What is
Yoga?
Yoga is
a state of mind and way of life, a discipline and philosophy
that originated in India many thousands of years ago. The word
itself is Sanskrit and means union. It is the oldest system
of personal development known, and works to unite and achieve
the full potential of the body, mind and spirit. Many people
are first drawn to yoga as a way to keep their body fit and supple
and to relax their mind. Those who delve deeper and continue
with regular practice notice positive changes in their approach
to life, for, through purifying the body and stilling the mind,
an inner peace can be found.
Although yoga might appear a series of simple stretching exercises, the ultimate
goal of yoga is to achieve ‘samadhi’, the experience of oneness and
of inner peace. What is commonly referred to in the western world as ‘yoga’ can
be more accurately described by the Sanskrit word ‘asana’, which
refers to the practice of physical postures that strengthen, purify and heal
the body.
Asana is only one of the ‘eight
limbs’ of yoga, the remaining seven are more concerned with
mental and spiritual well being rather than physical activity.
However, many Westerners find that practising the asanas and ‘pranayama’ (breathing
techniques) alone bring about profound positive changes that counteract
the feelings of disconnection and dissatisfaction in an increasingly
stressful, complex world.
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The
Benefits of Yoga
The physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of yoga have been known for centuries.Chronic
stress is a major contributing factor to many of today’s most prevalent
diseases. This is because stress directly affects our physiology and prolonged
periods of stress can be extremely damaging both mentally and physically. Yoga
has been proven to reduce stress by reversing its effects and allowing the body
and mind to truly relax. Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body by lowering the levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion, lung function and boosting the immune system.
Regularly practising weight bearing exercise develops strong and healthy
bones. In yoga we work with our own body weight thereby developing a strong
connection to our body and reducing the risk of developing common bone diseases
such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis and bone cancers.
Other physical benefits of yoga
can include:
Better posture and alignment, flexibility, overall strength, balance
and vitality, strengthened immunity, a toned and supple physique
increased mobility and strength in the spine and the muscles related to
it, easing back pain, detoxification and nourishment of internal organs
which are massaged and toned, increased energy levels, improved function of the
respiratory, nervous, digestive, endocrine and circulatory systems,
improvement in sleeping patterns, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Mentally and spiritually, the benefits
of yoga can include:
clarity and peace of mind, a sense of wellbeing, improved concentration and
memory, a reduction in negative emotions such as anxiety, depression and anger,
self-acceptance, increased self-awareness, a sense of inner peace, connection
and union with yourself and others, cultivating a non-competitive attitude, letting
go of the ego and accepting, that no one is better than anyone else. Ultimately,
with a regular meditation practice, realization of the true self. |
