Local Yogis from Oceanport Create Meditation App for the Masses

As Sivasana ended, Rob made his way to the front of his Kundalini class to thank Karena.

“Thanks Karena, it was a great class. I especially loved the meditation. It was so relaxing.”

At the mention of the meditation, Karena’s eyes lit up and a big smile spread across her face.

“I’m so glad you enjoyed the class, and especially the meditation. I’ve been thinking so much about meditation, and how it’s a skill I’d like everyone to be able to benefit from. I’d love to create an app for it – it will de “mystify” it for a lot of people.”

Now it was Rob’s turn to smile.

“That’s what I do….I create apps.”

And that’s how it began. Perhaps it was the universe directing things, as many Yogis would point out, or perhaps it was just two people being in the same place at the right time. Whatever precipitated this moment, what followed was a true meeting of mind, body, and soul to produce Relax and Attract with Karena Virginia, an app for iphones and ipads - finally a way for everyone to be able to gain the benefits of meditation, anywhere, anytime.

The brainchild of two longtime Monmouth County residents, Karena Virginia and Rob Sussman, Relax and Attract was a labor of love since its inception. Karena, a world-renowned Master Kundalini Yoga teacher and spiritual guide, has been immersed in yoga and wellness for over 20 years. And Rob, a software developer has over 20 years of experience creating software products that allow people to interact with audio and video in meaningful ways. Both Rob and Karena found developing and producing the app a natural fusion of Rob’s technical expertise and Karena’s role as a leader in her field.

“In my line of work,” Karena explains, “people from all walks of life ask me for ideas to relieve anxiety. I wanted to create something through technology that would uplift and bring peace to everyone – it’s my way of giving back.”

“As a dedicated yogi,” Rob continues, “I am fascinated by how much I gain from my practice. Being able to develop an app that makes something I have gained so much from readily available to the general public is what I loved about creating Relax and Attract.”

Through Relax and Attract, Rob and Karena have made it simple for EVERYONE to gain the benefits of meditation in the privacy of their own home, or wherever their ear buds can take them.

To those who are unfamiliar, Meditation, as defined by Wikipedia, “is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit, or as an end in itself….meditation is often used to clear the mind and ease many health issues, such as high blood pressure, depression, and anxiety.”

But who can benefit? The list is long, yet simple. Everyone. You don’t have to carry a yoga mat, have tons of time on your hands, or even be a particular age. In fact, Relax and Attract was created with those of us who are uncomfortable sitting in a class where sounds of “om” echo throughout in mind. Yes, dedicated yogis can buy it and use it to bring their practice home. But, for the rest of us, those of us for who fall means a return to school, a picked up pace at work, a new job, or even a new marriage from summer nuptials, Relax and Attract works.

Why?

How?

As Karena explains, “Meditation is that period between being awake and being asleep. It is the powerful time for healing for it is the time we can attract positive energy, prosperity and even miracles…”

To be more specific, meditation is believed to:

· Reduce anxiety

· Increase efficiency in life activities

· Improve sleep

· Enhance ability to cope with everyday stresses

· Promote healing

· Encourage weight loss (high stress levels can induce fat storage)

· Help regulate hormonal balance by brain and body working together

· Make for an overall happier life.

It would be hard to find someone who is immune to the stressors of modern life, or who would not benefit from a meditation practice. From the moment our kids head off to school, to the time our parents find their age their biggest roadblock, there are challenges to face each and every day. Meditation is a simple coping skill with tangible benefits. Relax and Attract with Karena Virginia makes it portable for and available to everyone.

Relax and Attract features six guided meditations for morning, afternoon, and night, designed to help users relieve stress and find a state of relaxation within minutes. Each meditation can be listened to in a short and long variation, with both music and guidance, with just Karena’s soothing voice, or allowing the power of the music to take over on its own. It can be used on iphones and ipads all over the world so is ideal for travel. It is available for only $2.99 on iTunes, and can be purchased for your own personal use, or as a gift.

For more information about Relax and Attract with Karena Virginia visit http://karena.tv/relaxapp.