Yoga is a physical and spiritual practice that helps people to achieve balance, strength, and flexibility. It is also known to help reduce stress and anxiety.
To begin practicing yoga, find a studio and an instructor that you like and are comfortable with. Start with a basic class and work your way up to more challenging sessions.
Origins
Yoga is an ancient practice that dates back at least 5,000 years. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root yuj, meaning “to join or unite.” It is believed that the practice of yoga leads one to union of their consciousness with universal Consciousness and achieves harmony between the mind & body, man & nature.
The term yoga first appeared in the Rig Veda, which is the earliest of four religious texts known as the Vedas. Later, yogic practices were discussed in the Upanishads, which are Hindu philosophical-religious sacred scriptures.
The gurus that developed yoga over time understood that a person is comprised of the physical body, the mind, and the soul or spirit. The gurus also knew that to achieve total health and wellbeing, all three of these forces must be balanced.
Benefits
Yoga has been shown to improve flexibility, build strength and promote relaxation. It also enhances breathing and increases awareness of the body, which can help people better cope with stress and anxiety. Additionally, the physical movements in yoga can reduce joint pain and back problems and improve sleep quality.
Yoga also improves cardiovascular health by consistently getting the heart rate into the aerobic range. This can lower the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Additionally, yogic breathing techniques are proven to strengthen respiratory function and decrease the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Asanas
Yoga is a complete process of self-harmonisation and asanas are the physical forms of this. They are psychosomatic exercises that massage the internal organs and endocrine system and help balance the secretion of hormones that govern our emotional states. They prevent the expression of negative emotions such as anxiety, depression, a sense of defeatism and hopelessness and replace them with enthusiasm, joy, optimism and peace.
Yoga is not just exercise; it has the capacity to heal many common ailments of the body, such as back pain and shoulder problems. Regular practice improves flexibility and encourages muscle strength. It also increases circulation and balances the musculoskeletal system. However, students should consult with a doctor before practicing. They should also let the teacher know of any injuries or illnesses and ensure that they have eaten enough time before class.
Mantras
Mantras are unique mystical formulas of sacred syllables that were revealed to the Rishis (seers or sages) in deep states of meditation. They are one of the earliest components of yoga and are used to help cultivate mindfulness and awareness, as well as to connect with self and universe.
Practicing mantras can also lead to stress and anxiety relief, increased focus and concentration, emotional healing, and physical health and wellbeing. Research has shown that repeating a simple word or phrase like “om” can bring on a similar state of relaxation as meditating in silence.
There are three mandatory requisites to experience the full benefits of mantra yoga: intention, meaning and vibration or sacred sound. Devotion and faith, referred to as Bhakti, along with initiation, called diksha, and the performance of daily duties, are known as nitya karma.
Instructors
The yoga instructor is a person who guides students through the practice of yoga. These professionals often manage class logistics and maintain a studio space. They may also specialize in a particular type of yoga.
It’s important for yoga teachers to get clear on the role that they desire to play within their classes. This clarity can help them cultivate and support a learning environment.
For example, if a student comes to them with questions that fall outside of their scope as a yoga teacher (such as life coaching, psychotherapy, or medical advice), they should refer them to a licensed healthcare professional. This can be done while maintaining a healthy level of compassion for their students.