Samatva Wellness Journal

In Yoga, relaxation is often underestimated. Many see it as the pause between “real” practices, the final resting pose, or a reward after effort. But in truth, relaxation is where Yoga begins to work at its deepest level . Yoga is not only about strengthening the body or disciplining the mind. It is about releasing what we have been unconsciously holding—tension, fear, control, and the constant need to do. Relaxation is the moment when the system finally receives permission to let go. Why Relaxation Is So Difficult Most of us live in a state of continuous inner contraction. Even when the body is still, the mind is busy planning, evaluating, and protecting. This constant alertness becomes so familiar that we mistake it for normal. When we lie down in Śavāsana or sit quietly, the body may rest, but the mind resists. Thoughts surface, emotions stir, and discomfort arises. This is not failure—it is awareness meeting stored tension . Yoga teaches that what comes up during relaxation is ...

Many people approach meditation as something that begins the moment the eyes close. In Yoga, however, meditation begins much earlier—through the body . Āsana is not a warm-up to meditation; it is a sacred preparation that makes meditation possible. Yoga understands the body and mind as one continuous field of awareness. When the body is restless, uncomfortable, or tense, the mind cannot settle. No matter how sincere the intention to meditate, the body keeps pulling attention outward. This is why the ancient yogic system placed āsana before prāṇāyāma, pratyāhāra, and dhyāna—not as a physical practice alone, but as a doorway to inner stillness. When the Body Learns to Be Still The primary purpose of āsana is not flexibility or strength, but steadiness with ease . Patañjali’s simple yet profound definition— sthira sukham āsanam —points to a state where effort softens and awareness remains. When the body reaches this balance, it no longer demands constant attention. In this quieting of...

Surya Namaskar Mantras (12 Names of the Sun God) Opening Mantra (Before Surya Namaskar) "Hiranmayena Pathrena, Sathyasyapi Hitham Mukham Thatvam Phooshanna Paavrunu Sathyadharmaya Drusthaye" Meaning of Surya Namaskar Invocation Mantra:- O Sun God, like the cover of a vessel (Patrena), the golden light (Hiranmayena) covers the face (Mukham) of truth (Satya). Please open (Apavrinu) the door of that cover so that the truth (Satya) is visible to me, O Nourisher (Pushann), Show (Dhrishtaye) the true reality (Satya Dharmaya) to your devotee. These are chanted while performing each of the 12 poses of Surya Namaskar. Before each round chant these mantras which include Beeja mantra. ॐ मित्राय नमः Om Hrām Mitrāya Namaḥ Meaning: Salutations to the friend of all. ॐ रवये नमः Om Hrīm Ravaye Namaḥ Meaning: Salutations to the shining one. ॐ सूर्याय नमः Om Hrūm Sūryāya Namaḥ Meaning: Salutations to the dispeller of darkness and the source of energy. ॐ भानवे नमः Om Hraim Bhānave Namaḥ Meaning:...