" means restraint or control. The controlled use of breath can powerfully shift one's consciousness, and change the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual state.

Learn more about Pranayama for Depression, Stress, Anxiety and more

Mindfulness Meditation

A simpler meditation practice which can be done on your own, is Mindfulness meditation. This meditation is more passive, observing your inner experience -- your thoughts, body sensations, emotions, and sense impressions with non-judgmental awareness.

Sometimes called "Insight Meditation," Mindfulness does not involve the intense concentration of Kriya Yoga. Mindfulness is excellent for psychological growth, cultivating compassion, self-acceptance, and emotional balance. Though it appears simple, Mindfulness practice can sometimes be emotional and difficult as parts of one's ego are examined and allowed to surface. Suppressed emotions may arise, causing discomfort and aversion. These feelings too must then be tolerated with stillness and equanimity, until they dissolve like all phenomena eventually do.

For information on private meditation instruction and yoga for depression, anxiety, stress and personal growth:

Call Ben Schwarcz at (707) 326-5566

Learn about more types of Yoga for Depression

Contact Ben Schwarcz, MFT

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