Introduction: Definition and Origin.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Yoga’ maybe some stretching, unrealistic poses that you have seen someone doing in a park or online. The truth is yoga is much more than that. It’s a divine spiritual practice that connects the body, the mind and the soul. Initially, it was started for spiritual discipline through meditation but now it has evolved and spread globally with millions of people doing it for physical, mental, and spiritual benefits.
Yoga is a very ancient practice that first started over 5000 years ago in the Indus valley region of subcontinent, now it has become a global phenomenon. The word Yoga is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’ meaning ‘to unite’. Originally it referred to the union of body, mind, and soul.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
What is the yoga lifestyle?
Most people associate the yoga lifestyle with just ‘Asana'(physical poses) but the yoga lifestyle is much deeper. It’s a complete way of living that includes physical health, mental clarity, and spiritual connections. Yoga lifestyle provides paths to fitness, balance in routine activities, and inner harmony. Once you start living the yoga lifestyle, you will begin making conscious choices that will create equilibrium in your daily life and support your complete wellness.
The yoga lifestyle is based on the Eight limbs of Patanjali. They are about discipling the mind. Each limb has its own foundations that provide a road map for a better and more mindful life.
Yama: Social discipline
It focuses on moral aspects that tell us how to treat others. Focuses on ethical and social values like truthfulness, no stealing, no cheating, and non-violent behavior.
Niyama: Personal discipline
It shapes the personality of person and brings self-discipline, purity, contentment, and self-study.
Asana: Poses & Postures
Asana means poses and it focuses on building strength and flexibility.
Pranayama: Breath control
Its practice of free breath flow and focuses on breathing exercises and breath control
Pratyahara: Withdrawal of senses
It brings awareness for inward focus by detaching from external world.
Dharana: Concentration
It teaches the mind to focus on a single object or one idea thus it trains our mind and concentration.
Dhyana: Meditation
The practice of focusing and clearing your mind that brings mindfulness.
Samadhi: Union
It’s the highest state of yoga or the peak of meditation for spiritual realization and ultimate peace. The result of Dharana and Dhyana.
The three pillars of harmony: Mind, Body, and Soul
The true benefits of yoga lifestyle come from balance of three main fundamental aspects the mind, the body, and the soul that are interconnected together as a web.
First Pillar: The Mind
Yoga lifestyle begins in the mind. It involves producing a deep sense of awareness of oneself by becoming more conscious to the sensations and emotions of the body. Through different practices like meditation, mindfulness, and conscious breathing we can develop a greater awareness of situation.
Potential mental benefits of yoga:
It may improves the symptoms of anxiety and stress disorders.
Lowers the cortisol levels (stress hormone).
It may improves our concentration on daily life activities.
Enhances decision-making abilities.
May helps in coping with depression.
Pro tip: Start your day with 5 minutes of meditation daily and try periods of mini meditation during busy hours.
Second Pillar: The Body
Physical health is one of the main aspects of yoga lifestyle. Asanas (physical postures) are about connecting with your body and enhancing its vitality. There are different postures in yoga that you can try and hold your body in same exact posture for few minutes and each pose build your strength and endurance. The main poses are standing pose, seated pose, forward bends, backbends and twists.
Benefits of Asana:
May improves flexibility and strength.
May improves joint health thus better mobility.
Better posture and balance.
Makes immune system strong.
Reduction in pain, fatigue and stiffness.
Pro tip: Do daily yoga stretches for at least 5-10 minutes.
Third Pillar: The Soul
Most people ignore this pillar but it’s the ultimate goal of yoga which is union, connecting to higher consciousness. It involves making spiritual connections and inner growth. It encourages on self-reflection and finding purpose of life. You develop self-awareness through deep meditation.
Benefits of spiritual wellbeing:
Deeper sense of purpose and meaning.
Better emotional health.
Brings inner peace.
Pro tip: Try journaling for self-discovery and pray regularly.
How can you connect these three pillars?
The connection between these three pillars is complex and hard to achieve. However, there are three props that can help reinforce this link.
Awareness: It comes from mind connects you to the present moment
Alignment: It involves aligning our thoughts with our actions
Actions: It involves taking intentional actions towards our goals.
Through these three things we can strengthen the link between our mind body and soul to create a healthy life.
Conclusion:
Yoga lifestyle is trending all over world. It’s a continuous journey of growth that is about progress and balance. It’s not about perfection because achieving harmony is the goal. That’s the essence of yoga. This harmonious blend of mind, body and soul is one conscious breath away. Explore different yoga styles and find one that resonates with you.
Thanks for reading this post! – MyPlugin