Yoga isn’t just about stretching and breathing. To understand exactly what tantra is we must look at the yogic traditions. Tantric practices require the individual to focus on their breath, body awareness, physical postures (asanas), visualization techniques, mantra (chanting), mudras (hand gestures), and Ayurvedic lifestyle practice. All of these elements come together to create an energy flow throughout the entire body allowing for a deep connection with your inner self. This connection can be used to unlock any chakra or blockages you may have in your body which will ultimately result in higher levels of consciousness. Let’s take a deeper look at the five key benefits of tantric yoga.
1. Improved Flexibility and Strength – By focusing on connecting with the energy within your body rather than external sources like food or drugs, you will be able to build strength and improve flexibility in all areas of your body. Many people find that after only a few weeks of practicing tantric yoga their posture improves drastically.
2. Stress Reduction – Tantric yoga is all about creating inner peace through breathwork and meditation which can help reduce stress levels significantly over time. Taking the time to do this type of yoga can help you relax into life’s daily struggles instead of reacting to them aggressively or negatively.
3. Improved Concentration – Through the use of specific breathing techniques, meditative poses, and mindful movements, you can start to gain better control over your thoughts which can lead to improved concentration throughout your day-to-day activities.
4. Improved Emotional Intelligence – By learning how to identify emotions within yourself as well as others, you can increase your ability to communicate effectively in any situation while also developing empathy towards others which ultimately leads to enhanced relationships in all areas of life.
5. Mindful Eating Habits – Practicing tantric yoga teaches us how to become aware of our own mind-body connection so that we can pay closer attention to our eating habits and make smarter choices when it comes to food consumption which is essential for overall health and wellness.
How To Get Started With Tantric Practices
If you are interested in trying out tantric practices, there are several ways to get started! You can attend classes or workshops with trained teachers who will guide you through the process step by step. Alternatively, if you prefer more independent learning then there are plenty of online resources available such as instructional videos or ebooks that will walk you through the basics of tantra from home. Finally, you may find it helpful to attend spiritual retreats or festivals where experienced practitioners can answer any questions you may have about your journey into this powerful practice.
Simple Tantra Meditation
Step 1: Preparation
Sit upright and relaxed.
Close your eyes.
Allow your hands to rest loosely on the legs, or you can form a ring with your thumb and index finger together.
Relax your body.
Let your breath flow naturally and quiet your mind.
Step 2: focus on the root chakra
Now, direct your attention first to the root chakra at the base of your spine. Don’t force anything––just focus mentally on the lowest of your body in a relaxed way. Visualize the following:
Your root chakra is a powerful red vortex of energy. It is slowly circling and radiating warmth, well-being, and security.
This vortex of divine energy slowly grows larger and brighter until it illuminates your entire pelvic floor with red, healing light.
You’re in touch with your primal life energy.
Step 3: Focus on your sacral chakra
While continuing to breathe in a relaxed way, focus your attention on the second chakra and visualize the following:
Your sacral chakra is a powerful orange vortex of energy that calmly circles.
With each breath, the vortex of energy grows a little larger until it illuminates your entire lower abdomen with orange, healing light.
You’re in touch with the source of life’s joy, your creative power, and vitality.
Step 4: Focus on your heart chakra
After taking a few relaxed breaths, direct your attention to the center of your chest, where the heart chakra lives. Visualize the following:
Your heart chakra is a powerful, green vortex of divine energy.
As you continue to breathe in a relaxed manner, the vortex of energy grows larger until it floods your entire chest with green, healing rays.
You’re consciously making contact with the source of universal love and compassion.
Step 5: Ending
End this meditation by bringing your awareness back to the here and now.
Focus your awareness on your breath and feel your body.
Be aware of your surroundings, the space where you are sitting.
Then, slowly open your eyes again. Stay there for a little bit
Tantric yoga provides individuals with a wide range of benefits such as improved flexibility, reduced stress levels, improved concentration, increased emotional intelligence, and mindful eating habits which are all essential components for achieving true inner peace within ourselves. Practice tantric yoga today for a healthier tomorrow!
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these articles is to provide information about the tradition of Ayurveda. This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, treatment, cure or prevention of any disease.