Yoga is not about touching your toes. It is what you learn on the way down.” Jigar Gor.
Yoga means 'unity' or 'oneness' and derives from the Sanskrit word yuj, which means 'to join'. When individual consciousness merged with universal consciousness, we achieved what is known as the ultimate spiritual liberation of the human being.
Through its action on all aspects of the person: physical, vital, mental, emotional, psychological and spiritual, Yoga provides a transformative framework for promoting the "new kind of thinking" alluded to by Einstein: "A new type of thinking is essential if mankind is to survive and move toward higher levels"
Often called the eight-fold path, it is comprised of yama(self-restraints), niyama (self-observances), asana, pranayama, pratyahara, disassociation of consciousness from the outside environment, dharana, concentration, dhyana, meditation, and samadhi - identification with pure consciousnes.
Why yoga!
Yoga is a lifelong journey, a journey that offers continuous opportunities for growth and self-improvement, it is a continuous exploration of the Self and the World. For man, beyond conventional goals such as career success, personal achievement and material possessions, the most important goal of life is the discovery of his true essential nature.
The authentic aspirant to the state of Yoga learns to distinguish through meditation what is truly real from what is illusory for spiritual evolution. The goal of this journey is to attain well-being on all levels, experience spiritual calm, perfect health and harmony of the body, full control over the mind, transcendence of the mind, entering the state of superconsciousness.
Let's explore some aspects of the Why yoga motif:
Physical health
Yoga is often viewed as a way to maintain a healthy and attractive body, or to relieve specific conditions. Everybody can practise yoga. You don't need any special equipment or clothing, just a small space and a strong desire to live a healthier and more fulfilling life. At first glance, it appears to be a series of strange physical postures to keep the body lean and flexible, but consistent practice results in change in one's approach to life. Yoga postures (asanas) stretch and tone the entire body, including muscles, joints and spine, as well as internal organs, glands and nerves, promoting general health. By keeping body parts healthy and lubricated we can significantly reduce the catabolic process of cell damage.
Relaxation releases physical and mental tension, leading to increased energy levels. Pranayama (breathing exercises), revitalise the body and mind, leaving you feeling calm and refreshed. Positive thinking and meditation promote clarity, mental power, and concentration.
Regular practice of asanas and pranayama can benefit a variety of ailments, including arthritis, arteriosclerosis, chronic fatigue, asthma, varicose veins, and heart conditions. They keep the muscles and joints in good working order, tone all the internal organs and increase circulation without creating fatigue. One study over six months of the effects of Hatha Yoga found these effects: significantly increased lung capacity and respiration reduced body weight and girth; an improved ability to handle stress, and a decrease in cholesterol and blood sugar level-all resulting in a stabilizing and restorative effect on the body's natural systems.
Mental clarity
According to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, the mind, or manas, is the 'master of the senses**'** and prana, or subtle life energy, is the 'master of the mind'. This is one of of the most important discoveries in yoga: the close connection between the subtle breath (prana) and the mind (manas). This basic idea can be used in Hatha Yoga, Laya Yoga in many different ways. Through the discipline of asana practice, pranayama, mental concentration and meditation performed consistently over time, we are able to bring stability to the mind.
Prana means ‘vital energy’ or ‘life force’. It is the force which exists in all things, whether animate or inanimate. Although closely related to the air we breathe, it is more subtle than air or oxygen. This the life force known as Prana, or Chi in Chinese medicine, permeates the entire body and flows through it in patterns known as nadis. These nadis are what keep each and every individual cell active. Asanas regulates and purifies the nadis, facilitating the conduction of prana throughout the body. The main objective of Hatha Yoga is to create a balance between the interacting activities and processes of the pranic system and mental forces. Once this is done, the impulses produced awaken the higher centres of human consciousness by stimulating the sushumna nadi, the central pathway in the spine that kundalini energy ascends through to reach the Sahasrara Chakra, thus illuminating the higher centres of human consciousness.
Awareness of prana movement is felt as a tingling sensation in the body, which becomes stronger as it is practiced. Mentally, the person feels light, focused, fresh and emotionally responsive.
Mind-body connection
A healthy body is essential for clear thinking. Yoga helps maintain physical health, which can support a robust mind and an optimistic outlook on life's challenges. It also helps to establish a new perspective on reality, the need for and living a life that embraces both inner and outer realities.
Mind and body are not separate entities, the two are harmonized and connected through the practice of asanas and other yoga techniques. Both body and mind contain tensions or blockages. To every mental blockage (tension) corresponds a physical, muscular blockage, and vice versa. Yoga is one of the ways we can gain mental control over organic functions, knowing that the body's movements and activities are controlled through the mind.
More often than not, people are plagued by countless worries, tensions and stress, leading hectic and unhealthy lives, refusing to acknowledge that illnesses have their roots in their minds. Therefore, instead of using our mental strength in a negative way, let's direct our thoughts in a positive direction, in this way we will gradually transform the way we see reality. Scientific research has shown that worry and prolonged suffering lead to serious illness. For example: breathing disorders can result from emotional tension and suppression tightening and blocking the lungs, diaphragm and breathing process. Also the body can develop muscle contractions which are the cause of cervical spondylitis, neuralgia etc. A good set of asanas, pranayama, shatkarmas, meditation, yoga nidra and other yoga specific techniques are best to remove these day to day tensions blockages both mentally and physically. So the body gets vitality and strength, while the mind becomes joyful, creative and balanced due to the release of latent energy. Body postures - asanas relieve mental tensions by addressing them at the physical level, acting somato-psychically, from body to mind.
The body is the place of a fruitful process that aims at our fulfilment, that even aims at increasing transformation, and Hatha yoga system is a fast and efficient, beneficial way that invites us to experience overwhelming happiness, health, harmony, and unceasing
Improved sleep:
Relaxing yoga techniques such as SHAVASANA, Yoga Nidra and meditation can help people with sleep disorders or those who struggle with restless nights. A calmer mind and relaxed body make it easier to fall asleep and enjoy a restful night's sleep.
In essence, yoga is a continuous exploration of the self and the world, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and evolution. It invites individuals to transcend the ordinary, embrace wellness and experience the deep interconnectedness of mind, body and spirit. As we step into the transformative journey of yoga, we learn not only to touch our toes, but also to touch the depths of our inner being, finding unity and oneness in the process, and in the transformative lessons we learn along the way.
Explorați calea către o conștiință sporită și claritate mentală here: The Subconscious! Are you aware of it?