We all encounter yoga practices in different shapes and forms. Some of us look into yoga to get in better shape, while others incorporate it into their spiritual practices through yoga asanas. For me, yoga became a way to breathe better and relax my mind. A relaxed mind leads to a relaxed body! Or, as my guru would say: “Flexible body, flexible mind.” How true it is! When we move our physical body, our nervous system flows along with the rhythm, creating harmony.
Our bodies are constantly changing, either growing or decaying every minute of the day. If we don’t move our bodies, they begin to show signs of inflexibility, stiffness, and calcifications. An active body circulates oxygen more effectively in all areas, reducing premature aging. When we take a yoga class, we not only calm the body by focusing on our breath, but each movement builds strength in specific areas.
Some of the preventive benefits of yoga include strengthening the body, preventing injuries, healing naturally, stabilizing our mood, overcoming illnesses, and enhancing overall health. The word “yoga” itself means union. This union represents the wholeness we feel with our physical body and mind, brought together through our breath. This harmonious union provides essential healing that everyone needs. Whether we practice yoga daily or twice a week, we give ourselves a chance to address physical and emotional challenges that may not be immediately visible. Often, issues are resolved before they escalate.
Finding the right type of yoga class for your body and age can be a tricky task. Depending on your body’s limitations, if any, you should include movements that involve stretching, lengthening, contracting, and expanding your muscles and bones. Twisting your body helps with detoxification and massages internal organs, while faster-paced movements increase your heart rate and improve circulation. Yoga asanas typically include all these movements in one session. The pace at which you move your body is entirely up to you. As my teacher used to say: “You are creating your class; I am just guiding you.” This means that when we attend a class, we can decide how hard we want to work that day. No one should push us to do more than our bodies are ready for.
Some medical benefits of yoga asanas include better lymphatic drainage, stronger bones, enhanced bodily functions, and improved blood and lymph flow. These benefits contribute to a stronger immune system. By controlling our breath, we gain control over our minds, which in turn influences how we think. Positive thoughts lead to a happier body, and a happier body keeps its cells content, preventing them from overmultiplying and causing illnesses.
Our bodies mirror our lifestyle choices. Why not guide them the right way by adding a wholesome practice like yoga to keep us healthier? Yoga is accessible to everyone, even those with physical limitations. True yoga practice is about smooth breathing and learning to calm the mind so the body can move fluidly. The next time fear or hesitation stops you from attending a yoga class, remember that the same mind will change once you start this ancient practice.
Yoga has taught me to stay still, breathe calmly, and pay attention to my body as I guide it through the asanas. I’ve learned to notice both the comfort and discomfort in my body, make mental notes, and focus on unblocking the discomfort in specific areas. I often feel a bit tired after each class, but the peacefulness that lingers for hours, sometimes days, outweighs the effort it takes to complete a session successfully.
Namaste,
Shab
