What should you think about during meditation?

Are you supposed to stop your thoughts?

And how do you actually meditate properly?

In this episode of The Spirit of Yoga, Burkhard explores one of the most common misunderstandings in meditation for beginners: the belief that meditation is a form of thinking, problem-solving, or mental reflection.

Meditation is often confused with contemplation, creativity, or planning. While insights and ideas may arise in quiet moments, classical yogic meditation points in a different direction. The practice is not about analyzing experience, improving thoughts, or searching for answers. It is about learning meditation without thinking — cultivating awareness rather than mental activity.

Burkhard explains how meditation begins with attention to a simple object such as the breath, the heart center, or bodily sensation. The aim is not to think about the breath, but to observe it directly. Thoughts, emotions, and perceptions naturally appear and pass, much like clouds moving through the sky.

Through this perspective, meditation becomes an exploration of presence: witnessing experience without judgment, without grasping, and without identifying with the constant movement of the mind.

This episode offers a clear and grounded understanding of how to meditate properly, returning meditation to its original intention within the yogic and contemplative traditions — awareness itself.

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Can meditation really change your reality?

What is the difference between self improvement vs mindfulness?

And how does meditation and emotional healing transform the way we relate to life?

In this episode of The Spirit of Yoga, Burkhard is joined by Ilona for an in-depth conversation on mindfulness in yoga, Kundalini energy, breathwork, and embodied awareness.

Ilona shares her early beginnings in meditation, her background in comparative religious studies, and her exploration of consciousness beyond intellectual understanding. Together they examine why presence and transmission matter more than information, especially in an age dominated by technology and artificial intelligence.

This episode explores:

– mindfulness in yoga as lived embodiment – the difference between self improvement vs mindfulness – practical tools for emotional regulation – how to approach Kundalini awakening safely – the power of breathwork for emotional balance – how meditation supports emotional healing in daily life

A grounded and intelligent exploration of consciousness, awareness-based practices, and the human capacity for transformation.

Hosted by Burkhard Guest: Ilona Podcast: The Spirit of Yoga

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How do you approach your yoga practice?

Are you focused on self-improvement and achieving results, or are you embracing mindfulness and simply being present?

In this episode of The Spirit of Yoga, Burkhard explores the balance between mindfulness and self-improvement in yoga. Discover why relaxation is just as important as performance, and how detachment can help you transform your practice. We also delve into the role of mindfulness in overcoming stress and burnout—both in yoga and in life. Tune in to explore how shifting your mindset can deepen your practice and enhance your well-being.

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