People who are unfamiliar with the practice of yoga may believe that it's merely a bunch of stretching exercises, when in reality, it's a whole lot more. Yoga can clear the mind, improve one's health, aid in healing, and open the door for deeper spirituality and divine connection.
Yoga is becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. For people who are looking to get away from over the counter drugs, yoga offers an alternative with its holistic approach to health. In addition, yoga can be practiced by people of any religious denomination.
Yoga Exercise and Asanas
Yoga is meant to create a form of both physical and mental balance within an individual. By having balance, energy can flow more freely throughout the body. When practicing Yoga, a person uses different asanas, which are physical positions.
Asanas make you more aware of your body, thus adding to the mind and body connection. They stretch the muscles, aid in the blood's circulation, and improve flexibility. In addition, an asana allows the body to have proper posture for meditation. By keeping the body strong and allowing the energy to flow, it prepares the mind to meditate.
Mind Healing With Yoga
Ever notice that the first thing someone is told when highly upset is to calm down and take a deep breath? Long, deep breaths have a calming influence both on the body and the mind. Prana is the practice of breathing with breath control. Long, deep breaths settle and relax the body, while allowing chi, (energy or life force,) to flow.
Proper yogic breathing prepares the body for meditation. It also helps to flush waste products out of the body, which in turn keeps the body healthier. Deep breathing stills the mind, increases alertness and reduces stress. Calming the body helps to calm the mind.
Yoga and Meditation
Once the body has been stretched and the mind has been calmed, a person is ready to meditate. During meditation, further healing can be done while in a meditative state. Additionally, with the stillness of the mind and body, practitioners can meditate on a deeper level to achieve inner peace and connect with their subconscious mind.
The word "yoga" means "unity" and practicing yoga brings a person together emotionally, physically and mentally. By creating a good energy flow throughout the body and relaxing the mind, yoga can bring a person better health and allow them to connect to a higher consciousness.
Readers may also enjoy Mind, Body, Spirit and Yoga, along with Healing The Mind With Meditation, and Healing the Body With Meditation.
Sources:
- Exploring Meditation, Dr. Susan G. Shumsky, (New Page Books,) 2002.
- Meditation the Complete Guide, Patricia Monaghan and Eleanor G. Viereck, (New World Library,) 1999.
- Living Yoga, Christy Turlinggton, (Hyperion,) 2002.
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