After many years of study, I’ve come to understand that the physical practice of the asanas (postures) are truly beneficial and beautiful.   Yoga means to “yoke” or to integrate the spiritual with our physical being. From the Yoga Sutras, Pantajali states that it is possible to “seek a new perspective on the nature of knowing – a way to clear the mind of accumulated experiences and memories that bind us to a world of pain.”  By sitting with our breath we witness the changing shifts of our thoughts and all sensations.  Meditation reveals the paradoxical nature of the human condition.

The physical postures of the asanas are an important means in understanding who we are.  After doing the asanas, I recommend sitting for ten minutes a day in the morning.  Over time, you may build your meditation to 20 – 45 minutes a day.  Beginners courses are available through Sangha groups (people who meet to practice meditation).  In your search, you may want to try a few styles of meditation, decide on one form and then stay with it consistently.  As for me, I’ve been practicing in the Vipassana tradition for the last 15 years.

Check out the list of meditation centers in San Francisco below:

http://www.sf.shambhala.org
http://www.sfzc.org
http://www.spiritrock.org
http://www.sfinsight.org
http://www.yssf.com
http://sfbuddhistcenter.org