A lot of people often imagine Yoga practitioners as those dressed in a loincloth, sitting on top of a stone pillar, with legs crossed and arms on the knees. They are probably chanting, humming, or sleeping while sitting down. Yoga is actually a way of life.
Yoga has been practiced for 400 years. It is a system of exercises to enhance one's health and well-being. Yoga instructors and students alike will often talk about being in harmony with oneself and surroundings. That is the goal - to consummate a unity of body, mind, and spirit in a oneness with the world.
Yoga is for everyone - men, women, rich, poor, young, old, healthy, or ill. It does not require any expensive equipment as well. Perhaps its greatest appeal is that the exercises can be done at any time and place.
Benefits of Yoga
Yoga has a number of benefits. One of the most well known and commented on is an increased level of flexibility. Yoga will work through all the muscle groups and grant increased range of motion through the attention it plays to some muscle groups which are often overlooked by other exercise programs. It also works the internal glands and body organs extensively.
Another benefit is the toning of muscles. Excess fat is shed from muscles which have become flaccid and weak. Yoga poses greatly improve circulation, which will assist the body in clearing blockages. This, combined with the valuable skill of learning to breath properly, will result in an increased flow of blood to the vital organs of the body.
The mental benefits of Yoga are impressive as well. Simply put, Yoga will improve your focus and sharpen your mind. Each posture is performed with an emphasis on the body, as well as on breathing. This is not a gym session with mind numbing reps or chatter between exercises. Whatever you are doing during a Yoga session is done with absolute focus on the movement, the body, the breathing, and the moment.
Breathing is something that most people incorrectly do most of the time. We are accustomed to taking shorter and quicker breaths. With Yoga, the breathing is deeper and more profused. Deeper breaths will make the mind calmer and more focused. It also makes it easier to release the stress and the negative thinking that accumulates over time.
Postures
Yoga has different postures, and each one has variations on how it can be performed. This ensures that the body is constantly stimulated and the mind is continuously engaged. Behind the postures and exercises is a complex philosophical system that is based on the teachings of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism.
The different postures, breathing exercises, and deep philosophy of Yoga all lead to the same end - a deep contemplation. Because Yoga relaxes both the body and the mind, tension and stress are greatly reduced.
Yoga is an exercise, but it is also a meditative process, a code of ethics and a confidence and character building program rolled into one. Really, it's a way of life.
