Video Credit: Taro Koyama

■ TriYoga

TriYoga® is an ever-evolving yoga practice born from the flow of the universe. Its unique features include relaxed, wave-like movements, rhythmic pacing, and seamless, refined actions. Each pose harmonizes with breath and mudras (hand gestures), creating an uninterrupted and smooth flow. This naturally leads to a meditative state. In our lessons, we also value the time to sit quietly at the end, deepening meditation through the use of mantras and sound. 

■ Meditation

Inner Silence and the Power of Healing 

The tranquility we feel atop a mountain or deep in a forest has the power to profoundly nurture our mind and body. This same tranquility exists inherently within the human heart, but the busyness of daily life and attachments to the external world often suppress it, creating a separation between the heart and mind. This separation is considered a source of stress and suffering in modern society. According to the ancient Indian Vedas, 80% of health issues arise from a lack of inner silence.

Through meditation, we can lower the frequency of our mind and body, restore natural rhythms, and maintain daily health. A stable, low-frequency mental state, like that of a child, forms the foundation for living with relaxation, happiness, and peace. The deeper our inner silence becomes, the more efficient and fluid our daily life becomes, allowing us to accomplish more with a calm and stable heart.

Mantra Meditation 

“Mantra” refers to sacred sounds from ancient India, meaning “to liberate the mind.” Repeating sounds or phrases with special vibrations calms the distracted mind and balances the body and soul. By using a mantra that resonates with you, you can reconnect to the energy you need, allowing healing vibrations to reverberate throughout your being.

Yoga Nidra 

Yoga Nidra, meaning “yogic sleep” in Sanskrit, is hailed as the ultimate relaxation technique. Lying down and following guided awareness, you achieve deep relaxation for the mind and body. During this meditation, brain waves shift to alpha or theta states, maximizing natural healing and restorative functions. Just 20 minutes of Yoga Nidra is said to provide the equivalent of 4 hours of deep sleep, effectively alleviating mental and physical fatigue. Additionally, the sounds of the specialized string instrument “Sursangh” further guide the heart into deeper tranquility.

■ Reiki

Reiki is a natural therapy that connects with the universal life energy, channeling it through the hands of the healer to send energy to oneself or others for mind and body rejuvenation. This energy possesses the power of love and harmony, balancing deficiencies and purifying excesses. When the balance of energy is disrupted, it can lower natural healing abilities and immunity, causing instability, fatigue, or illness.

The harmony of the body, mind, and soul is a vital element of happiness. Reiki helps restore this trinity’s balance, guiding us back to our natural state of wellness.

■ Bach Flower Remedy

During a visit to Naples’s beautiful botanical gardens, the Mediterranean citrus scent guided me to tranquility. It felt as if the plants were speaking, saying, “Learn about flower essences.” Originating from the UK, flower remedies have become a familiar “home remedy” here in Italy as well. The healing power of plants gently guides the mind and body toward harmony.

Bach Flower Remedies consist of 38 essences extracted from the energy of flowers, working on emotions to balance the mind and body.

■ Ayurveda

Ayurveda is traditional Indian medicine emphasizing harmony not only with mind and body but also with the environment. The term originates from the Sanskrit words “life” (Ayus) and “knowledge” (Veda). The foundation of Ayurveda is maintaining health by balancing the three energies (Doshas) — Vata (air/space), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (water/earth) — according to one’s constitution and surroundings. By integrating diverse approaches such as diet, herbs, aromatherapy, color therapy, and meditation, Ayurveda helps identify personal tendencies and offers self-care suited to individual needs.

Ayurveda is considered wisdom for maintaining physical health, while yoga is a practice for spiritual elevation. These two are deeply connected. Our annual six-month Meditation Guide Training Course in Kyoto and the Panchakarma Retreat in Kerala, India, offer opportunities to delve deeper into Ayurveda, promoting harmony and self-awareness.

■ Tea Ceremony – The Aesthetics of Tranquility and Harmony

The Japanese tea ceremony also offers an experience akin to meditation. Deeply tied to Zen philosophy, the act of quietly preparing matcha teaches respect for nature and others. The ceremony itself is considered “moving meditation,” allowing participants to immerse themselves in a moment of tranquility and gain peace of mind. Through the Yabunouchi-style tea ceremony, you can embrace the spirit of Wabi-tea and Japan’s unique aesthetics, cultivating grace and mindfulness applicable to daily life.

Matcha, made from powdered Tencha leaves, allows you to consume the entire leaf, offering abundant nutrients. It’s rich in elements that support health and beauty, including relaxation, anti-aging, and skin benefits. Incorporating matcha into tea ceremonies enhances both physical and mental wellness.

■ Voices of Participants

“Through continuous classes, I learned to let go of insecurities and enjoy singing and moving my body with pure joy. I naturally embraced femininity and comfort.” – Masa 

“For me, TriYoga is a direct practice to release tension and emotions, strongly connecting me to my current path through physical awareness. It resonates deeply with a new stage of evolution.” – Marcela 

“ Guided by Emi’s voice, I experienced the preciousness of finding inner stillness and peace.” – Hitomi 

“During Emi’s yoga retreat, her gentle guidance and mantras reminded me of the sense of oneness (everything as one). It was a beautiful experience of awakening to my true self, softening both heart and body.” – Keiko

“Through the Meditation Guide Training Course, I experienced the essence of meditation and realized that every moment is meditation. My heart became peaceful, and meditation became like a “talisman.” I’m deeply grateful for this precious six-month journey of self-discovery.” – Natsu