As we embark on any practice, it can be helpful to understand the origins and where it all started…so let’s begin with yoga. The beginnings of yoga can be traced back to ancient India, with the earliest mentions found in the sacred texts known as the Vedas, dating back over 5,000 years. The term "yoga" is derived from the Sanskrit word "yuj," meaning to yoke or unite, reflecting the fundamental goal of yoga to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit. Our understanding of yoga has been informed by the Indian sage Patanjali who is believed to have compiled a text on the eight-limbed system of yoga, known as the Yoga Sutras. Initially, yoga was a holistic system that encompassed ethical, physical, and mental disciplines, aimed at achieving a state of self-realisation and union with the divine. Over time, various schools of yoga emerged, each emphasising different aspects like physical postures (asanas), breathing practices (pranayama), and meditation. Although modern approaches are predominantly associated with the physical asana, this reflects only one aspect of the tradition of yoga as a whole.

Meditation, too, has ancient origins and is an integral component of many spiritual traditions. The practice of meditation can be traced back to the contemplative traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism. The early Vedic texts contain references to meditation as a means of spiritual awakening. In the Indian context, meditation (dhyana) was an essential component of the yogic path, facilitating a profound inner exploration and connection to the higher Self. Siddhartha Gautama, later known as the Buddha, played a pivotal role in popularising meditation as a transformative practice to alleviate suffering and attain self-realisation. Over the centuries, meditation techniques have proliferated and been adapted within various religious, cultural and philosophical frameworks, including Taoism and Confucianism in China, Sufism in Islam, and Christian mysticism. Meditation has become a secular practice embraced worldwide, with diverse forms such as mindfulness and transcendental meditation gaining popularity for their positive effects on mental wellbeing.

In the contemporary world, yoga, breathwork and meditation have transcended their cultural origins, becoming a global phenomena embraced for their profound impact on physical health, stress reduction and mental clarity. Modern practitioners often blend elements from various traditions, creating a tapestry of approaches that cater to individual needs and preferences. The wisdom of yoga, breathwork and meditation offer us invaluable tools for cultivating an embodied understanding of ourselves and the universe.