Those who fast liberate a lot of extra energy from the body since little of their energy is being used for digestion during this time.

This energy should be properly channelled and not wasted. Since the mind is extremely clear, this is the best time for meditation.

The extra energy can be used to elevate the mind to higher states of consciousness. Yoga relaxation techniques add further benefits.

Yoga helps in inner growth. The classical yoga system incorporates eight limbs, each with its own function. Of these, pratyahara is probably the least known.

As the fifth of the eight limbs, pratyahara occupies a central place as an integral aspect of yoga, without which the system cannot work.

The term pratyahara is composed of two Sanskrit words, prati and ahara. Ahara means "food", or "anything we take into ourselves from the outside". Prati is a preposition, meaning "against" or "away".

Spirituality is "realising" daily that as we feel and breathe, we get connected to a greater universal pulse of life.

Yoga can help ease our tensions so that we can open up to this amazing experience called "life".

Breath and healing

Meditation cannot be taught, just as sleep cannot be taught – one just simply falls into it.

Meditation eventually comes by itself when one is ready. To be ready, the mind needs to be still. The art of meditation teaches that not only is it possible to control our thoughts, but one can learn to control them completely. This creates peace of mind and enables us to achieve what we want. To still the mind and enter silence requires daily practice.

There are certain steps that one can follow to establish a foundation and thus ensure success.