The Language of Conscious Practice

Yoga is a comprehensive system that includes physical postures (asana), breathwork (pranayama), ethical guidelines, and meditation. Meditation is specifically the practice of focused attention or awareness. You can meditate without doing physical yoga, and many yoga classes include meditation as a component. In modern Western usage, 'yoga class' typically refers to physical practice, while 'meditation' refers to seated contemplative practice.

Meditation practices generally fall into three categories: Attention-based (like Mindfulness/Vipassana for present-moment awareness, or Concentration/Samatha for single-pointed focus), Heart-based (like Loving-kindness/Metta for cultivating compassion), and Movement-based (like Walking meditation, Qigong, or Kirtan call-and-response chanting). Each approach offers different benefits and suits different temperaments.

For newcomers, we recommend starting with: Gentle or Restorative Yoga (slow-paced, accessible postures), Guided meditation (structure helps beginners stay focused), Sound baths (completely passive—just lie down and receive), or Kirtan (no experience needed; call-and-response is intuitive). The key is to pick one practice, find a beginner-friendly event, approach with curiosity rather than expectations, and give it a few tries before deciding.

Kirtan is participatory devotional singing—a leader sings a phrase and the group responds. No musical ability required. You'll typically sit on the floor (cushions provided), and singing along is encouraged but not required. Many people close their eyes, sway, or clap. The energy usually starts calm and builds. It's normal to feel emotional. Arrive a few minutes early, wear comfortable clothes, and bring an open heart.