What is yoga?

Yoga is a mind-body practice originating in ancient India that uses physical postures, breathing techniques, meditation, and relaxation to unite the body, mind, and spirit. The word yoga comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning "to unite" or "yoke". While originally a spiritual practice aimed at self-discovery and enlightenment, modern yoga, particularly in the West, often emphasizes physical fitness and stress relief.

What are the benefits of yoga?

Some students who practice yoga regularly find that it reduces stress, promotes physical strength and flexibility, and increases mindfulness. Accessible to anyone, at any level, yoga promotes relaxation, can improve balance, and encourages deeper more restorative sleep.

What is meditation?

Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique – such as mindfulness, or focusing the mind on a particular object, thought, or activity – to train attention and awareness, and achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm and stable state. 

What are the benefits of meditation?

The benefits of meditation are broad and have been proven over the years through various research. They encompass both physical and mental benefits such as lower levels of stress, anxiety, and anger, a reduction in physical pain, lower blood pressure, and a general feeling of well-being.

How often do I need to meditate?

There is no prescribed amount of time that you need to meditate for it to be effective. As little as five minutes a day can help one feel more peaceful and centered. To develop a lifelong practice, many recommend that you meditate for 30 minutes a day, once in the morning before beginning any major activity, and once in the evening before your final meal.

What is Primordial Sound Meditation?

Primordial Sound Meditation is a style of meditation rooted in the Vedic tradition of India. It relies on a series of fundamental tones, or mantras, that help to attune your individual vibration to the unified field of energy that permeates all of existence.

These meditations use a combination of the sound Om, which is traditionally considered to be the root sound vibration of the entire universe, with a personal mantra that is tailored to you based on your birth date and time, using a Hindu astrological system.

What does Citta mean?

Citta is a Sanskrit word meaning "consciousness" and is derived from the root word, cit, meaning "to perceive." It is all that is perceived and all that can be perceived. Consciousness is the space that holds all perceivable things. Citta may also be thought of as Spirit.

What does a class at Citta Awakening entail?

At Citta Awakening, our classes are tailored to the individual or group. In general, each meditation class includes part lecture, discussion (participation optional), and either breathing exercises or some form of meditation. Our yoga class offering is extremely diverse and can be tailored to your specific needs (health, dosha, etc.) if interested in individual classes. Group classes include pranayama (breathing), mudra (hand gesture), mantra (sound, phrase), and asana (pose) practices.

Are classes at Citta Awakening taught in person or online?

Classes are taught online via Zoom or in person in Kailua, HI. If an individual or corporation is looking for in-person classes, we can accommodate this with advance notice and planning.