Yoga & Meditation
Introduction Quite a self contradictory statement it is: "Yoga - the new age fitness mantra", because Yoga is not new age at all. It's just that the benefits of the same are being discovered again. An ancient Indian philosophy, the principles of Yoga are timeless, holding true as much in today's time as it did centuries ago.
In Sanskrit, Yoga means "to unite". Primarily an exercise in moral and mental cultivation of poses and practices that aim towards harmonising your mind, body and soul to achieve a state of oneness with the universe. It's a spiritual practice that does not subscribe nor promote any particular faith; hence it can be practised by all. A lifestyle choice by many, the universally timeless philosophies of yoga can be incorporated into any belief system. Stress, anxiety, ill-health, unhappiness and anger can be transformed into peacefulness, vibrant health, service and love towards all creation. The techniques are important in this process but the goal should be kept firmly in mind.
The three main aspects of yoga are -
Asanas or poses
The various yogic poses that give your body flexibility, strengthen the muscles and even reduce fat build-up. More importantly many asanas or poses are aimed at improving the blood circulation and functioning of specific organs in your body. Keeping in mind your body's specific needs, you can work out a set of asanas for yourself.
Pranayama or breathing
Pranayama can be called the singular most important aspect of yoga as they are means to purify the subtle energies flowing through the body. Yogic breathing techniques are an effective tool to calm, energize, harmonise and tranquillise the body and mind. All poses are to be properly coordinated with inhalation, exhalation and holding of breath. Breathing patterns if not followed correctly could result in the asana not having its desired effect.
Meditation
Mediation is a means to still the mind's restlessness. An invaluable tool in managing stress and anxiety. Regular meditation trains the mind to be calm, centred, relaxed and detached. This is extremely helpful while responding to stressful situations. It curbs overreaction, emotional outbursts and losing temper, thus giving the mind the time to rationalise and think about practical solutions.
Pranayama and meditation have amazing capacity to reduce the stress inducing hormones. It restores calm, promotes positivism, and encourages patience and harbours compassion. It will keep you fresh and rejuvenated throughout the year both physically and mentally.
What not is Yoga?
Most people associate Yoga with mystical other worldly aura, dark rooms filed with incense and rows of men and women sitting in the lotus position and chanting in trance like unison. There are many misconceptions in people's mind about Yoga. One has to be flexible and in shape to start yoga. Thinking your self to be inflexible to start yoga is wrong. You can start practicing yoga from where you are and how you are. Everybody is different with innate strengths and weakness. Yoga makes you flexible in mind, body and soul.
Yoga is easy.
Yoga is much more than sitting in a lotus position and chanting in unison. It is challenging on many levels - physically, emotionally and mentally. Yoga helps us get in touch with our selves in many different facets. There are many different types of yoga, and depending on your personal needs, you will find the right one for you. Some are gentle and some are more strenuous but all are challenging.
Yoga is process oriented activity in which what you experience is much more important than what you achieve. So it is not a goal accomplishing mission.
Yoga is not boring.
There is nothing more interesting than watching the workings of your own mind. By awakening the beginner's mind through the practice of yoga and meditation, we learn about ourselves and our perceptions that create the world. Over time, you will gain more control of your emotions as you learn to breathe through difficult situations. Thus yoga, for many, is a way of life.
Yoga is only for stress relief.
Said to be a powerful stress buster, a single session of yoga can make you feel calmer. Stress is the most common factor in host of medical conditions. By practising Yoga, you can strengthen muscles, deepen breathing, improve balance and enhance flexibility.
Yoga is mistaken to be a religion as its origins came out of ancient India.
Not bound by any religion, yoga is happily practised by Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and many more people alike. In short, there is place for everyone with Yoga.
In the traditional sense, yoga means union. It is the practice of joining mind, body and soul that culminates into positive and perennial happiness and peace. Said to be indispensable of the ultimate accomplishment in life that affects not only the conscious self but the subconscious as well. An exercise that is accessible to everyone young and old.
By YOGAWIZ
http://www.yogawiz.com/
