What Is Yoga?
Yoga is an ancient Indian philosophy that enhances personal growth and well
being. Although it is a systemic philosophical approach, yoga is not a religion,
but complementary with most spiritual paths. The physical aspect of Yoga
( Hatha Yoga) use poses and focused breathing, requiring concentration and
discipline. The result is a greater union of mind, body and spirit. Anyone,
regardless or body type, age, experience, or physical abilities, can practice yoga.
Pop culture would have us believe that yoga involves contorting your body into
uncomfortable positions while staring at a candle and breathing incense. You
will see that yoga is much more than that. It is a series of exercises that can be
done by almost all people – not just the young who are in shape and healthy.
Yoga can be performed by senior citizens, disabled people, and even children.
Yoga is a tool for gaining body-mind awareness to enhance whatever
spiritual/religious beliefs you have. A yoga session will leave you felling
energized and relaxed. You will work your muscles and will properly align your
bones; you will breathe deeply, oxygenating the lungs and blood; you will
experience true deep relaxation.
By bringing awareness to the body, and working the muscles, you are able to
more deeply relax them then from any other form of exercise. You will gain a
deeper appreciation of your body and mind through yoga in a way that no other
exercise program will. People who have done no physical exercise at all, as well
as Olympic athletes, find enormous benefits from Yoga. The foundation of
traditional yoga is careful alignment of your body as you hold the poses. This
precision and the awareness that comes with it, leads to tremendous growth,
physically, mentally, and emotionally. As in all great arts and sciences, to
become proficient in yoga requires effort, determination, and practice. But then,
the fruit we reap is always in proportion to the seeds we sow and nurture. Thus,
if you are looking for a quick fix, an instant cure, a quelling of surface symptoms
while the true ailment remains unhealed, you will not find satisfaction in yoga.
On the other hand, if you want to keep or regain your health, vitality and vigor; if
you want to feel younger and stronger; and if you are looking for a perfectly
balanced and complete form of exercise that can be started by anyone over seven
years of age, in any condition, and which becomes more challenging as you get
more advanced, yoga is for you! There are many benefits of a regular yoga
practice. Not only does yoga help maintain a healthy lifestyle, it clears your mind
and provide clarity of focus – something we all could use from time to time!
Let’s look at the benefits of yoga