When we talk about meditation and yoga practice, we need to leave aside the meaning that is attributed to success in the Western world. The approach that if you “achieve something” then you are on the right track is contrary to the essence of meditation and yoga. In these practices, we can all create conditions that only allow meditation and yoga to happen. We bring ourselves closer to these states. When we talk about meditation and yoga, we are talking about paying attention, being aware of the moment and achieving mental calmness.
Journey Matters!
In yoga and meditation practice, the outcome is not a tangible reward like a medal at the end of a marathon. Rather, it is the process itself that shows how important it is to get on the mat every day, to become mindful of each breath, to calm the mind and strengthen the body.
In his work The Power of the Moment, Eckhart Tolle says, “The present moment is all we have, and only now can we exist.” This is the essence of yoga practice. Meeting each moment, each breath, each movement with awareness and acceptance is the true meaning.
The Important Thing is the Process...
The basis of yoga and meditation is the process, not the outcome. The aim of this practice is not to achieve a specific goal, but to deepen in the process itself, to gain awareness and find inner peace. Drawing inspiration from ancient yoga texts and ancient yoga gurus, we can better understand this philosophy. Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras state that the aim of yoga practice is to discover one’s inner nature. This discovery is not about any external outcome or reward; it is a purely internal journey.
-Sri Tirumalai Krishnamacharya, one of the pioneers of modern yoga practice, defines yoga as self-discovery and achieving inner peace.
Krishnamacharya emphasizes that the main purpose of yoga practice is to calm the mind and gain spiritual awareness.
BKS Iyengar, on the other hand, says that yoga is a tool for disciplining the body and mind, and states that this discipline is not only physical but also spiritual.
Tools of Yoga and Meditation
Various tools and techniques used in yoga support one’s inner journey. Asanas (physical poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), meditation and mantra repetition help balance one’s body and mind. However, these tools are used to deepen the process itself, not to achieve an outcome.
In the practice of yoga and meditation, meaning needs to be redefined. The aim of this practice is not to achieve a specific goal, but to go deeper into the process itself, to gain awareness and find inner peace.
Every step, every breath, every meditation session is meaningful in its own right. This philosophy can be applied to other areas of life as well, reminding us of how important the journey itself is.
Remember, in your yoga and meditation practice, the key to meaning is in the process itself.
Getting on the mat every day, gaining awareness in every breath, calming the mind and body is the true meaning.
With love,
Lemon Tree Yogi-Işıl Ülkü