Yoga is an ancient discipline that seeks to promote the overall well being of an individual by taking control of the moral, mental and physical aspects of one's life. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita form the philosophical and theoretical basis of Yoga.

Yoga encompasses different disciplines for different purposes. The mind and intellect are influenced by Gyanayoga, while Hathayoga consists of physical exercises and Karmayoga deals with discipline in daily life. Each discipline has its own set of techniques, which include meditation, breath-control exercises and the most visible of yogic techniques, the asanas or postures. Various combinations of these techniques are used to ensure the well being of an individual. These perform different functions - from calming the mind and relaxing, to ridding the body of ailments.

Regular practice of yoga with specific goals in mind can contribute towards maintaining a perfect balance, both in terms of health and mental equanimity. It also enables one to perform at an optimum level, and keeps the mind sharp. No wonder, it is recommended for a long and healthy life!

Meditation is a way of living rather than a technique. This does not mean that there are no formal methods involved in the practice of meditation. Different schools of thoughts propagate various techniques of meditation, which act as orienting vehicles pointing at ways of living.

Meditation is not just relaxation, and at the same time it is not to say that meditation is not accompanied by profound states of relaxation. Meditation is the embracing of all mind states like pain or anguish; boredom or impatience; frustration or anxiety; or tension in the body. All these mind states are of equal importance. The human mind is extremely turbulent, chaotic, painful, confusing and meditation can lead to relaxation, peace, calm, insight and wisdom.

A common misconception about meditation is that it is a way of controlling thoughts. It is in a way true, but restricted to circumstances that are aimed at cultivating certain specific qualities such as loving kindness, equanimity and emotions such as joy and compassion.

Eric Pepin in his book "Handbook of the Navigator, an ultimate spiritual experience", says, "any state of mind is a meditative state; be it anger, fear, terror, sadness, resentment, impatience, enthusiasm, delight, confusion, envy or rage. All mind states and body states are occasions to understand ourselves, if we can stop, look and listen by being intimate with what presents itself in awareness in every moment of our lives".

In letting go of wanting something special to occur, maybe we can realize that something very special is already occurring, and is always occurring, namely life emerging in each moment as awareness itself.

For those who have hectic schedules with little time for the daily practice of yoga and meditation, the ideal rejuvenating experience would be a yoga and meditation holiday. This would typically be a week or two at a yoga resort or spa, where experts would advise and guide you on your way to yogic wellness and meditative awareness.