Why Yoga?
Yoga is one of the best exercises in the world when it comes to being able to work out your entire body with one single exercise routine. Although yoga has only recently come into incredible popularity, it has in fact been around for hundreds of thousands of years.
There are, of course many reasons why you may wish to participate in Yoga. The final goal, however, is ultimately the same.
You may select Yoga as it seem exotic, you may be looking for fitness and wellbeing, mental control as well as physical or for disease or pain management.
Initially yoga assists us in the physical realm and then as a by-product, assists us in the mental and spiritua l realm. The practice puts demands on the body and mind in controlled conditions so that we can see our routine propensity to try to manage reality. We try to escape from the discomfort, physical, mental or emotional in the pose in much the same way we do in life. As we learn to better allow for all sensations, emotions, thoughts to be present without needing to comment, fix, judge, rationalize, or change the experience in any way, we are in practice for life circumstances where we are called on to do the same. Second, as we progressively learn to overcome the tendencies of the mind to manage reality, we drop into the state of being that is always present. In the absence of striving to achieve anything or make anything happen we experience the Being that we are. Yoga becomes the practice ground for learning to live from choice number two-the Way of the Yogi.
By attending a simple beginner’s class, you will be required to perform basic postures. In doing so, whether you are consciously aware or not, you will find your mind, body and spirit become involved in the process. It truly is an incredible experience.
There are many paths in Yoga, but the goal is singular. As with any practice, there are several schools which adhere to different paths as a focus. You will need to find the one that suits you personally and seek out an instructor with whom you feel a real connection. For example, if your primary reason for Yoga is physical fitness, then research yoga schools with an extensive emphasis on Asanas of the Hatha Yoga kind. Hatha Yoga is the most popular, especially among beginners. Contact them to locate a suitable teacher in your area. Finding the “right” yoga instructor is like anything else, you may have to try a few before you really find the one that suits your needs and level. Remember too, that as you grow, you may need to move onto a more experienced tutor.
There are multiple asanas and they are practiced with two objectives in mind. One is to condition the body to enable it to hold a particular asana for an extended period of time. When the body is in this resting form the mind is able to move into a meditative state allowing the spirit to also move along its path. The second reason that asanas are used is to bring about increased physical well being, mental alertness and spiritual health. The asanas open the body up to receive, release or otherwise balance the energy inside with that of the outside Universe. Therefore, you get physical benefit, as well as mental.
Studying Yoga books can very much assist your development and progression in Yoga. A deeper understanding of the principles makes the process much more effective. In addition, reading on the subject can help to motivate your spirit and hasten your journey to the next level of awareness. It may fill a gap that your instructor may not have the time to provide for you.
Types of Yoga:
Vinyasa Yoga is All about Breathing and Movement
Tantric Yoga Combines the Elements of Mind, Body and Spirit
Namaste Yoga performed with hands together at the heart charkra and generally performed in combination with another style of yoga.
Kriya Yoga techniques work to hasten the practitioner’s spiritual development and as well to help bring about a profound state of tranquility and God-communion.
Iyengar Yoga best known for its use of props, such as belts and blocks for instance, of which work as aids in performing the different postures
Bikram yoga, a series of 26 postures in a hot room
Mantra yoga, repeating words or phrases
Viniyoga, therapeutic and tailored to the individual’s personal needs
Hatha, slower and more passive yoga but most popular and easy for beginners
Modern adaptations:
Power: exercise-class-style yoga (no set postures)
Yogalates: yoga meets Pilates
Jivamukti: modern spiritual teachings, chanting, meditation, readings, music and affirmations
Benefits of Yoga:
Tones the body
Improves circulation
Realigns the spine
Calms the mind
Detoxifies
Builds strength, stamina and flexibility
Promotes weight loss
Reduces stress
Increases vitality, energy, relaxation, concentration and mental clarity
Keeps joints supple
Increases blood circulation
Improves immunity (eg, arthritis and thyroid disorders)
Helps heal injuries
General sense of wellbeing
Just in case:-
Asanas – The word ‘asana’ literally means comfortable or stable position. When referring to a pose in yoga, it is called an asana.
Chakra – One of the seven centers of spiritual energy in the human body
Namaste – a conventional Hindu expression on meeting or parting, used by the speaker usually while holding the palms together vertically in front of the bosom. (Thank you to www.dictionary.com )
Want to learn more? http://www.digitallifeinformation.com/wellness/yoga/
Also, check out our great range of ebooks and audio programs designed to give you information on health, wealth, happiness, lifestyle, hobbies, fitness and diet.
Click Here for more Information
Live, laugh and learn!
Warmest wishes,
Lisa
