Yoga teaches us to cure what need not be endured and endure what cannot be cured. ~B.K.S. Iyengar
This is no April Fools joke, yoga is good for your physical and mental health. It is so simple, we have all done it unconsciously by stretching our arms while inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly for a few minutes. By just doing this, we have rid ourselves of some stress, tension, and even anxiety. It just feels so good. Yoga in is highest form is a type of spiritual meditation. This practice has been in existence for over 6,000 years and originated from ancient Hindu philosophies. The ancients believed that the primary purpose of yoga was to liberate our body from earthly desires while cleansing and quieting our mind. We know today, that this discipline not only helps to unify our body, mind and spirit, but it is the basic source of mind-body fitness.
By just doing this, we have rid ourselves of some stress, tension, and even anxiety. It just feels so good. Yoga in is highest form is a type of spiritual meditation. This practice has been in existence for over 6,000 years and originated from ancient Hindu philosophies. The ancients believed that the primary purpose of yoga was to liberate our body from earthly desires while cleansing and quieting our mind. We know today, that this discipline not only helps to unify our body, mind and spirit, but it is the basic source of mind-body fitness.
Hatha Yoga which increases strength, is the most conventional form of yoga used everyday by thousands of people. It consists of a blend of body postures such as gentle stretches, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation. These help to give us balance because they harmonize opposite energy forces in our body causing them to work simultaneously thus leading to improved health, a sense of well being and ultimately inner peace. With daily yoga practice you will be able to better cope with everyday demands, stress,and worries. Regular sessions will also help to alleviate muscle tension, joint problems, chronic pain, nervousness, anxiety and sleep disorders.
Classical Yoga follows 8 paths.
By just doing this, we have rid ourselves of some stress, tension, and even anxiety. It just feels so good. Yoga in is highest form is a type of spiritual meditation. This practice has been in existence for over 6,000 years and originated from ancient Hindu philosophies. The ancients believed that the primary purpose of yoga was to liberate our body from earthly desires while cleansing and quieting our mind. We know today, that this discipline not only helps to unify our body, mind and spirit, but it is the basic source of mind-body fitness.
Hatha Yoga which increases strength, is the most conventional form of yoga used everyday by thousands of people. It consists of a blend of body postures such as gentle stretches, breathing exercises, meditation and relaxation. These help to give us balance because they harmonize opposite energy forces in our body causing them to work simultaneously thus leading to improved health, a sense of well being and ultimately inner peace. With daily yoga practice you will be able to better cope with everyday demands, stress,and worries. Regular sessions will also help to alleviate muscle tension, joint problems, chronic pain, nervousness, anxiety and sleep disorders.
With practice, yoga can help us to achieve a transformation of body, mind and soul since it energizes us with a new found strength. It is quite plausible that when we practice yoga regularly and accurately we will gain greater health and wisdom.
Classical Yoga follows 8 paths.
- Yama - correct moral code.
- Niyama - self-discipline.
- Asana - postures
- Pranayama - breathing
- Pratahara - moving inward toward the self.
- Dharana - concentration
- Dhyana - meditation
- Samadhi - oneness
If you would like to know which type of yoga is best for you, it is advisable to take a yoga class, as a qualified instructor can help. Yoga class are offered in fitness centers and schools.
The optimal time for yoga practice is in the morning,on an empty stomach, and/or in the evening before dinner. The postures commence with proper breathing and relaxation. There are approximately 80 basic postures that you may choose from. These are sustained from a few seconds to a few minutes. Engage in the exercises continuously and steadily, stretching just until you reach a comfortable limit.
Since proper breathing is essential for yoga, I would like to spend some time talking about it. Life energy, according to age-old texts, is taken into the body with each breath that we take. This energy reaches all the organs of a healthy body. If this flow is impeded, you may feel sick. The postures that are used in yoga, remove any obstructions, and enhance this energy thus restoring us back to health.
The optimal time for yoga practice is in the morning,on an empty stomach, and/or in the evening before dinner. The postures commence with proper breathing and relaxation. There are approximately 80 basic postures that you may choose from. These are sustained from a few seconds to a few minutes. Engage in the exercises continuously and steadily, stretching just until you reach a comfortable limit.
Since proper breathing is essential for yoga, I would like to spend some time talking about it. Life energy, according to age-old texts, is taken into the body with each breath that we take. This energy reaches all the organs of a healthy body. If this flow is impeded, you may feel sick. The postures that are used in yoga, remove any obstructions, and enhance this energy thus restoring us back to health.
I would like to conclude this blog by telling you about a few positions that you can use in your practice.
Diamond sitting position improves poor circulation in the feet and lower legs while stimulating digestion and combating tension and sleep issues. It 
may also be used for meditation. Kneel on the floor (use a pillow if you feel pain)with knees close together, slowly sit back on your heels. Stretch your upper body erect and place your hands on your knees and close your eyes. Hold this posture, and take several slow deep breaths while focusing on the steady rise and fall of your abdomen. This stretch feels so good.
may also be used for meditation. Kneel on the floor (use a pillow if you feel pain)with knees close together, slowly sit back on your heels. Stretch your upper body erect and place your hands on your knees and close your eyes. Hold this posture, and take several slow deep breaths while focusing on the steady rise and fall of your abdomen. This stretch feels so good.Tree position requires balance and may take some time before you are successful. I really like this posture because it helps to loosen your shoulders while promoting 
balance. Stand with feet slightly apart, facing forward. Breathe in and place the flat of your right foot against your left inner thigh. Let your breathing flow naturally, in and out. Slowly raise your arms over your head keeping your palms together. Hold the stretch for a few counts as you breathe in and out. Then, as you breathe out, lower your arms and legs. Repeat on the opposite side.
balance. Stand with feet slightly apart, facing forward. Breathe in and place the flat of your right foot against your left inner thigh. Let your breathing flow naturally, in and out. Slowly raise your arms over your head keeping your palms together. Hold the stretch for a few counts as you breathe in and out. Then, as you breathe out, lower your arms and legs. Repeat on the opposite side.
Here is a
revolutionary way to use powerful yoga poses designed to give you a
firmer, more supple stomach in Abs Yoga for Beginners. Taught by yoga master Rodney Yee. The full DVD
version can be purchased at Gaiam
References and Links
The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers,
Pittsburgh, PA.
Yoga for Beginners
Pittsburgh, PA.
Yoga for Beginners
