Maharaj Prahlada, one of the most revered figures in Hindu mythology, offers profound lessons for modern yogis through his unwavering devotion, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity. His story, as narrated in the Srimad Bhagavatam, reveals not only his spiritual purity but also the depth of his wisdom, despite being a mere child. As yogis on the path of self-realization, we can look to Prahlada’s life as an exemplary model for cultivating devotion (bhakti), inner strength, and detachment from material desires. Through his example, we learn that yoga is not just a physical practice, but a spiritual journey that demands unwavering faith and dedication. The Story of Maharaj…

Reflection on the Impact of Lovingkindness Meditation in My Life Loving-kindness meditation has profoundly influenced my life, offering a source of compassion and connection in the midst of daily challenges. By integrating this practice into my routine, I have noticed several transformative effects that have enriched my personal and professional interactions and my overall well-being. One of the most immediate impacts of loving-kindness meditation is the cultivation of a compassionate mindset towards myself. Often, I am my harshest critic, dwelling on my perceived shortcomings and failures. Through this practice, I have learned to direct kindness and forgiveness inward. Repeating phrases like “May I be happy, may I be healthy, may…

A Path to Emotional Balance In a world that often overwhelms us with emotions and thoughts, finding calm amidst chaos can seem elusive. Distancing Meditation offers a powerful tool to create a sense of space between ourselves and our emotions, allowing for clarity and emotional regulation. It’s a practice that invites us to zoom out from the overwhelming presence of our internal landscape, enabling us to view both our thoughts and feelings from a broader, more peaceful perspective. What is Distancing Meditation? Distancing Meditation involves consciously shifting our awareness from something close to us—like a thought or feeling—to something external and far away. The practice moves through three distinct stages:…

Unlock Your Inner Self: 108 Prompts for Self-Discovery We often get so caught up in the hustle of everyday life that we forget to pause and reflect on who we truly are. At Balanced Planet Yoga, we believe that self-awareness is the foundation of personal growth and balance. To help you on your journey, we’ve created a free digital download, 108 Prompts About Yourself—designed to guide you through a thoughtful exploration of your experiences, values, and dreams. Whether you’re new to journaling or a seasoned writer, these prompts will inspire you to dig deeper, reflect mindfully, and reconnect with the person you are at your core. Download your copy and…

Unlocking Happiness Through Mindfulness: The Science Behind Your Mind + Meditation Dear Balanced Planet Yoga Community, Have you ever found yourself physically present but mentally miles away? Perhaps you’re in a yoga pose, but your mind is replaying yesterday’s conversations or planning tomorrow’s tasks. You’re not alone. Modern life pulls our attention in countless directions, often leaving us feeling scattered and stressed. But what if the key to greater happiness lies in anchoring our minds to the present moment? Let’s look into some fascinating scientific findings that highlight the profound impact of meditation and mindfulness on our well-being. A Wandering Mind Is an Unhappy Mind In a groundbreaking study published…

The Science Behind the Practice In recent years, the scientific community has increasingly recognized the profound impact of yoga on brain health and longevity. Yoga, an ancient practice that combines physical postures, breath control, meditation, and ethical principles, has been shown to enhance cognitive function, reduce stress, and promote neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. These benefits are particularly important as we age, as they can help maintain and even improve brain health, increasing brain longevity. Studies suggest that regular yoga practice can slow down the cognitive decline associated with aging and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Scientific research supports the…

In our fast-paced, ever-connected world, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves overwhelmed by intense emotions. Whether it’s anger, anxiety, or sadness, these moments can take over our rational thinking—a phenomenon known as emotional hijacking. Understanding what emotional hijacking is and learning to cope with it is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. One of the most effective ways to navigate these turbulent emotions is through the practice of yoga. What is Emotional Hijacking? Emotional hijacking occurs when our emotions override our logical thinking, leading us to react impulsively rather than thoughtfully. This is often a response to stress or perceived threats, where our brain’s amygdala (the emotional center) takes…

The Solar Chakra, also known as Manipura in Sanskrit, is one of the seven chakras in the human body’s energy system. It is the third chakra, located in the upper abdomen area, and is associated with the color yellow, the element fire, and the sense of sight. The Solar Chakra is responsible for our sense of self, personal power, and willpower. It governs our ability to take action, make decisions, and pursue our goals. When the Solar Chakra is balanced, we feel confident, motivated, and in control of our lives. However, when the Solar Chakra is blocked, we may experience feelings of insecurity, anxiety, and lack of direction. What Blocks…

so

Kirtan Kriya is a form of meditation practiced for centuries, particularly in the Sikh tradition. It involves repeating a mantra while performing specific hand movements. In recent years, Kirtan Kriya has gained attention for its potential benefits in slowing down the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Current treatments for Alzheimer’s disease only provide temporary relief of symptoms, and there is no known cure. However, studies have shown that Kirtan Kriya can help improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and improve overall brain health in Alzheimer’s patients. The practice of Kirtan Kriya involves repeating the mantra “Sa Ta Na Ma” while…