People have practiced yoga for thousands of years. Yoga means “union,” and it is a way for us to connect our body, mind and souls together. Regular practitioners find that yoga is a way to get in-touch with their body and aware of their breath while also providing strength, structure and flexibility to the mind and body. Expressionofspirit.com says of yoga, “it is about making balance and creating equanimity so as to live in peace, good health and harmony with the greater whole.”
The Eight Limbs of Yoga
In the West, we generally focus on the physical practice of yoga, which consists of asanas or poses, but Yoga Journal explains that yoga actually consists of eight different limbs, to which the poses are just one part. The remaining seven consists of integrity and how you live your life, self-discipline and spiritual observations, control of the breath, sensory transcendence or internal attention, concentration, meditation and state of ecstasy.
Types of Poses
There are generally six categories of yoga poses. Standing poses include Warrior I and Warrior II. Seated poses are Lotus and Child Pose. Twists include Marichi’s Pose and Half Lord of the Fishes. Backbends include Bridge and Locust Pose. Arm balances include Crane or Firefly. Inversions include headstand and handstand. Each category contains poses that range from simple to more advanced, so no matter your level or ability, everyone is able to benefit from practicing yoga.
Physical Benefits
Many people think of yoga poses as simply passive stretching, but yoga is actually a full strength-building system. Because the entire body must work together, yoga builds lean muscle mass throughout the whole of the body. Yoga also increases energy, slows your heart rate, improves your breathing and increases your flexibility.
Mental Benefits
Practicing the difficult yoga poses on the mat will have advantageous effect on your entire outlook on life. Along with reducing stress, yoga teaches mental strength; once you learn how to challenge yourself in your physical practice, you will be able to apply the same wisdom to ambitious aspects in your everyday life. You will learn how to deal with problems in a calmer, relaxed manner, and pursuing goals will become much more doable.
Starting a Yoga Practice
Yoga classes and types come in many shapes and styles. The first step is to determine your goals. Are you looking for something relaxing, such as a gentle flow and restorative, or a class that is more vigorous and dynamic, such as Vinyasa or Ashtanga? Whichever you choose, first and foremost it should be the right type of yoga for you and taught in an intelligent, understandable way that is easy to follow. A class and teacher should be soothing and supportable, while also challenging you with the new poses.
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