Putting mind over matters
By Nancy Arcayna
Special to the Star-BulletinEnergy filled a University of Hawaii room one Saturday as the "Meditation, Hatha Yoga and More" class began with the "om" chant. Fourteen participants sat in a circle waiting for an experience that would bring peace and tranquility to their lives.
After about 20 minutes of meditation, hatha yoga instructor Kai White took the stage. Instead of fancy moves where she twists herself into pretzel-like shapes, she did stretches that most people could accomplish or endure.
The class ended with everyone standing in a circle holding hands. One participant claimed she felt as if she had been reborn. Others said that it relieved them of the constant chatter in their minds.
"Yoga is more than a physical practice," says fellow instructor Milton Staackmann. It involves "not only getting control of the body, but also your behavior, emotions and your mind. These practices create a totally unified self ... a totally balanced person."
Staackmann first experienced meditation as a fad of the '60s. Today, meditation has become a part of his everyday life. "I'm an engineer and drawn to things that are logical and make sense," he said. "Meditation appeals as a way of understanding the world."
Staackmann has been teaching meditation classes for eight years, viewing it as an effective means of dealing with daily stresses.
According to Staackmann, deep-breathing exercises draws energy into the body and releases toxic chemicals. Improper breathing can contribute to anxiety, panic attacks, depression, muscle tension, headaches and fatigue.
"Life never stays the same so its important to stay balanced."
Meditation also enables individuals to gain greater control over their emotions. Staackmann says it helps you learn why you are nervous or fidgety, or why you let constant negative thoughts affect you.
Some people find that they are able to accomplish more after they begin meditating, he said, but to reap the most rewards "you need to practice it daily. Meditation, like sleeping, should become part of one's routine.
Meditation has three main phases: relaxation, concentration, and expansion.
Relaxation can be achieved through deep breathing, practicing meditation postures, or setting an atmosphere with music and lighting or affirmations and prayers.
The head and neck need to be in a straight, upright position to allow the proper energy flow. By concentrating on an object, word or idea, one can gain control of the constant noise of thoughts running through the mind.
Once the body is relaxed and the mind concentrated, the expansion phase begins, allowing an individual to reach self-realization. This is the stage when an individual can review capabilities without consideration of performance, pressures, ego or limitations.
The benefits of meditation range from the physical to psychological. These include reduced heart rate and oxygen consumption, and lowered breathing rate and blood pressure.
Dr. Peggy Latare, a practicing family physician at the Kaiser Clinic in Kailua, says she believes in the positive effects of meditation. Participating in this and other relaxing activities allows you to take a "mental break" from the rest of your life, she said.
Staackmann added, "Students report that they are able to study more effectively, possibly a result from training the mind to concentrate."
Staackmann said the overall goal is transformation that helps individuals improve themselves, better their quality of life and make use of their full potential.
Serious meditation is hard work but a few minutes a day can be beneficial. Remaining calm and focused under all circumstances results in the ability to overcome fears, worries and anger.
Milton and Gloria Staackmann run an Ananda Hawaii meditation session in their home 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Seeking peace
Gloria claims that meditation is a support system that enriches her life. "You don't get so wrapped up in life ... and acknowledge that things will pass," she says. "We are lucky to live in Hawaii...all the more reason to send love and kindness to others."
To participate call 956-6349.
Other institutions also offer classes as follows:
"Meditation Science Theory and Practice" workshops
Where: University of Hawaii
The Science and Art of Meditation," a program of the Kaiser Lifestyle Program
Meditation classes sponsored by Hawaii School of Meditation.
"Meditation, Hatha Yoga and More"
Click for online
calendars and events.
